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Starbucks with a View: Rooftop Garden at GINZA SIX in Tokyo
The History of Matsuzakaya Ginza Department Store
Matsuzakaya Ginza store opened as the first department store in Ginza in December 1924, a year after the Great Kanto Earthquake, leading the recovery of Ginza, Tokyo, Japan.
The approximately 43-meter-high building, which had eight floors above ground and the basement, was the tallest in Ginza at that time. After that, the building repeatedly underwent expansion and renovation and served as a landmark symbolizing the modernization of the city.
Customers were allowed to enter with their shoes on, which accelerated the popularization of department stores; a rooftop zoo, which could be enjoyed by families, was opened; all staff uniforms were changed to Western-style clothing, taking fashion and functionality in advance; an automated parking elevator was installed in anticipation of motorization.
They were all pioneered by Matsuzakaya Ginza store. On June 30, 2013, the store ended its 90-year history under the “Ginza 6-chome District 10 Category 1 Urban Redevelopment Project".
Ginza SIX and the Rooftop Garden Today
Rooftop Garden of the Former Site of Matsuzakaya Ginza Store – now known as GINZA SIX – is a peaceful and green space in the middle of Tokyo’s bustling Ginza district. The rooftop offers views over the city and a relaxing place to pause while shopping or sightseeing. It’s a modern public space with historical roots and calm atmosphere.
“A Tree” Project – Traditional Cedar Meets Modern Design
“A Tree” projected by DAIKEI MILLS is a long-term project spanning approximately three years from April 2025, exploring the transformation of a single tree into furniture and architecture – a process that will be showcased from multiple perspectives with GINZA SIX.
Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, the source of Yoshino cedar, has long been renowned for its high-quality timber. Yoshino forestry has upheld its unique cultivation methods – characterized by dense planting and meticulous thinning – since the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573). This careful approach results in exquisite wood grain and exceptional durability, qualities that have long supported Japanese craftsmanship, from traditional architecture, shrines, and tea houses to furniture and even disposable chopsticks.
In collaboration with multiple creators, each bringing their own unique interpretation on the brief, and the entire 25-meter tree will be used to craft furniture and small-scale architectural structures. These pieces, once realized as furniture or micro-architectural elements, will serve as adaptive pop-up installations within GINZA SIX, accommodating a diverse range of uses and experiences.
The fine width of the annual rings of “Yoshino cedar” enables its resistance to deviation and strength. The 202 pieces of Yoshino cedar that combine beauty and strength spread out on the PARK. During the day, you can sit back and relax. All the Yoshino cedar trees in the PARK are “back-split”, a method used to prevent or reduce the cracking of the lumber due to drying. At night, this Lightning through this “back-split” process creates an illusory scenery. The Yoshino Forest, which has been in existence for over 500 years, suddenly appears in the center of Ginza. Please spend your time as you wish, feeling the forest next to you.
Is the Rooftop Free to Enter?
Yes – the rooftop garden at GINZA SIX is completely free to enter. You don't need to make any reservation or buy anything in the shopping mall. Just take the elevator to the top floor and walk towards the garden area. It’s a perfect escape from the busy streets of Ginza without spending a single yen.
Even during special events like the “A Tree” project, the rooftop remains accessible to the public. You can enjoy art, nature, and a moment of peace – all for free.
How to Get to GINZA SIX Rooftop?
To reach the rooftop garden, enter the GINZA SIX building from Chuo-dori (the main Ginza street) and look for elevators or escalators leading to the 13th floor. There are clear signs in both Japanese and English.
If you're already inside the building, take the main elevator near the central atrium or the side escalators, and follow the signs that say "Rooftop Garden" or "Sky Garden". You’ll pass art installations and quiet seating zones on your way up.
The rooftop is open during mall hours – usually from around 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM (but always check locally for updates).
What to Expect at the Rooftop Park
Whether you're here for a break, to take photos, or just to enjoy the air, the rooftop garden is full of subtle details. Flowers, seating areas, hidden paths, and small installations change with the seasons. It’s a rare chance to see the fast-paced Ginza from a calm and natural perspective.
Starbucks in the Garden – A Unique Coffee Break
Enjoy a cup of coffee with some light snacks and local desserts like a Starbucks Matcha Cheesecake or Uji Matcha & White Choco Scone in the forestry scenery where you will be able to feel as in the park in the middle of one of the busiest areas of Tokyo, Japan.
Relax in the shadow of planted trees and amidst colorful flowers. Observe people crossing streets, shopping and having a break in their everyday life. Spend some time with a view over Ginza’s skyscrapers and stores with exclusive brands. And if you have an opportunity to come during the “A Tree” installation let immerse yourself into the cedar Yoshino Forest where the smell of the natural wood will calm you down.
Final Thoughts – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Ginza
The rooftop garden at GINZA SIX is more than just a place to grab a coffee. It’s a mix of history, art, nature, and everyday life – right in the heart of Tokyo. Whether you’re coming for Starbucks, architecture, or just a break between stores – this place is worth a visit.
Date: 2025-04-30
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
