Wako has been serving the more moneyed crowd of Ginza shoppers since 1947. Compared to the rest of the shopping avenue, though, there’s not much to recommend this particular department store.
Wako - image © Florentyna Leow
One of the main landmarks of Ginza’s famous 4-chome intersection is Mitsukoshi Department Store. The other is Wako right opposite.
Wako - image © Florentyna Leow
Originally founded as a watch and jewelry shop, Wako now stocks porcelain, dishwater, handbags, and other imported goods besides their watch and jewelry standbys.
As a place to shop, its offerings are a little staid, and they seem to be targeted at an older, wealthier clientele than not. Still, if you’re looking for a chi-chi tea salon or cafe, you could do much worse than popping into their next-door annex.
Wako’s most interesting feature is the building itself. Built in 1932 and having survived the WWII bombings, the building was designed by Jin Watanabe in the Art Deco-influenced neoclassical style. The Seiko clock overlooking the 4-chome intersection is a major Ginza landmark, and you’ll see plenty of tourists aiming their cameras at it.
English name:
Wako
Japanese name:
和光
English address:
4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8105
Japanese address:
〒104-8105 東京都中央区銀座4-5-11
Opening hours:
10:30am-7pm
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Subway: Directly connected to exit B1 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Ginza and Marunouchi lines.
Train: 6-minute walk from the Ginza exit of Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Telephone:
+81-3-3562-2111
Website:
Official website (English)
Near To Here:
Wako is located in Tokyo's Ginza district. See our complete list of things to do in Ginza, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
