Matsuya Ginza, a department store with more than a century of history, is one of Ginza’s essential shopping destinations. Located in the heart of Ginza and directly connected to a subway exit, it offers everything from international luxury brands and contemporary fashion to traditional crafts, premium fruit, wagashi, Japanese-style souvenirs, and household goods. International visitors can also benefit from tax-free shopping and a 5% discount. Below is a guide to the must-visit shops, recommended purchases, and floor layout at Matsuya Ginza.
Three Reasons to Visit Matsuya Ginza
① Convenient Access Directly from Ginza Station
Matsuya Ginza is located in Ginza 3-chome and is directly connected to Exit A12 of Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, so visitors do not need to go outdoors. This is especially convenient on rainy days or in poor weather. Ginza-itchome Station on the Yurakucho Line, Higashi-ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, and JR Yurakucho Station are all less than a 10-minute walk away, making it easy to return to your hotel even when carrying several shopping bags.
② A Historic Ginza Department Store with an Extensive Brand Selection
In 2026, Matsuya Ginza enters its 101st year of operation. This historic department store symbolizes the meeting of Ginza tradition and contemporary trends. Its selection ranges from international luxury goods and Japanese crafts to fashionable clothing and household products, all reflecting a strong commitment to quality. Well-known fragrance brands such as BYREDO and Diptyque are available, while the food floor offers carefully selected Tokyo souvenirs. The eighth-floor exhibition space regularly hosts exhibitions, pop-up stores, and special events, so visitors can discover something new on almost every visit. International travelers will also find the store varied and rewarding to explore.
Another notable feature is Ryuko Fudoson on the rooftop, which is believed to ward off misfortune, support business prosperity, and protect the fashion industry. Interested visitors can purchase a bento or snacks in the basement, enjoy them on the rooftop, and offer a prayer to Fudo Myoo. To protect customers, Sanskrit characters representing the Four Heavenly Kings and Taishakuten have also been placed at the four corners of the first-floor ceiling and directly beneath Ryuko Fudoson. These details carry distinctive cultural symbolism and are worth looking for while shopping.
③ 5% Discount for International Visitors and Convenient Tax-Free Shopping
To assist international visitors, selected shops at Matsuya Ginza offer a 5% discount upon presentation of a passport, although some products and brands are excluded. A multilingual service center is available, and purchases meeting the minimum spending requirement can qualify for tax refunds. Travelers who purchase too many items can also use the hotel delivery service for an additional fee. Ask a staff member for details.
Matsuya Ginza Floor Guide
Rooftop: Ryuko Fudoson, Prayer Room, and Golf School
8F: Event Space, Restaurants, and Foreign Currency Exchange Counter
7F: Household Goods and Gift Certificates
6F: Lingerie, Bedding, Sleepwear, Children’s Products, Golf Equipment, and Sporting Goods
5F: Men’s and Women’s Fashion, Men’s Accessories, Shoes, Bags, and Travel Goods
4F: Women’s Fashion, Jewelry, and Watches
3F: Women’s Fashion, Shoes, Bags, Women’s Accessories, and the International Customer Service Center
2F: International Luxury Brands
1F: Cosmetics and Accessories
B1F: Food, ATM Supporting Selected International Cards, Currency Exchange Machine, Coin Lockers, and the Connecting Passage to Ginza Subway Station
B2F: Fresh Food
Recommended Shops at Matsuya Ginza
Fashion
Yohji Yamamoto, often called the godfather of avant-garde fashion, is a legendary figure in Japanese design. His philosophy and aesthetic are expressed with precision in every line, and Matsuya Ginza brings together several brands that embody the essence of his style. For admirers of his work, it is a genuine fashion destination.
Y’s
Everyday Clothing Combining Function and Style
Y’s was the first brand founded by Yohji Yamamoto. Its designs combine familiar everyday values with distinctive tailoring to create clothing that is both practical and individual. Alongside its focus on cut and silhouette, the brand emphasizes the natural character of each fabric, producing a sense of air, volume, and balance that flows between the wearer and the garment.
Floor: 4F
Yohji Yamamoto
Must-Buy Fashion Pieces
Since presenting his collection at Paris Fashion Week in 1981, Yohji Yamamoto has followed a philosophy of conquering fashion through opposition to the mainstream. His work challenges traditional Western garment construction and continues to have a revolutionary impact on the fashion industry. By rejecting convention, breaking taboos, and creating new values through clothing, his designs clearly express his underlying philosophy.
Floor: 4F
Y’s for living
The Gentle Texture of Minimalist Living
Y’s for living is a collaborative brand under Yohji Yamamoto Inc. Built around the concept of minimalist living spaces, it uses basic colors and natural materials to explore new sensory experiences. The brand specializes in loungewear and bedding made from natural fabrics, with a restrained and understated style. Its pajamas and versatile indoor-outdoor casualwear express a distinctly Japanese minimalist lifestyle. One of the most worthwhile purchases is the double-gauze blanket, which stays warm in winter and cool in summer.
