Iidabashi

[Olden Days]
From about 16,500 years ago until about 10,000 years ago, Iidabashi was an inlet that was constantly pounded by waves. After that as the sea began to retreat the area became overgrown by reeds; during the Edo Period (1603-1868), a Shogun named Tokugawa Ieyasu came to Edo and started a large-scale fortification construction project. In that neighborhood the swamp area became the living quarters for the samurai. Kudansaka and Nakasaka became the center of the merchant area and was a very lively area. However after entering into the Meiji Period there was no one living in the samurai quarters and it very quickly became a difficult time. Over time it has returned back to it’s former lively state.

[Currently]
This is a place where you can work, live, meet friends, and relax. In Tokyo Marunoichi, Otemachi, and Shinjuku are the major business area and receive much attention because they are well known for this.

Sightseeing Spot:
(1) Iitabe
(2) Horidome Bridge
(3) Yasukuni Shrine
(4) Tokyo University Shrine
(5) Sotobori Park

♦ Iitabe
Running along the JR line there is a walking path that has a mural of whales running along both sides. Why don’t you try counting how many whales there are!

♦ Horidome Bridge This runs across the Nihonbashi River. During the Edo Period in order to protect the Edo Castle the Nihonbashi River was connected to a moat. That place was called Horidome; therefore, it is now called Horidome Bridge. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912) it was connected to the Kanda River. Currently, there is a highway above the bridge.

♦ Yasukuni Shrine In 1869 Shoukonsha Shrine was built, and in 1879 the name was changed to Yasukuni Shrine. During the Meiji Restoration this shrine was dedicated to the 2,460,000 soldiers who lost their lives in WWII.

♦ Tokyo University Shrine
It was called Tokyo Oisetouge. In 1880 it was built in the area North of Teikoku Hotel. It was moved to another location in 1928.

♦ Sotobori Park
The canal that runs between Yotsuya and Iidabashi was once the outer moat of Edo Castle. Inside the park there is a tennis court and baseball field, also in the direction of Iidabashi there is a promenade of about 270 Cherry Blossom Trees, which is a great view. In the spring if you get off at Iidabashi Station and walk along the Cherry Blossom Trees to Yotsuya it is a very beautiful walk.

Access:
JR Sobu Line　Iidabashi Station
Toei Oedo Line　Iidabashi Station
Tokyo Metro　Tozai Line, Nanboku Line, Yurakucho Line