Welcome to Ginza, Tokyo, the center of extravagance and luxury in the largest city in the world. When people want to brush shoulders with Japan’s social elite—or tourists with a little extra money to treat themselves—spending the day shopping in Ginza amidst the towering landscapes of must-buy brands, glamorous hotels, and photogenic cafes is the only thing for it.
And, at the heart of it all, is Matsuya Ginza. Since opening its Ginza department store in 1925, it has continued to grow as one of Ginza’s most iconic establishments, celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Ginza location in 2025.
As you wander into the glossy exterior of Matsuya Ginza, here are 10 unique discoveries and products you may not expect to find… Happy shopping!
10 unexpected finds at Matsuya Ginza
1. A small temple on the rooftop
Before you even start exploring the things on offer at Matsuya Ginza, head to the rooftop—you won’t regret it. Underneath the expansive blue sky of Ginza is the Ryuko Fudoson Temple. That’s right… a temple, hidden all the way at the top of this luxury department store!
This temple enshrines “Fudo Myo-o,” a revered Buddhist deity, said to be an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, the cosmic Buddha. In Buddhist belief, he is believed to be the highest deity in the universe, and he’s been enshrined on this very rooftop since 1929.
"Fudo" (不動) means "an unwavering determination to save people." So, why the angry face? Well, Fudo Myo-o is depicted with an angry expression to symbolize the punishment of evil, warding off evil while also blessing visitors with success in career advancement, prosperity in business, and victory in competitions.
In addition, “Ryuko” (龍光) is a homophone for “trend” or “fashion” (流行) in Japanese, which means that this temple also represents blessings for the fashion industry. Can you think of a more perfect blessing for a luxury department store?
2. Ancient symbols (bonji) hidden inside the building
If you can tear your eyes away from the glittering goods of Matsuya’s cosmetics for long enough, you may notice that there are Sanskrit characters embedded in the ceiling. These characters, known in Japanese as bonji, were introduced to Japan through Buddhism during the Nara period (710–794). How did they end up here?
During the major expansion that transformed Matsuya into the must-visit landmark it is these days, it was realized that the new entrance would face the “unlucky direction” of northeast, known as the kimon (demon gate). To guard against this, it was decided to enshrine the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitenno) of Buddhist cosmology at each entrance. These four guardian gods protect the Buddha and his teachings from evil across the four cardinal directions — Jikokuten in the east, Komokuten in the west, Zojoten in the south, and Tamonten in the north.
The Four Heavenly Kings, their ruler, and where to find them in Matsuya Ginza:
- Tamonten (north): 1st floor, in front of the Kyobashi Entrance Information Desk.
- Jikokuten (east): Inside the stockroom in the back area—reserved for staff, sorry!
- Zojoten (south): 1st floor, in the passage behind Loewe.
- Komokuten (west): 1st floor, in front of the Main Entrance Information Desk.
- Taishakuten, ruler of the Four Heavenly Kings: 1st floor, in the passage within the cosmetics department.
So, between grabbing the latest luxury items, remember to look up and share your gratitude with the Four Heavenly Kings as they watch over your day of shopping in Ginza.
Find out more: Matsuya Ginza Centennial Chronicle Episode 2
3. Traditional homeware: Japanese knives, glassware & more
Japan is often celebrated for its mastery of homeware, from its exceptional knives to its stunning glassware and interior design—and there’s an entire floor just for these items at Matsuya Ginza.
Head to Table Joy on 7F and discover superior Japanese knives, as sharp and lightweight as they are stylish, providing only the most precise, clean cuts. Whether you’re looking for an everyday item or a specialized knife, such as a yanagiba sashimi knife, you’ll find it here.
Don’t go anywhere just yet… Nearby, Edokiriko glasses and carefully crafted sake cups and dishware are vying for your attention. The former simply means “cut glass from Edo,” the original name for Tokyo, and these particular glasses are well-known for their intricate designs and bold colors—sure to look just as stunning on your shelf at home, or being unwrapped by a friend as a thoughtful souvenir.
4. Take home your very own chopsticks
To complement your new kitchenware, you’ll need your very own pair of chopsticks. Imagine sitting down to a meal at home and using a pair of chopsticks that you picked out in the middle of Ginza. Every bite will bring back memories of your time in Japan!
Is there anything more fancy than that?
5. Designer clothes and accessories
If your Tokyo itinerary has you spending a day of shopping in Ginza, designer brands may not be much of a surprise, but you might still be shocked by how many luxury brands and designer goods are waiting to be discovered at Matsuya Ginza.
On 2F, stroll through the International Boutique, featuring an enviable selection of designers, such as:
- Louis Vuitton
- Christian Louboutin
- Gucci
- Saint Laurent
- PRADA
- Balenciaga
- Miu Miu
- Loewe
- …and so many more.
Not satisfied your desire for designer goods just yet? We get it. Head to 4F for head-turning accessories and the latest trends in women’s fashion, featuring designers such as:
- Issey Miyake
- Emporio Armani
- JUNKO SHIMADA
- PLAIN PEOPLE
- Yohji Yamamoto
- Y's
- …and beyond.
Of course, no outfit is complete without a gorgeous new bracelet or watch, so be sure to browse your way through the Jewelry & Watch Salon on the 4th Floor. We think a dramatic, timeless OMEGA watch adorned with a mother-of-pearl face and diamond indexes might be just the thing you need…
6. Try exclusive matcha at Fukujuen
On B1F is Fukujuen, known for its carefully curated selection of Japanese tea, including seasonal varieties and matcha. Offering both affordable and high-end options, there are plenty of choices when you’re looking for that traditional taste of Japan or the perfect take-home tea souvenir. You can even sample teas in-store to ensure that they matches your individual taste.
