Nihonbashi

Tokyo’s Chuo Ward’s Nihonbashi River has a bridge over it this bridge is also called Nihonbashi Bridge. This is the origin of measuring distances for all places in Japan. The area surrounding the Nihonbashi Bridge is called Nihonbashi. There is also an area called Nihonbashi in Osaka, however that Nihonbashi is similar to Tokyo’s Akihabara in that it is an area selling many electrical appliances; it is very different to Tokyo’s Nihonbashi.

As for the bridge, it was originally built in 1603 and after that it was repeatedly burned down and rebuilt. The bridge that is hanging currently is the 20th bridge that has been built. In 1999 the bridge was designated as a cultural asset. However, in 1964 before the Tokyo Olympics a highway was built above the bridge, therefore making it hard to see the sky from the bridge. In recent years some people have had a strong desire to develop the scenery under the expressway. However, some people are still opposed to this, therefore the idea is still under consideration. 

As for the area of Nihonbashi, it lies in the Northern half of the Chuo Ward. It is home to The Bank of Japan’s head office, Mitsukoshi Department store’s head branch, Takashimaya Department store, Mitsui Group’s head office, etc… From a long time ago there have been many businesses and trading companies, therefore, Nihonbashi is similar to Wallstreet and is surrounded by many skyscrapers. On the other hand if you go just a little ways from the main street a traditional Japanese scent will fill the air. Traditional stores such as Ningyo Yakeyashiki (dough baked in molds to look like dolls with sweet red bean inside), Oyakodon (a bowl of rice topped with chicken, onion, and egg), shops selling seaweed, stores selling green tea, Kimono shops, hand towel shops, Japanese Paper shops, etc… Here you will find many traditional shops that have been here for a very long time.

Sightseeing Spot	Shopping	Gourmet
Mint Museum Suitengu Shrine Ozu Gallery  (Japanese Paper)	Mitsukoshi Department store Takashimaya Department store COREDO Nihonbashi  (Shopping Center) Ozu Japanese Paper Chikusen (Kimono Store) Chidoriya (Hand Towel Store) Koromoya(Kimono Store)	Itakuraya  (Ningyoyaki Store) Tamahide  (Oyakodon Store) Toriya Kappou Shimamura Bunmeido Yamamotoyama

Access
Nihonbashi Station---Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line
Ningyocho---Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Asakusa Line