Ginza Mitsukoshi is one of Ginza's most iconic long-established department stores. Its exterior blends historic and modern design, with a clean, streamlined facade and a prominent “M” logo that have made it a classic Ginza landmark. The department store focuses mainly on luxury brands and fashion, bringing together international brands, beauty products, household goods, and food. The basement food floor is also quite popular, making this a representative place to experience Tokyo's upscale department store culture.
Ginza Mitsukoshi | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Akafuku-Main store
Founded in 1707, during the early Edo period, this long-established store has been welcoming visitors to Ise Jingu shrine for centuries with its famous "Akafuku Mochi." This traditional Japanese sweet consists of a mochi rice cake topped with smooth sweet bean paste, and its shape is distinctive. The three lines on the bean paste represent the pure flow of the Isuzu River that runs through the sacred grounds of Ise Jingu, while the white mochi symbolizes the pebbles at the riverbed.
在禮品店找到的三重縣伊勢名物「赤福餅」，是一款創業於1707年的傳統和菓子，以柔軟麻糬搭配細緻紅豆餡聞名。外層紅豆餡象徵伊勢神宮前的五十鈴川，表面三道波紋則呈現河水流動的意象。入口先感受到紅豆餡的綿密香甜，接著是麻糬柔軟又帶有彈性的口感，兩者搭配得恰到好處。成分很單純只有糯米、紅豆與砂糖，是充滿日本傳統風味的經典甜點。
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Senkoji Mountain Ropeway (Senkoji Park)
Mount Senkoji, one of Onomichi's three mountains, rises 144.2 meters above sea level. Senkoji Park extends from the summit to the mountainside. A ropeway connects downtown Onomichi with the park in about three minutes, offering easy access. Along the way, passengers can admire views of the Onomichi cityscape, which is recognized as a Japan Heritage site.
I've visited many well-known attractions in Japan, but Onomichi is a place I can never forget and have always loved. This unpretentious seaside town lies between the mountains and the sea, with homes, small shops, and temples tucked among its rolling hills. Wandering through them feels like entering a maze, never knowing what surprise awaits around the next corner. To experience Onomichi's charming scenery, start at Senkoji Park and take the Senkoji Mountain Ropeway slowly up to the summit. As the ropeway climbs higher, the city of Onomichi, the Seto Inland Sea, and the islands scattered across the water gradually come into view. The scenery where the mountains meet the sea is refreshing and uplifting. After reaching the summit, you can also stroll through the park, admire the distinctive sight of Senkoji Temple built into the mountainside, and take in the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient temple.
As I made my way down the hillside, what I looked forward to most was visiting Neko no Hosomichi, or Cat Alley! Cat lovers should definitely take a walk here and enjoy the fun of looking for cats. Along both sides of the winding path are many adorable cat-shaped stones, painted stone slabs, and other creations hidden throughout the alleys and corners. Every discovery brings an involuntary smile. You may also unexpectedly encounter real cats along the way. Some are friendly and outgoing, while others are aloof and proud, as if welcoming travelers at their own pace.
Along the way, you can also visit the Onomichi City Museum of Art, an art space tucked away in Senkoji Park and designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The clean, minimalist architecture complements the surrounding natural scenery, and simply admiring the building is satisfying. The museum is also known for the adorable, years-long back-and-forth between Ken-chan, a black cat, and a security guard, which adds a heartwarming and amusing charm to the place. During this visit, I happened to catch an exhibition of Utagawa Hiroshige's complete series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, which was another unexpected surprise.
From the magnificent mountain and sea views from the ropeway and the charming atmosphere of the hillside alleys to the leisurely moments filled with cats and art, Onomichi always moves me in unexpected ways. I'm sure I'll return to this captivating town again soon to search once more for the surprises hidden around each corner!
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Hibiya Park
Hibiya Park is Japan’s oldest Western-style park, and it opened in 1903. Its large area covers 16 hectares, and since it’s filled with trees, grassy areas, and colorful blooming flowers, it’s a popular place to relax in the business district.
Ginza is a shopping paradise where many visitors love to browse and shop. After you've finished shopping and your feet are tired, consider taking a walk in nearby Hibiya Park. It's within walking distance of Ginza, so you can easily find yourself in this urban oasis while exploring the area. Each season has its own charm. In spring, you can enjoy soft pink cherry blossoms, while in fall, golden ginkgo leaves and colorful maple leaves decorate the park, creating different scenery as the seasons change. Sometimes it's nice to do nothing at all and simply sit quietly on a park bench, watching people pass by and children play while enjoying the afternoon sun.
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