Ginza のアーカイブ

Kimono is very expensive to buy.  Some are very cheap, but those are inferior in quality…But there is a way to purchase high-quality Kimono at a relatively low price: visiting an used Kimono shop.

Of course, these Kimono are not brand new, some of them have stain, but there are many chances to encounter Kimono from the 20th, 19th century, or from an even older period.  Just taking a look at the old Kimono with traditional patterns and retro coloring is exciting!
Below are a list some of the used Kimono shops in Tokyo.

Jidainuno Ikeda (時代布　池田)
Location: 5-22-11, Shiroganedai, Minato-ku
Website: http://www.ikedashigeko-collection.co.jp/pages/english/collection/c_index.htm (Eng)

Yumezo (夢蔵)
Location: 1-17-2, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku

Tansuya (たんす屋)
Location: 10-11-3, Roppongi, Minato-ku

Antique Mall Ginza (アンティークモール銀座)
Location: 1-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku
Website: http://www.antiques-jp.com/e.html (Eng)

 

Used Kimono are sold at some antique flea markets too. 
I hope you will find your favorite only-one Kimono!

 

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
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Ginza has been the leader of culture since the late 19th century.  Mainly in fashion, and also in food culture.  Many Western foods were first introduced in Ginza, and some Western-Japanese fusion foods were born.

You may have seen the store in the photo above, near Mitsukoshi and Matsuya.  This is the flagship store of Kimuraya (木村家, the sign in the photo reads 家村木, for Japanese was read from right to left in the past), a famous bread company.
Kimuraya, first named Buneido (文英堂), was founded in 1871.  The famous Anpan was invented here, as the harmony of Japanese and Western food culture.  Anpan is bread with sweet bean paste inside, and a salted cherry blossom on top.

What occured afterwards in Ginza?
In 1895, the first Western-food resraurant, Rengatei (煉瓦亭) opened.
In 1897, Ginza Sembikiya (銀座千疋屋) opened as a fruit store selling imported fruits, and also started the first soda fountain in Japan.
In 1902, Shiseido, the now famous cosmetic brand, opened a soda fountain (currently named Shiseido Parlor) in its shop, and started selling soda and ice cream.
In 1911, Cafe Printemps, a cafe mocking a cafe in Paris opened, and became the watering hole for cultural figures.
After WW2, many luxurious restaurants from all over the world opened in Ginza.  With Lecrin and Maxim’s de Paris, and many exclusive clubs, Ginza came to be concerned as the area of luxury.

Soda fountain machine, displayed in Ginza Shiseido Building.

Though the appearance has changed a lot, there are many old stores and restaurants still open in Ginza.  While walking around Ginza, look for the trace of history, and you sure will find a lot!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Ginza is known as a luxurious shopping area, always crowded with shoppers and tourists, but it is not that this area had been this glamorous throughout its history.

Ginza (銀座) was named after the silver (銀) mint established in the area in 1612.  Today, there is a monument ‘Birthplace of Ginza (銀座発祥の地)’ near Matsuya department store, where the mint was.

After the Tsukiji area burnt to the ground in 1872, the Japanese government started the development of Ginza as a modern area.  The plan of the government was to build a fireproof city, and to make the area connecting Shinbashi station, the terminal of the railways, and Nihonbashi, the center of economics, the model of modernisation.

The government constructed brick buildings, and larger, better streets connecting Shinbashi Station and Tsukiji.  In 1873, the bricktown along Ginza Street was completed, and the completion of the whole town was in 1877.

In 1923, most of Ginza was burnt down because of the Great Kanto Earthquake.  Afterwards, the brick buildings were torn down, and were replaced by more modern buildings.  Many department stores, theaters, and cafes were built, and many fashionable people strolled about the streets.

Most of the old Western buildings of this age disappeared, but some still remain.  Most famous must be the Wako building with the iconic Hattori Clock Tower. The building and clock tower were originally built by Kintaro Hattori (服部金太郎), the founder of Seiko, a famous watch company.

Another symbol of the history of Ginza is the colonnade of Willows.  The Willow colonnade was made in 1877.  Afterwards, the colonnade was transplanted to Gingko, which is seen today, but still, Willows are thought to be the symbol of Ginza.  Every May 5th since 2006, Ginza Yanagi Matsuri (銀座柳まつり, Ginza Willow Fesitival) is held.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

There are many unique restaurants in Tokyo.  In this article, I will introduce some restaurants with certain concepts, focusing on fantasy worlds.

 

Princess Heart

A restaurant where you can be a princess!  You will be welcomed by seven dwarfs ad the entrance.  There are rooms such as ‘Cinderella’s chamber’ and ‘Witch’s forest’.

Location: 7-8-7, Ginza, Chuo-ku
Open Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:30 (only on Sat, Sun, Holidays)
                                 Dinner 17:00～23:30

 

The Wisard of the Opera (オペラハウスの魔法使い)

A restaurant with motifs of “the Phantom of the Opera”.
The chandeliers won’t fall, so don’t worry

Location: 8-16-2, Minami-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Open Hours: 17:00-24:00 (-4:00 on Fri, Sat, holiday-eves)

 

 

Vampire Cafe

Restaurant mocking Dracula’s Castle.
There are events colaborating with Gothic Lolita fashion.

