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.
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