I've been to Tokyo many times, but this was my first time staying in Ginza. Honestly, I never thought of staying here before. My go-to areas were always Asakusa, Ueno, or Shinjuku, and I usually skipped Shibuya and Ginza. I used to think these areas were too commercial and didn’t offer that “real Tokyo” feel.
So when the chance came to spend 4 days and 3 nights at Muji Hotel Ginza, I said yes right away. I knew it would be a different kind of trip, more relaxed and focused on eating, shopping, and just enjoying the city without rushing around. It felt good not having a checklist and just going with the flow each day.
Flying Philippine Airlines to Haneda
This trip was also my first time flying from Manila to Haneda Airport with Philippine Airlines. I was surprised by how convenient it was. Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo, which made getting into the city so easy.
Another pleasant surprise was the 2 x 23 kg luggage allowance, which meant I could shop without worrying too much. The in-flight meal came bento-style and looked cute too. Flying with PAL always feels comfortable and familiar.
There were no built-in screens for entertainment, but PAL offers MyPAL, their in-flight entertainment that you can access on your own device. Just connect to the onboard Wi-Fi and scan the QR code in front of your seat. No need to download any apps.
Exploring Ginza
When I think of Ginza, I think of big-name brands and even bigger stores. It’s home to the biggest Muji and Uniqlo stores in Japan (and I think the world), along with many luxury flagship boutiques.
But Ginza isn’t just for shopping. It’s also full of great food, stylish cafés, and clean, walkable streets.
On weekends and holidays, the main road is closed off to vehicles and becomes a pedestrian-only zone, making it even more relaxing to explore.
CHECK OUT SOME ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO IN GINZA VIA KLOOK
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Staying at the Muji Hotel Ginza
The main reason I stayed in Ginza was to finally experience Muji Hotel Ginza.
As someone who loves interior design and minimalist spaces, this stay was a dream come true.
The room and hotel design were everything I hoped for. From the textures and colors to the lighting and layout, every detail was well thought out. I loved how calm and inviting it felt. I took a lot of mental (and actual) notes for future design projects.
I’ll probably share more about the hotel in a separate post because it really deserves its own spotlight.
Walkable Places Near Ginza
Staying in Ginza also made me realize how close it is to many great spots in Tokyo. Here are a few places I visited on foot:
- Imperial Palace
I found this spot by accident while planning a morning run. I noticed a large green space on Google Maps and it turned out to be the Imperial Palace grounds. It’s a beautiful place for a walk or jog.
- Tokyo Station
Just a short walk from the hotel. I ended up here while searching for the ASICS store and also grabbed lunch nearby. The architecture of the station is impressive too.
- Shimbashi
Known for its izakayas and after-work scene, this area is about 15 minutes from Ginza on foot. I met up with friends here and enjoyed drinks and good conversation. It’s a great place to hang out at night.
- Tsukiji Market
A classic Tokyo stop. Since Ginza is close by, visiting Tsukiji in the early morning was easy. It’s perfect if you’re craving fresh sushi or want to explore traditional market stalls.
This trip felt like a breath of fresh air. After several visits to Tokyo, it was refreshing to slow down and enjoy the city in a more relaxed way.
For the entire 4-day stay in Ginza, I didn’t feel the need to rush or chase after tourist spots. I simply enjoyed being there, and I’m glad I gave this area a chance. If you’ve been to Tokyo before and want a different experience, I highly recommend staying in Ginza, especially at Muji Hotel.
This trip was in partnership with Philippine Airlines and Muji Philippines. Although this is a collaboration trip, as always, everything I share here reflects my own experiences and honest opinions.
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