Ginza Lion Building

Ginza Lion Building: A Living Monument to Japan's Beer Culture

Standing proudly on the corner of Ginza 7-chome along Tokyo's prestigious Chuo-dori avenue, the Ginza Lion Building is far more than an ordinary commercial structure. Completed in 1934 during the early Showa era, this six-story reinforced concrete landmark houses Japan's oldest surviving beer hall on its ground floor — a space that has welcomed patrons for over nine decades without interruption. Registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in February 2022, the building represents a rare and precious link to pre-war Ginza, where the spirit of modern Japan's encounter with Western culture is preserved in glass, tile, and stone.

Historical Background: From Dai Nippon Beer Headquarters to Cultural Heritage

The Ginza Lion Building was originally constructed as the headquarters of Dai Nippon Beer Co., Ltd. (大日本麦酒株式会社), which at the time was one of Japan's largest brewing conglomerates. The building was designed by architect Eizo Sugawara (菅原栄蔵, 1892–1967), who was known for his artistic approach to architecture and had worked alongside influences from Frank Lloyd Wright. Construction firm Takenaka Corporation carried out the building work, and the structure was completed on April 8, 1934.

The ground-floor beer hall opened its doors on April 26, 1934, offering the public a grand space in which to enjoy draft beer. The vision behind the hall came from Dai Nippon Beer president Koshikoshi Umagoe, who dreamed of creating a beer hall unrivaled in the nation — a space that would endure for generations as a symbol of Japanese beer culture.

During World War II, many of Tokyo's beer halls were destroyed by air raids or dismantled for wartime needs. The Ginza Lion Building, however, miraculously survived the firebombing of Tokyo. After the war, in September 1945, the beer hall was requisitioned by the Allied occupation forces and served as an exclusive venue for GHQ personnel. It was returned to public use in January 1952 and has been operating continuously ever since.

Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

The Agency for Cultural Affairs registered the Ginza Lion Building as a Tangible Cultural Property (建造物) on February 17, 2022. The Cultural Council's assessment described the building as a masterwork of beer hall architecture in Japan. Several factors contributed to this designation:

• The building is one of the few surviving pre-war commercial structures along Ginza's Chuo-dori, built under the original "100-shaku" (approximately 30.3 meters) height restriction established in 1919 — structures that are now exceedingly rare.
• The exterior preserves Frank Lloyd Wright–influenced design elements on its ground-floor facade and parapet, blending Western modernism with Japanese sensibility.
• The first-floor beer hall retains its original interior almost entirely intact, including the extraordinary glass mosaic murals, ceramic tile work, and decorative lighting — elements that experts have described as irreplaceable and impossible to reproduce today.
• The sixth-floor Ginza Classic Hall also preserves its original character from the building's founding era.
• The building has served continuously as a commercial and cultural landmark in Ginza for over 80 years, surviving war, occupation, and urban redevelopment.

Architectural Highlights: A Cathedral of Beer

Visitors stepping into the first-floor Beer Hall Lion Ginza 7-chome are often struck by a sensation described as entering a European cathedral. The ceiling soars to approximately six meters, and every surface has been meticulously designed around the theme of "Abundance and Harvest" (豊穣と収穫).

The Glass Mosaic Murals

The centerpiece of the beer hall is the magnificent glass mosaic mural on the far wall, measuring approximately 2.75 meters tall and 5.75 meters wide. Designed by architect Sugawara himself and executed by glass artisan Kizo Otsuka, the mural depicts women in ancient Greek-style costumes harvesting barley, surrounded by ripe grapes and acanthus flowers — a Mediterranean symbol of love and peace. In the background, a factory chimney represents the historic Sapporo brewery that once stood in Ebisu. Remarkably, all the glass used in the 250-color mosaic was domestically produced, making this one of the first major glass mosaic works created entirely by Japanese hands. In total, twelve glass mosaic panels of varying sizes adorn the hall's walls, each with unique botanical and harvest-themed motifs, and each featuring a hidden insect above the floral arrangements.

Pillars, Walls, and Lighting

The hall's thick pillars are clad in dark green ceramic tiles designed to evoke stalks of barley, crafted by the renowned ceramist Shinobu Komori. The surrounding walls are finished in warm reddish-brown tiles meant to represent the fertile earth that nurtures the harvest. From the ceiling hang two distinctive types of lighting: chandeliers shaped like clusters of grapes, and pendant lights decorated with polka-dot patterns representing the foam of freshly poured beer. Together, these elements create an immersive, almost otherworldly atmosphere that transports guests to a realm of timeless celebration.

The Exterior and Upper Floors

The building's exterior, while more restrained than its interior, features Art Deco and Prairie Style–influenced design details on the ground-floor facade and rooftop parapet. The sixth-floor Ginza Classic Hall, originally used as a conference room, retains its original decor and is now available for private events and parties.

Experiencing the Beer Hall Today

Beer Hall Lion Ginza 7-chome continues to operate as a beloved dining destination. Sapporo Lion Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sapporo Holdings, manages the building and its restaurants. The beer hall serves a wide selection of Sapporo draft beers, including the signature Black Label, along with wine, sake, and cocktails. The food menu features classic beer hall fare such as sausages, the famous Ginza Roast Beef (a house specialty for over 20 years), fried chicken, and hearty Western-Japanese fusion dishes.

One of the hall's traditions is the "one-stroke pour" technique, in which skilled bartenders pour draft beer in a single, continuous motion to create the ideal foam crown. The Ginza Lion Building houses multiple dining venues across its floors: the main beer hall on the first floor, a beer and wine grill on the second floor, Japanese restaurants on the third and fourth floors, and the Ginza Classic Hall event space on the sixth floor. In 2024, a new concept restaurant called "Wasyoku Beer Hall Masumi" opened on the third floor, blending traditional Japanese cuisine with beer hall culture.

Visitor Information

The Ginza Lion Building is located at 7-9-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, along the famous Chuo-dori avenue near the Ginza 6-chome intersection. It is easily accessible from multiple train stations. From Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines), it is approximately a three-minute walk. From JR Shimbashi Station's Ginza Exit, it is about a seven-minute walk. The beer hall is open daily from 11:30 AM, and no reservations are required for the first-floor hall, though it can get crowded during evening hours. An English menu is available, and the staff can assist international visitors.

Nearby Attractions

The Ginza Lion Building sits in the heart of one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts, offering visitors a wealth of cultural and shopping experiences within easy walking distance.

• GINZA SIX — A modern luxury shopping complex directly adjacent to the Ginza Lion Building, featuring over 240 brands, art installations, and a rooftop garden with views of the Ginza skyline.
• SEIKO HOUSE GINZA (formerly Wako) — Another iconic pre-war building on Ginza's Chuo-dori, completed in 1932, known for its distinctive clock tower and elegant retail offerings.
• Kabukiza Theatre — Japan's principal venue for kabuki performances, located a short walk east along Harumi-dori, where visitors can experience traditional Japanese theater.
• Tsukiji Outer Market — The bustling market area near the former Tsukiji fish market site, offering fresh seafood, street food, and culinary specialties just a 10-minute walk away.
• Hama-rikyu Gardens — A beautifully preserved Edo-period landscape garden along Tokyo Bay, approximately 15 minutes on foot from the building, offering a tranquil contrast to Ginza's urban energy.