「Three places that take me back to the basics」

Ginza Motoji

Our first stop was Ginza Motoji, where Tokuma-san had his first shopping experience in Ginza.

Ginza Motoji runs a kimono business, with three street-level stores with different specialties: women’s kimono, men’s kimono and Oshima Tsumugi (Oshima longer).

Many people believe that men’s kimono tend to be simple, but “nagajuban” (full-length undergarment worn under a kimono) come in a large variety of colors and designs, sometimes depicting humor. We asked the second-generation owner, Mr. Keita Motoji, to show us some of his recommendations.

Ginza Motoji carries a unique lineup of “nagajuban,” including one depicting an old map of Ginza in the Edo period and many designed with a playful heart. Since the “nagajuban” can be seen from the sleeve edge, it would be nice to select one to match your kimono, or even for the sake of sparking a conversation.

Motoji-san also showed us some “gakuura,” lining material for “haori” coats.

He told us that popular motifs, include dragonflies, symbolizing victory (as they cannot move backwards), and other designs that are said to bring good fortune.

Since a sumptuary law was in effect during the Edo period, people were not allowed the freedom to enjoy colors and design, and therefore they enjoyed “uramasari,” or pursuing fashion in a way they would not be caught – “nagajuban,” “uragaku,” and other garments that could not be noticed. Because people had to wear modest kimonos, liner material was an important means of self-expression.

Specializing in men’s kimonos, the store bears an inviting atmosphere even for men who might usually feel uncomfortable shopping alone. The staff would be delighted to help with kimono coordination and I would suggest casually stopping by to see their collection on a visit to Ginza.

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo

Our final destination was the Hyatt Centric Ginza Hotel, the Hyatt’s lifestyle hotel brand, which opened in Ginza 6-chome in January 2018.

When Tokuma-san was on the organizing committee for the popular summer event, “Yukata de Ginbura,” he was deeply impressed by the staff members’ supportive attitude toward the Ginza community, willingly offering their time for interviews and graciously agreeing to co-sponsor events. They inspired him to bend all his efforts toward the success of the event.

We went to NAMIKI667, the hotel signature restaurant, bar and lounge, located on the third floor. The spacious and sophisticated atmosphere of the hotel is one unique to Ginza.

According to Chef Hayasaka, given their location in an area symbolic of Tokyo, his wish was to introduce local Tokyo ingredients. Therefore, the restaurant serves oven-based slow-cook specialties that feature the freshest local ingredients, showcasing the finest seasoning, vegetables and Wagyu Beef. Even the food offered is true to their name,“Centric,” which means “city center” or “information center.”

My suggestion is to stop for a drink and light meal, such as their specialty Hokkaido pork tonkatsu sandwich with Tokyo Tokiwa sauce or NAMIKI667 Wagyu beef burger.

From 5:00-7:00 PM, they have a “happy hour” known by the name, “NAMIKI 5 to 7,” when you can enjoy a cocktail, or a glass of beer or wine for 600 yen. They offer six unique and creatively crafted cocktails that are differently arranged from season to season. Indulge in a cocktail and good music on Thursday and Friday evenings, when they invite guest DJs from bars in Tokyo.