There are my favourite places to go on a date night in Ginza.
If in Ginza on the weekend, and can start your night out early, it is fabulous to walk down Chuo-dori ( translated that means : Central Street) as it is closed to traffic between Midday – 6pm (April – September) or Midday – 5pm ( October – March.)
I love to dine at 6th by Oriental on a date night in Ginza.
It’s right in the thick of the city and it’s kind of like Tokyo’s spin on a New York restaurant that spills out onto the street. Although, I don’t think you’d get to see the Yamanote Line slide by while dining in the big apple.
The lighting also makes it ideal for a stunning date night. It just feels special here.
Ask about their all you can drink champagne specials!
The reception staff speak English well so feel free to call and book ahead.
The entire menu is also up on their English website (see below.)
(And psssst…. these guys also do a great lunch. )
6th BY ORIENTAL
千代田区有楽町1-12-1 新有楽町ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, SHINYURAKUCHO BUILDING, YURAKUCHO, CHIYODA-KU
OPEN FOR WEEKDAY LUNCH: 11AM-2:30PM
OPEN FOR WEEKEND LUNCH: 11AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5:30PM – 10PM (UNTIL 9PM ON SUNDAYS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)
*Bar is open until even later
For a more formal date night spot I recommend The Apollo in Ginza.
It’s actually Australian-Greek fusion and it’s worth going for champagne and the saganaki alone!
It feels dressy and special and buzzing. Reservations recommended.
It’s more of a special occasion spot so see the website to see if it matches your budget. The staff also speak English well if you wanted to give them a call.
THE APOLLO GINZA
銀座５-２−１ 東急プラザ銀座 11F
11F TOKYU PLAZA GINZA, 5-2-1 GINZA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
If you go to the Nissan Crossing Cafe (exit A3, A4 or A5 of the Ginza subway station) second floor there is not only a cool view one of Ginza’s major intersections but also they offer to take your picture and then scan it onto you coffee foam!
They have cafe latte and matcha (green tea) lattes.
There is also a small cookie and cake selection (which kept my little boy happy.) Also the cafe space itself is quite spacious (for Tokyo).
There are elevators up to the second floor.
Nissan Crossing is a global flagship gallery for Nissan. It is free to walk in and take a look around.
The Sony Showroom is on the 4th and 5th floors of the same building, if you’re interested.
Baby change tables are on the 3rd & 6th floors (I would use the 6th as the designated smoking space is also on the 3rd floor.
NISSAN CROSSING
中央区銀座5-8-1
5-8-1 GINZA, CHUO-KU
OPEN 10AM-8PM
And then just 3 minutes away (on foot) is the beautiful and brand new Ginza Six department store.
I recommend going to the B1 floor to check out the Chanel lipstick vending machine. You know, in case you want beautiful lips but can’t stand social interaction.
And did you know that there is a lovely green rooftop space on the top floor of Ginza 6?
Pack a bento if you’re watching your cash – and eat here!
It’s quite refreshing, actually.
In warmer months there are often pop up cafes and bars here too.
中央区銀座6-10-1
6-10-1 GINZA, CHUO-KU
SHOPS OPEN 10:30AM-8:30PM
RESTAURANTS OPEN 11AM-11:30PM
Next, I’d move on to Tír na nÓg (formerly Iron fairies) in Ginza for cocktails.
Perhaps a fairy floss (cotton candy) cocktail? Or a cocktail that contains a squid tentacle or some wasabi perhaps?
If you live in Tokyo I’m sure you’ve sampled this “fairy world” bar in Ginza. It’s easy as the staff speak English and I’d only recommend booking if you have more than 4 people in your party. Just wander in and say cheers to the fairy dust and butterflies. There is often live music here too.
Drinks are around 2000 yen each.
中央区銀座5-9-5チアーズ銀座B1F
CHEERS GINZA BASEMENT FLOOR 1, 5-9-5 GINZA, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
OPEN 7PM – 4AM EVERYDAY EXCEPT FOR SUNDAYS WHICH IS OPEN 6PM-MIDNIGHT
ALSO OPEN AS A CAFE 11AM-7PM
And then , if you want to wanted to go for dancing?
I LOVE Soul Dining Bar Ginza Magic.
It’s not a big wild club – its a little hidden hole in the wall type of deal where they play 60s, 70s and 80s music. And it is so frigging cool and perfect for a date night in Ginza.
It’s usually very quiet before 10pm so it’s better to go later.
SOUL DINING BAR GINZA MAGIC
中央区銀座7-7-9, 銀座山市ビル1・2Ｆ
GROUND & 1ST FLOOR, GINZA YAMASHI BUILDING, 7-7-9 GINZA, CHUO-KU
COVER CHARGE IS FREE – UNLESS THERE IS A SPECIAL EVENT (CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS)
If you are after other date night ideas, see my Tokyo style date nights post or if you’d rather stick to one area at a time, here are my recommendations for Shibuya & Roppongi too.
Another tip for before the date night in Ginza:
If you would like to get an English speaking hair blow dry in Ginza, Jet Set Blow Dry Salon is opening a new salon only 7 minutes walk from Ginza Station.
