The curved neo-Renaissance building on the Ginza 4-chome crossing is the district’s emblem and one of the few prewar structures to survive. Hattori Kintaro, founder of what became Seiko, built it in 1932 as his flagship, with a clock tower that still rings Westminster chimes across the junction. The ground floor sells watches and jewellery in a hush, and the upper floors fine china and clothing.
You do not need to buy anything to enjoy it. Stand on the opposite corner near the Mitsukoshi lion and wait for the chime, or come at dusk when the stone glows under lights and the crossing’s taxi traffic flows around it. The window displays are a seasonal ritual for Tokyo residents.
Tips
- The clock chimes on the hour, and the crossing below is the place to stand to hear it over the traffic
- The window displays change seasonally and are considered Tokyo's finest, so look before entering
- The Seiko Museum sits in the same building complex and is free, telling the story of the clockmaker who built the tower