GINZA

Ginza

"Ginza" is one of the most popular names of the town in Japan. Ginza is located almost the center of Tokyo (or center of Japan). I dare say Ginza is the same name of the fashionable area along The Fifth Street in New York. It is the symbol name of famous, modern, elegant and high quality fashion. Once most Japanese people living in the countryside were eager to visit and buy something in Ginza. Still not few people think the same way, but not as much as before. Now there are more attractive places in Tokyo, like Roppongi, Akasaka, Aoyama and so on. But the pride of Ginza still remains. Ginza provides not only fashion but foods and drinks. Generally speaking they are expensive. The reason is simple. The real estate is expensive, and the name value pushes the price.

Clock

There is a building at the corner of Ginza 4-chome (block No. four). It looks old-fashioned and really old. In the wartime (1941-1945), most buildings in Tokyo were completely destroyed but this building has remained, amazing! The name of building is "Wako" and you may find it easily because there is a huge clock at on the roof. The clock is a symbol of Ginza too.

Kabukiza

There is the Kabuki Theater in Ginza. Actually the theater is located 5 minutes walk to (east) from the central Ginza area. The name is "Kabukiza". Kabukiza is also very famous in Japan. Of course you can enjoy Kabuki play there. The building is designed old and nice.

One tip. You may find "Ginza" everywhere in Japan. This is because people love the name of Ginza and the shops and stores expect more customers by famous and attractive name of Ginza. But this time the name is only for advertisement.

fumi.kobayashi@nifty.com