The Ginza district, located only a mile from JR Tokyo station, is the most luxurious shopping area in Japan replete with high-end brand shops and prestigious department stores. Ginza is about 1.2 kilometers long and less than a kilometer wide. The intersection of Ginza Street (officially named Chuo Street) and Harumi Avenue represents the center of the Ginza district. Famous department stores such as Mitsukoshi, Matsuya and Matsuzakaya line Ginza Street. Brand shops including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Chanel reside in gorgeous buildings which can easily be identified. Walking along narrower streets, you will find dozens of smaller shops selling expensive but very attractive items. You can also find a wide variety of restaurants serving, for example, Japanese, Chinese or western food, from gourmet meals to fast food such as McDonald’s. On holidays or at weekends you can experience a Tokyo’s version of a pedestrian’s paradise. A section of Ginza Street is closed to vehicular traffic and opened to pedestrians for 4 to 6 hours during the afternoon. Outdoor seating with parasols are provided free of charge for the weary.