Overview of Nihonbashi
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Nihonbashi has flourished as a transportation hub since the Edo period. The area proliferated with the opening of the Edo shogunate and developed into a castle town where merchants and artisans gathered. Nihonbashi was also the starting point of the Five Routes and an important distribution center for goods from all over the country. This established Nihonbashi as a center of economic activity, and it still retains its importance.
The history of Nihonbashi dates back to 1603. The first bridge, built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, played an important role as the starting point of the Five Routes. The bridge served as the center of commerce and transportation in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), and at that time, Japan flourished as one of the most prominent cities in the world. Nihonbashi was a place of exchange for merchants and a cultural center.
Today, Nihonbashi is an attractive area where historical buildings and modern commercial facilities coexist. Tourists can enjoy the latest shopping and dining while experiencing traditional Japanese culture. Dotted throughout Nihonbashi are cultural facilities such as the Mitsui Memorial Museum of Art and the Bank of Japan's main branch, offering visitors diverse experiences. This way, Nihonbashi attracts many people as a special place where history and modernity merge.
Historical Places of Interest
Nihonbashi has been a historical landmark since the Edo period (1603-1867) and has played an important role as the starting point of the Five Routes. The bridge was rebuilt in 1911 and designated as a National Important Cultural Property. In the center of the bridge is a kylin statue, a symbol of prosperity, and at the four corners are statues of lions, which serve as guardians. These sculptures represent the prosperity of the city of Tokyo at that time and leave a deep impression on visitors.
The Bank of Japan Head Office is a massive stone building designed by Kingo Tatsuno and completed in 1894. The building features a beautiful design that blends neo-baroque and Renaissance styles. Tours require reservations, but visitors can experience a valuable sense of history from the interior's modern Japanese-style courtyard to the former underground vaults. Visitors can appreciate architecture's beauty while learning about finance's history.
The Mitsui Memorial Museum of Art is a cultural center that exhibits Japanese and Oriental artworks collected by the Mitsui family over the years. In particular, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the formative arts in the recreation of the Nyoan, a tea ceremony room that is a national treasure. Permanent and special exhibits are on display, and the museum also offers a wide range of seasonal events so visitors can make discoveries no matter how many times they visit. Many visitors love the museum as a valuable place to learn about culture and history.
Popular Tourist Spots
The Nihonbashi Bridge, built by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1603, became a major transportation hub in Japan and the starting point of the Five Routes. The bridge is an important cultural asset symbolizing the prosperity of the Edo period, and its current structure was completed in 1911. The beautiful double-arch bridge and streetlights reflect the architectural style of the Meiji period, giving visitors a sense of the weight of history.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi main store is the oldest department store in Japan, having opened in Tokyo in 1897. Initially a kimono shop founded in Kyoto, its ornate architecture and high-quality merchandise provides a unique experience for foreign visitors. The store offers various products, from traditional kimono to the latest fashions, making it the perfect place to enjoy a shopping experience.
COREDO Muromachi is a commercial facility in the heart of Nihonbashi, where various specialty stores and restaurants are gathered. In particular, COREDO Muromachi 2 has many long-established stores that have been in business for more than 100 years, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional Japanese flavors. This is a beautiful spot for foreign tourists as they can enjoy shopping and dining simultaneously.
The Kite Museum is a unique facility that displays approximately 3,000 kites, including Edo kites. Various domestic and international kites are collected here, and their shapes and designs fascinate visitors. It is an exciting experience for foreign visitors, who can learn about the history and culture of kites.
The Currency Museum of the Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies of the Bank of Japan is a valuable facility where visitors can learn about the history of Japanese coins. The museum exhibits various materials, including actual Wadokaichin, large and small oval kites, and even coins-related paintings. In particular, it is a spot of great educational value for foreign visitors, as they can understand the Japanese economy and culture through the evolution of the coinage.
Cultural Experience Activities
The Edo Cultural Experience Tour allows participants to experience the culture of the Edo period as they tour the historical sites of Nihonbashi. The tour is in English and includes visits to Fukutoku Shrine and the stores of COREDO Muromachi, where visitors can experience traditional crafts and food culture. This allows foreign visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history and gain a memorable experience.
The Japanese Cooking Experience allows participants to cook a Japanese home-style dish and then eat it together. This experience is a good opportunity to learn about the culture and history behind the cuisine and gain a deeper understanding through recipes using local ingredients. Through cooking, participants can feel the warmth of a Japanese home, and it also promotes interaction among participants.
Kimono rentals are an excellent way to experience traditional Japanese culture. Tourists can be dressed by professional staff and walk around the streets of Nihonbashi while wearing a kimono. Taking pictures in a beautiful kimono makes your trip even more special and is a great way to share your memories on social networking sites. Through kimono, you can also learn about Japanese aesthetics and etiquette.
The tea ceremony experience allows participants to learn traditional Japanese tea ceremony etiquette and actually make tea. Through this experience, participants can understand the philosophy and spirituality behind the tea ceremony and have time to calm their minds. With guidance from the instructor, participants will not only enjoy the tea ceremony but will also have a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
The circular cruise is a wonderful experience that departs from the Nihonbashi River and travels around Tokyo Bay. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Tokyo during the cruise, especially at night. Tourists can relax and see Tokyo's landmarks from a new angle from the ship's perspective. Different cruise plans are available each season, offering something new to discover each time you visit.