Floor: 7F
Cosmetics and Skincare
Matsuya Ginza’s cosmetics floor is located on the first floor and features counters from numerous international beauty and skincare brands, including SK-II, Shiseido, and LANCÔME. Fragrance brands are also represented, and the floor offers an extensive and comprehensive product selection.
Domohorn Wrinkle
A Highly Regarded Skincare Brand
Domohorn Wrinkle, located on the seventh floor, is a skincare brand from Kumamoto Prefecture with only six stores in Japan. Its products combine traditional Kampo concepts with scientific research and have earned an excellent reputation, including strong popularity among Taiwanese consumers. The brand usually sells through advance orders, and stores do not hold large quantities of stock, so it is advisable to ask staff about same-day availability. The staff are highly knowledgeable and explain the products carefully. After trying the lotion, I found that the texture spread very smoothly. Visitors with specific skin concerns can also consult the professional staff to determine which products are best suited to their needs.
Floor: 7F
Home and Lifestyle
Table Joy
Turning Everyday Life into Art
Table Joy is a curated section offering high-quality tableware and household goods, including Edo Kiriko glassware, handcrafted wooden spoons, teapots, and insulated tumblers. Each item combines practical function with visual beauty, transforming everyday objects into works of art. Visitors may also find unique handmade pieces by renowned Japanese artisans such as ceramic artist Hiroshi Koie. Gift-boxed products are available, making this an excellent place to shop for wedding or seasonal gifts.
Floor: 7F
Orifushi Gift Lounge
A Top Choice for Distinctively Japanese Souvenirs
Orifushi Gift Lounge focuses on Japanese traditional crafts and creative goods inspired by the themes of seasonality and human connection. Its selection includes ceramics and fans from across Japan, silver and cast-iron tea ware, and handcrafted Edo Kiriko glasses that cannot be mass-produced. Whether purchased as gifts or for personal use, these pieces add refined character to everyday life.
Floor: 7F
DESIGN COLLECTION
A Showcase of Japanese Design Philosophy
Operated jointly by Matsuya Ginza and the Japan Design Committee for more than 50 years, this space displays and sells classic works by leading international designers, including tableware by Sori Yanagi and home appliances by Naoto Fukasawa. Design-related exhibitions are also held regularly, making the space enjoyable even for visitors who are simply browsing. It is an excellent destination for design enthusiasts and collectors searching for distinctive pieces.
Floor: 7F
B1 Food Hall and Souvenirs
The B1 food floor at Matsuya Ginza contains more than 70 shops offering bread, prepared foods, Japanese and Western confectionery, sushi, alcoholic drinks, and more. Visitors can purchase products from several popular stores in one place, and the floor is directly connected to Ginza Subway Station through an underground passage.
KURAKICHI
Refined Wagashi from Akita
KURAKICHI is a renowned wagashi shop from Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture, producing modern Japanese sweets such as dorayaki and cookies with ingredients from Akita. One Matsuya Ginza exclusive is the Ginza Honey Sandwich Cookie, which combines honey butter and lemon-flavored agar with crisp cookies and pairs especially well with tea or coffee. Another must-buy item is the Akita Inu cookie tin. The cookie selection changes with the seasons, while the detailed and charming Akita Inu illustration on the tin makes it a highly recommended gift.
Floor: B1
Sembikiya-Sohonten
Seasonal Flavors from a Historic Fruit Specialist
Sembikiya-Sohonten is a long-established fruit specialist founded in 1834. Local shoppers visit the store when choosing high-quality seasonal fruit or premium gifts. Displayed fruit can be purchased individually, and the shop also sells fruit-based products such as cakes, jams, and juices. The Matsuya Ginza-exclusive strawberry yogurt and strawberry jelly are especially tempting and are suitable either for enjoying at the hotel or taking home as souvenirs.
Floor: B1
Matsuya Ginza Discounts and Tax-Free Shopping for International Visitors
5% Discount for International Visitors
At selected shops in Matsuya Ginza, international visitors can receive a 5% discount by presenting the exclusive “Let’s Enjoy Tokyo! Japan” coupon. Download the coupon before shopping to receive the discount where applicable.
Tax-Free Shopping Process
Matsuya Ginza’s International Customer Service Center is located on the third floor. Once your total purchases meet the tax-free eligibility requirements, present your passport, purchase receipts, credit card, and purchased items to complete the refund procedure. The process is straightforward and efficient, and Chinese-language assistance is available.
Whether you are looking for Tokyo souvenirs with history and character, traditional Japanese goods, minimalist designer products, fashion, or household items, Matsuya Ginza can satisfy a wide range of shopping needs in one visit. It is highly recommended for independent travelers in Tokyo. On your next trip, include Matsuya Ginza in your itinerary and experience the enduring appeal of this century-old department store.