Location: 6-7-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku
Open Hours: 17:00-23:30 (-23:00 on Sun, Holidays, -2:00 on Fri, Sat, Holiday-eves)

 

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Not only the old architectures are interesting in Japan.  Many modern architectures are amusing people, too.  These days, many foreign travelers visit Tokyo to see the distinguish modern buildings.
Below are some boutiques, in Aoyama and Ginza.  No need for explanation, you will get a feeling for yourself when you face the buildings (and of course, you can enjoy shopping inside!)

Prada Boutique Aoyama
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron from Switzerland.

Dior Omotesando
Designed by SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates).

Louis Vuitton Ginza
Designed by Jun Aoki

Lanvin Ginza
Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

The Imperial Hotel is one of the best known hotels in Japan, once owned by the Imperial family.  It is located near the Imperial Palace, with good access to Ginza station.

The original Imperial Hotel in Tokyo was built in 1890, with wooden structure.  This was replaced to brick-and- concrete-made buildings in 1923.  This building survived the Tokyo Earthquake, which occured few months later from the completion.

The hotel building which exist today was built after WW2.  Some parts of the former building (such as columns) are preserved in the hotel, and the facade and pool were moved to Meiji Mura Museum, a collection of modern buildings in Nagoya.

The Imperial Hotel is known for its detailed services, especially the cleaning service.  Of course they will wash out the stains which were attached during your stay at the hotel, but that is not all.  They are keeping various buttons from all over the world, and they find a button lost from your clothes, they will put on a similar one for you.  Also, they will iron your clothes so that the texture will match your taste.

The cleaning service is only for registered guests, but for those who aren’t spending the night, there are lounges and restaurants, shops, etc. to enjoy.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Every thing seems to be classy in Ginza, with all those department stores and the luxurious boutiques.  It may be odd that there is a toy store in the same district, but yes, there is
Ginza Hakuhinkan Toy Park (銀座博品館) is a huge toy store, occupying one whole building.  It is a little like Kiddy Land in Harajuku, with various toys and souvenirs.

One thing you should see here is the display of Licca-chan, a Japanese Barbie doll.  There are various clothes and stages for her.  And she has friends and families too, just like Barbie.

Of course there are other toys.  Many character goods of Ghibli, and Sanrio (eg. Hello Kitty) are here too.

Also, there are Japanese goods, very nice for souvenirs, and keeping for your own

Playing with toys is not a privilege for kids.  Have fun in Ginza!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

If you are to take in Japanese taste into your life, using Japanese stationary may be one step.

Kyukyodo (鳩居堂) is a old stationary and insence shop, which started in 1663.  There are 2 stores, one in Kyoto, and one in Ginza, Tokyo.
Kyukyodo deals in various articles, such as letter brushes, Origami, accessories, etc.

Among all, I reccomend you letter papers.  The designs differ from season to season.  For example, letter papers with drawings of cherry blossoms are displayed in spring, and in autumn, crimson foliage.
Everytime you visit the shop, the displays would be different from before, as the season changes.
It is also very convenient, 1 minute walk from Ginza station!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Nichirei Higashi Ginza Residence #2207　【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF!
No Key Money!

Bed Rooms: 3
Floor Area: 96.4 sqm / 1037.67 sqft
Address:  21-19-6, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: 8 minutes walk to Tsukiji Station / Hibiya Line
11 minutes walk to Tsukiji-shijo Station / Oedo Line
Completion: Jan. 1991
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY270,000/month
Common Service Fee: JPY40,000/month
Key Money: JPY0
Deposit: 2 months
Parking: Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Nichirei Higashi Ginza Residence is an apartment in Tsukiji (築地), near the Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場) and Tsukiji Honganji Temple (築地本願寺).  There are many sushi bars and other seafood restaurants in the neighborhood

Entrance and lobby.

Room entrance.

3 bedrooms with same layout (one is opposite left-right).

Rest room.

Powder room.
There are storages on both sides of the mirror.
A drying tumbler above the space for washing machine.

Bath room.
Taps and shower is rather old-looking, with some signs of water stain…

Living dining room.

View of Tsukiji Fish Market and Tsukiji Honganji Temple.
From this window, you will get a great view of fireworks at the Sumida river in summer!
*windows do not open.

Kitchen.
A dish washer, and 3 induction cookers.

Balcony for emergency use.

物件名：ニチレイ東銀座レジデンス
賃料：270,000
敷／礼　：2/0
仲介手数料50% Off

Thank you for checking Nichirei Higashi Ginza Residence.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Mitsukoshi, a long-established department store, rebirthed in September 11th.
Mitsukoshi expanded its floor area to 36,000 sqm, which makes Mitsukoshi the largest department store in Ginza, exceeding the second largest Matsuya by 4,000 sqm.
The renewal is not only about space.  There are various innovations so that customers can enjoy shopping.

Previously, shopping spaces were divided by brands, but the new Mitsukoshi will be divided by items, which makes it easier to compare items.

Formerly, there were only cafes in Mitsukoshi, but with this renewal, several restaurants will open.  Sosonjae, a Korean restaurant, and Akatsuki-an, a Japanese noodle restaurant, will locate a branch in a department store for the first time.

The house-top on the 9th floor is Ginza Teracce, a grass garden where you can rest and relax.  There are rest spaces on other floors too.

The new Mitsukoshi is family-friendly too.  There will be a day nursery (charged), a nursing room, and a lounge for babies.  The corridor of selling spaces are widened too, so that baby carriages can easily go through.

Visit the brand new Mitsukoshi for luxurious and comfortable shopping!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/