Set in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo’s most luxurious shopping district, Matsuya Ginza has spent a century as both a cultural landmark and a must-visit destination for those seeking the best of Japanese retail. Since opening its doors in 1925, the department store has defined what sophisticated shopping in Tokyo can be: a seamless blend of design, craftsmanship and elevated everyday living that evolves alongside the city.
What sets it apart is its design-led approach, where every detail — from architecture to products — is carefully considered.
Now celebrating its centennial, Matsuya Ginza invites visitors from around the world to discover “Design Matsuya,” its guiding philosophy. More than a concept, this is an approach that shapes everything from the building’s architecture to the objects on its shelves, bringing beauty, function and the spirit of Ginza into everyday life.
A Century at the Center of Ginza Style
A century ago, Ginza was already emerging as Tokyo’s most fashionable neighborhood, known for its Western-influenced architecture, cafe culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Matsuya Ginza quickly became one of its defining institutions — a department store synonymous with quality, taste and cultural relevance.
Over the decades, it has cultivated a reputation for thoughtful curation, introducing global trends while championing Japanese craftsmanship. From chic fashion and interior design to regional delicacies and artisanal gifts, the store reflects a uniquely Ginza sensibility that’s refined yet approachable, timeless yet always evolving. Matsuya’s seasonal window displays and creative collaborations are a familiar part of the neighborhood, often reimagining traditional Japanese crafts in fresh, contemporary ways.
Another fascinating facet of the department store sits on its rooftop: Ryuko Fudoson, a small temple built atop Matsuya Ginza in 1929, has quietly watched over the store for decades. Ryuko, though written differently, sounds similar to the Japanese word for “trend,” making this a fitting guardian temple and a perfect place to find a moment of calm amid Ginza’s bright avenues.
The Philosophy of “Design Matsuya”
What truly sets Matsuya Ginza apart is its longstanding commitment to design. Rather than treating design as mere decoration, the store embraces it as a guiding philosophy.
The concept of “Design Matsuya” can be seen throughout the building — from its clean architectural façade to its elegantly minimalistic shopping bags. Even the layout of the floors reflects a careful consideration of how visitors interact with space, objects and ideas.
At the center of this philosophy is the Design Collection, located on the 7th floor. Established in 1955 in collaboration with the Japan Design Committee, it was one of the first spaces in Japan dedicated to introducing outstanding design objects from around the world. To this day, the Japan Design Committee — whose members have included leading architects and designers such as Kengo Kuma and Naoto Fukasawa — curates items that balance beauty, functionality and innovation.
Nearby, Design Gallery 1953 continues this legacy through rotating exhibitions that explore design across cultures and disciplines. From Scandinavian modernism to contemporary Japanese craft, the gallery continues to foster conversations about design in Japan and beyond. Together, these spaces embody Matsuya’s belief that well-designed objects have the power to enrich daily living.
Highlights From One of Tokyo’s Most Celebrated Department Stores
Orifushi Gift Lounge
On the same floor, you’ll find Orifushi Gift Lounge, a store that celebrates Japan’s deeply rooted culture of gift-giving; fittingly, the word “orifushi” refers to subtle seasonal moments that inspire thoughtful gestures. Orifushi Gift Lounge helps visitors choose gifts suited to these occasions, from weddings and births to business exchanges or seasonal greetings.
Many items featured here emerge from Matsuya’s regional collaboration projects, highlighting newly developed craft products from artisans across Japan. Gift advisors are available in-store to guide visitors through selections, ensuring that each present appropriately reflects both intention and tradition.
Re made in tokyo japan (5F Fashion)
Founded in 2007 in Tokyo’s Daikanyama district, Re made in tokyo japan is a brand devoted entirely to high-quality Japanese manufacturing. Drawing on decades of experience in Tokyo’s traditional downtown factory districts and urban workshops in Hatchobori, the brand produces garments that emphasize durability, craftsmanship and timeless design.
At Matsuya Ginza’s flagship location, visitors can discover pieces that reflect the brand’s philosophy: refined everyday clothing created with top-tier materials and meticulous attention to detail, and proudly made in Japan. All products sold here are unisex.
Table Joy
Table Joy brings together beautiful kitchen table crafts selected from traditional pottery kilns across Japan. In celebration of Matsuya Ginza’s 100th anniversary, Table Joy has curated a collection with the theme of sake ware, presenting 19 pieces from six different kilns and workshops, including collaborative items produced specifically for Matsuya. Each piece reflects generations of craftsmanship, transforming the simple act of sharing a drink into a small ritual of beauty.
Ready Or Order
In the leather craftsman booth on the 5th floor, guests can find one-of-a-kind Japanese leatherwork products at Ready Or Order. The brand has both ready-made and made-to-order pieces, allowing customers to choose items that feel personal. At Matsuya Ginza, the booth offers exclusive designs and color-order options not available online.
Each product is crafted by skilled artisans, using techniques passed down through three generations. Built for durability and designed to age beautifully, the pieces available at Matsuya embody the brand’s philosophy of creating leather goods that are both functional and enduring.
Basement Food Floor
No visit to Matsuya Ginza is complete without exploring the bustling basement food floor. Known for its exclusive gourmet selections, the space features limited-edition sweets, seasonal delicacies and regional specialties found only at this location. Whether picking up a beautifully packaged dessert or getting yourself an upscale lunch, the food floor captures another essential aspect of Ginza culture: the joy of giving — and savoring — something special.
After 100 years, Matsuya Ginza remains more than a cultural landmark where design, craftsmanship and everyday life intersect. For visitors exploring Ginza, it offers so much more than shopping: a window into the aesthetic spirit that has shaped the district for generations.
Visitor Information
Matsuya Ginza
3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8130, Japan
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Open until 7:30 p.m. on Sundays and the last day of consecutive holidays
Closed January 1 and January 2
Access:
- Directly connected to Exit A12 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya Lines)
- 3-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
- 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
- 8-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station
For Matsuya Ginza’s official website, click here.
Special Promotion (until May 2026):
Visitors presenting a passport may receive a 5% discount on purchases (some exclusions apply). Details are available here.
