Ginza, Ginza-itchome or Higashi-ginza: Which Station Should You Use?

Three subway stations in Tokyo have very similar names:

• Ginza Station
• Ginza-itchome Station
• Higashi-ginza Station

They are all located in the Ginza area, but they serve different subway lines and destinations.

Choosing the wrong station may leave you with a longer walk. Use this guide to find the most convenient station for your destination.

Quick Station Guide

Station	Subway Lines	Best For
Ginza Station	Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines	Ginza Mitsukoshi, Wako, Matsuya Ginza, GINZA SIX and Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Ginza-itchome Station	Yurakucho Line	Ginza 1-chome, the Kyobashi side and eastern Ginza
Higashi-ginza Station	Hibiya and Toei Asakusa lines	Kabukiza Theatre, the Tsukiji side and the eastern side of Ginza

The easiest way to remember the difference is:

• For central Ginza and shopping: Ginza Station
• For the Yurakucho Line: Ginza-itchome Station
• For Kabukiza Theatre: Higashi-ginza Station
• For the Toei Asakusa Line: Higashi-ginza Station

Ginza Station: Best for Central Ginza

Ginza Station is served by three Tokyo Metro lines:

• 🟠 Ginza Line — G09
• 🔴 Marunouchi Line — M16
• ⚪ Hibiya Line — H09

This is usually the most convenient station for central Ginza.

Use Ginza Station for destinations such as:

• Ginza Mitsukoshi
• SEIKO HOUSE GINZA and Wako
• Matsuya Ginza
• GINZA SIX
• Ginza Sony Park
• Tokyu Plaza Ginza

If you are visiting Ginza for the first time and your destination is near the main shopping area, Ginza Station is often the easiest choice.

However, the station has many exits. Check our Ginza Station Exit Guide to find the best exit for your destination.

Ginza-itchome Station: Best for the Yurakucho Line

Ginza-itchome Station is served by only one subway line:

• 🟡 Yurakucho Line — Y19

This station is convenient if you are traveling on the Yurakucho Line from areas such as Ikebukuro, Iidabashi, Yurakucho or Shin-kiba.

It is located closer to the Ginza 1-chome and Kyobashi side of the area. If your destination is in eastern or northeastern Ginza, this station may give you a shorter walk.

However, Ginza-itchome Station does not serve the Ginza Line.

The similar names can be confusing:

• Ginza Station: Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines
• Ginza-itchome Station: Yurakucho Line only

When checking your route, make sure Google Maps shows “Ginza-itchome Station” and the station number Y19.

Higashi-ginza Station: Best for Kabukiza Theatre

Higashi-ginza Station is served by two subway lines:

• ⚪ Hibiya Line — H10
• 🌹 Toei Asakusa Line — A11

This is the easiest station to use for Kabukiza Theatre. Exit 3 connects directly to the theatre.

Higashi-ginza Station is also convenient for the eastern side of Ginza and destinations toward Tsukiji.

The Toei Asakusa Line also connects with some airport-bound services. Depending on the train and time of day, routes toward Haneda Airport or Narita Airport may require no transfer or one or more transfers. Always check the exact route before boarding.

Ginza and Higashi-ginza Are Next to Each Other

Ginza and Higashi-ginza are neighboring stations on the Hibiya Line:

• Ginza Station — H09
• Higashi-ginza Station — H10

The stations are also within walking distance of each other.

For some destinations, walking above ground may be easier than taking the subway for one stop.

As a simple rule:

• For Ginza Mitsukoshi, Wako or central shopping areas, use Ginza Station
• For Kabukiza Theatre, use Higashi-ginza Station

Common Mistakes

Going to Ginza-itchome Station for the Ginza Line

Despite its name, Ginza-itchome Station is not on the Ginza Line.

Use Ginza Station if you need the Ginza Line. Use Ginza-itchome Station only for the Yurakucho Line.

Using Ginza Station for Kabukiza Theatre

You can walk to Kabukiza Theatre from Ginza Station, but Higashi-ginza Station is easier.

Exit 3 of Higashi-ginza Station connects directly to the theatre.

Looking Only at the Station Name

The three station names look similar, especially on a small phone screen.

Check the line letter and station number as well:

• Ginza Station — G09, M16 and H09
• Ginza-itchome Station — Y19
• Higashi-ginza Station — H10 and A11

How to Choose the Right Station

First, search for the exact name of your destination on Google Maps.

Then check:

1. The closest station
2. The subway line
3. The station number
4. The recommended exit

If your destination is in central Ginza, check Ginza Station first.

Choose Ginza-itchome Station when the Yurakucho Line is convenient for your journey. Choose Higashi-ginza Station for Kabukiza Theatre, the eastern side of Ginza or the Toei Asakusa Line.

Google Maps may show an inaccurate location underground. Once inside the station, follow the station signs and check the full station name, line letter and station number.

If you are already inside Ginza Station and feel confused, read our 10 easy steps for finding the right line and exit at Ginza Station.

Final Summary

Remember these three simple choices:

• Ginza Station: Central Ginza, shopping and three Tokyo Metro lines
• Ginza-itchome Station: The Yurakucho Line and the Ginza 1-chome area
• Higashi-ginza Station: Kabukiza Theatre, the Tsukiji side and the Toei Asakusa Line

The names may be similar, but the subway lines are different.

Check the station name, line letter and station number before boarding. This simple step can save you a long and confusing walk through Ginza.