Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district, is steeped in history dating back to the Edo period. Originally a site for a silver coin mint established in 1612, Ginza has evolved into a symbol of modernization and luxury. After a fire in 1872, the Meiji government transformed it into a model district with fireproof brick buildings and broad streets. Today, Ginza is renowned for its high-end boutiques, department stores, and its blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.