A wide variety of matcha bowls and tea utensils are also available for purchase, meaning that you’ll have everything you need to whisk up a fresh cup of matcha when you get home.
Gift idea: Exclusive tea ceremony gift sets from Matsuya Ginza and premium teas presented in stylish wooden boxes make memorable souvenirs for yourself or loved ones.
7. Restaurants & Cafés
When you fancy taking a break from shopping for a leisurely lunch, sweet treat, or even a large group dinner, head to 8F Restaurant City or the gourmet displays and cafés of B1 and B2. Here, discover a wealth of flavors and cuisines from around the world.
Explore the fine-dining Chinese dishes of Ginza Aster, Western-style cuisine of Ueno Seiyoken, refined sushi platters of Sushiden Kenzan, or the authentic pizza and pasta of Napoli Cucina for more casual dining. Just to name a few…
Just as inviting is the selection of souvenir-ready sweets throughout these floors, so beautifully wrapped that it’s almost a shame to open them. Explore floor-to-ceiling shelves of luxury honey, crispy mille-feuille, rich brownies, lavish chocolates, and everything in between—not to mention an ever-changing rotation of seasonal creations and branded collaborations.
This is an ideal spot for present buying, even if it’s something for you to pair with your fresh matcha when you get home.
8. Japanese sake and global liquor
Nothing says “luxury” quite like rows upon rows of Japanese sake and liquor from around the world, and you’ll find both at Matsuya Ginza on B1, in the Japanese and Western Liquor Section and Gourmet Marche Vin areas.
Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or want to spoil that special someone, peruse a wide selection of sake from across Japan, taking you on a journey from the fragrant and fruity to the rich and mature. There’s a sake for every occasion, dish, and taste bud, so you may find yourself spending all afternoon exploring these glimmering bottles.
Naturally, Matsuya Ginza has so much more than sake. You’ll also find an extensive range of wines, just waiting to be uncorked at your next dinner party, along with a hand-picked curation of unique Western liquors. Search for a new favorite gin, whiskey, or liqueur, perfect for sharing with friends as you tell them about your travels.
9. Locally inspired crafts and collaborations
At Matsuya Ginza, the department store’s regional co-creation initiative brings crafts and creative collaborations to the center of Ginza, and may even have you departing Tokyo altogether for new sights and experiences…
Leveraging its design expertise and long history, Matsuya partners with regions across Japan to showcase traditional industries, arts, and cultural heritage through curated exhibitions, pop-ups, and décor.
These projects highlight everything from Tsugaru produce and craftsmanship and Echizen washi paper creations to Fukuyama Denim, inviting artisans and communities to present their work in the store’s display windows and promotional spaces.
By blending traditional craft with contemporary design, Matsuya not only introduces unique regional craftsmanship to Tokyo visitors but also supports local branding, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Plus, with its more recent travel packages in partnership with faraway prefectures in need of support—taking people as far as Kochi or Kumamoto—your next visit to Matsuya may see you dining in a castle, embracing Japanese theatre, or sipping on a perfect pairing of wines and nibbles at an expert Japanese winery.
10. Home decor inspiration at Design Collection
One final surprise waiting for you at Matsuya Ginza is Design Collection on 7F, walking the fine line between art gallery and homeware store. Founded in 1955 by the Japan Design Committee and Matsuya, it is considered one of the pioneers of select shops in Japan. Every item in the Design Collection is carefully chosen through the discerning eyes of the members of the Japan Design Committee. Whether that purpose is to blend beauty and functionality with a sleek umbrella stand and a unique, statement chair, or simply to elevate a space with eye-catching art work and decorative ornaments is completely up to you.
As you wander through this thoughtfully curated selection, allow yourself to imagine where each piece might sit in your own space. Bring home a touch of the elegance and tranquility you discovered in Japan, and imbue it into your everyday life.
Exclusive: 5% off your purchases at Matsuya Ginza
Just because you’re browsing through luxury goods in the middle of Ginza doesn’t mean you can’t get an exclusive discount.
Foreign shoppers can now enjoy 5% off purchases at Matsuya Ginza until 31 May 2026.
Notes:
- A passport (copies not accepted) must be presented to use this offer.
- Some items are excluded from the promotion.
- Residents of Japan are not eligible.
- Please ask a sales associate for details.
Spoil yourself or your loved ones with a few more souvenirs worth cherishing.
Matsuya Ginza: 100 years of shopping in Ginza, Tokyo
Matsuya Ginza’s roots trace back over 150 years to its origin as a kimono fabric shop in Yokohama in 1869, before opening its Ginza store in 1925 amid the area’s rise as a modern commercial and cultural hub.
From the start, Matsuya helped shape Ginza’s identity, pioneering Western-style department store culture in Tokyo and introducing innovations like its spacious central hall. Over the decades, it weathered major events—including post-earthquake rebuilding, wartime challenges, and postwar revival—and embraced design and international trends that reflected Ginza’s evolution.
As the district grew into a symbol of fashion, arts, and sophisticated urban life, Matsuya became more than a retail destination: it stands as a local cultural landmark deeply connected to the people, creativity, and history of Ginza. In 2025, it celebrated the 100th anniversary of its opening in Ginza, honoring its heritage while looking to the future.
Discover Matsuya Ginza’s full history: 100 years of Matsuya Ginza
Ginza District shopping: It has to be Matsuya Ginza
Even in a shimmering metropolis of high-quality goods and luxury brands, few department stores in Ginza combine Japanese history with a sense for the finer things in life quite like Matsuya Ginza—and it’s been doing so for over 100 years.
As proven by our journey through Japan’s Matsuya department store, you truly never know what you’ll discover when you go shopping in Ginza. Here’s to the next 100 years of treating yourself…
