Reminiscing Tokyo Part 4: Ginza Day & Night (10/31/06)

I took pictures of Ginza day and night just so you can see the hustle-and-bustle of this main artery of Tokyo. All sides of the intersection, no matter at any time of the day, are packed with pedestrians waiting to cross, running errands, going to meet someone to seal a business deal, heading home, going to work, gluing to the cellphone.
After dark, Ginza turns into a party heaven, with clubs and karaoke galore, you'll see members of the hip generation donning outfits purchased from Harajuku plunging into the night life.


Spared from jetlag, I'm getting back to the swing of routine here. My mind is still daydreaming, though, savoring all the good time I had in Asia, especially in Japan. I'll continue the fun with happenings in Ginza. As you might have realized, I have to separate my travelogue into two sections. On the morning of Halloween (a very peaceful one for me sans party and costumes), I visited Sensoki Temple in Asakusa to ensure making my wish to the goddess with a pure, peaceful and sound of mind. In the afternoon, I hopped on the subway, the Hibiya Line of the Tokyo Metro, to the heart of Tokyo, Ginza.

Everyone who has been to Japan must know Ginza. It was named after the silver-coin mint established there in 1612 during the Edo period. Modern Ginza began in 1872 when, after a devastating fire, the English architect Thomas Waters designed these 2- and 3-story Gregorian brick buildings when rebuilding was in full swing. The heart of Ginza is the intersection of Chuo-dori and Harumi-dori, dominated by the glass cylinder of the San-ai Building. With its huge neon sign, it's been the image of Ginza on postcards and travel books for decades now. The other corners are occupied by Wako and Mitsukoshi, two of the most prestigious department stores (the former being a cut above), and the Nissan Gallery, which shows off new and classic automobiles.

I sat down and had an aftertoon-tea set (a piece of chocolate mouusse cake and a beverage for 1575 Yen) at the Hills inside Mitsukoshi. The cafe, which locates on the second floor, is a great people-watching spot that affords an unobstructed view of the busiest intersection (might as well be the most expensive strip of land) in Tokyo. Being unaware of time's passing I whiled away the afternoon as the blue sky petered out and became different hues of gray--neon lights dressing up Ginza at dusk.