Year of Naming: 1999 The area around Taimei-dori was part of a rezoning project in the wake of the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake. The area was widened, a modern-style school, Taimei Elementary, was built, and narrow lanes were opened up along Miyuki-dori. Perhaps because the school symbolized the community’s restoration, the locals felt a deep attachment to the word “Taimei,” and in 1999, the name “Taimei-dori St.” was announced. You can download the pamphlet in PDF through this link. ginza.jp/en/tourist-map It is available at the tourist centers around Ginza as well. ginza.jp/en/townguide/touristo...

Year of Naming: 1993 Ginza-Gasuto-dori extending from Ginza 3 to 4-Chome was established as a “shindo” between the time of the Great Fire of Meireki and the Genroku Imperial Era (1688 through 1704). Other new streets were also formed during the Edo Period. The name “Ginza-Gasuto-dori St.” was finalized in 1993. At the same time, four replicas of gas lanterns used on Ginza-dori since 1874 were installed. These even run on real gas. When onlookers gaze into the flames of these lanterns, they almost feel as though they have been transported back in time to the Ginza-dori of the late 1800s. You can download the pamphlet in PDF through this link. ginza.jp/en/tourist-map It is available at the tourist centers around Ginza as well. ginza.jp/en/townguide/touristo...

Year of Naming: 2009 In the Meiji era (1868 - 1912), Ginza was a place that could be described using words such as “brick buildings,” “colonnades,” and “gas lanterns,” and was reminiscent of a town somewhere in Europe. However, insofar as street names are concerned, “Gasuto” (gas lantern”) was the only one used which described characteristics of this distinct architecture period in the district’s history. Perhaps it was because bricks had become such a given in Ginza that those responsible for naming the streets consciously made an unspoken decision not to use the word “brick” in the street names. This taboo passed however, and in 2009, the street one behind Namiki-dori spanning Ginza 1 through 4-Chome was named “Ginza-Renga-dori” (“Ginza “Brick” Street” in English). This street emerged amidst the Ginza brick city construction phase itself. Since its name changed, Ginza-Renga-dori seems to have become a more a more refined and picturesque street. You can download the pamphlet in PDF through this link. ginza.jp/en/tourist-map It is available at the tourist centers around Ginza as well. ginza.jp/en/townguide/touristo...