Sunday 26 December 2010

Mitsukoshi - a rooftop oasis in Ginza

Mitsukoshi Ginza, arguably the most upmarket department store in Japan, has  undergone recent renovation. I can't say I am a regular customer, but I do appreciate the feast for the eyes in their food hall.      Though the main purpose of the renovations was to increase floor space, the highlight has to be the new rooftop / play area.  Finding a place to sit down, out of the elements,  where you don't need to buy something  to be there can be a challenge in Tokyo.    Mitsukoshi, on the Ginza 4-chome crossing is a welcome addition. 

Roof top garden / play area
Roof top play area
Mimeguri Shrine on the top of Mitsukoshi, Ginza

Shrine
A place to just sit.  On the RHS is the smoking room.
Seasonal decorations on the roof
A coffee shop
An art / exhibition space
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100912a7.html

2 comments:

Bryn said...

At the beginning of November is the annual Ginza Jazz Fest (although this year it started on Oct 30) Have you ever been? I've been the last 3 years in a row, and one of the venues is always the roof of Mitsukoshi. It's one of my favorites. The weather is always perfect, I spread a blanket and love just laying there, on top of an expensive department store, in the middle of downtown Tokyo, enjoying some awesome free jazz! I always concentrate really hard at storing away every detail in my mind and use it as my "happy place" when I need a mental escape!

Cecilia said...

I didn't know.
What a fountain of knowledge.
Thanks :)

Am I right in thinking this is part of the recent renovations? I got confused there the other day in the basement - the food has all been changed around. I'm not sure that I had ever been to the roof before.
It's stunning.
Bring on November :)