Discover the Charm of Nihonbashi in a Day | #TIMELESS_ RYOKAN in TOKYO | Japan Ryokan and Hotel Association Tokyo Branch

Nihonbashi has prospered as the center of Japan since the Edo period. The Nihonbashi Bridge, known as the starting point of the Edo Five Routes, still retains its presence today. On the other hand, modern skyscrapers line the surrounding area, creating a unique atmosphere where the charm of old and new are fused together.

In the Nihonbashi area, you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as sightseeing around historical buildings and long-established stores, gourmet experiences at trendy restaurants, and shopping at the latest shopping spots. Why not spend a day discovering the charm of Nihonbashi while strolling around?

[9:00 AM] Nihonbashi Bridge

Located about 5 minutes on foot from Tokyo Station or immediately from Nihonbashi Station, the Nihonbashi Bridge is known as the road origin mark of Japan since the Edo period, and is a symbolic bridge of the town whose name is derived from it. The current stone arch bridge completed in 1911 is designated as an important cultural asset of the country. You can feel the history of Nihonbashi as the center of Japan since the Edo period while gazing at its graceful appearance reflected on the surface of the river

[9:30 AM] Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store

Located about 3 minutes on foot from Nihonbashi, the Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store is a historic commercial facility that opened in 1904 as the first department store in Japan. The Renaissance-style main building is designated as an important cultural asset of the country, and its magnificent appearance is also one of the highlights.

Inside the store, a wide variety of products, from luxury brand shops to traditional Japanese crafts, are available. You can also enjoy the atmosphere of a department store that is like an art museum, such as the “Lion Statue” that welcomes you at the main entrance and the statue called “Tennyo (Magokoro Statue)”.

[10:30 AM] Bank of Japan Currency Museum

The Bank of Japan Currency Museum is a specialized museum where you can learn about the history of Japanese currency and the financial system. It exhibits a wide range of Japanese currencies from ancient times to the present, as well as rare currencies from around the world. The charm is that you can learn about the evolution and role of money while having fun. In addition, there are exhibits that both adults and children can enjoy, such as a corner where you can actually experience the weight of 100 million yen and a corner where you can learn about banknote forgery prevention technology.

[12:00 PM] Lunch at Coredo Muromachi

Why not enjoy lunch at Coredo Muromachi, a new landmark in Nihonbashi? Coredo Muromachi is a commercial facility group that was born under the concept of “Nihonbashi, bustling with Japan.” The commercial zone that reproduces the bustle of the Edo period is a space where traditional Japanese culture and modern lifestyles are fused, from long-established stores in Nihonbashi where the history of Nihonbashi resides to new business formats of popular stores.

There are various types of restaurants, from Japanese to French and Italian, so it’s a good idea to decide on lunch depending on your mood that day.

[2:30 PM] Mitsui Memorial Museum

Located on the 7th floor of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, the Mitsui Memorial Museum exhibits masterpieces of Japanese art, mainly from the collection of the Mitsui family, which has continued since the Edo period. It houses many national treasures and important cultural properties, such as the national treasure “Snow Pine Screen” by the painter Okyo Maruyama of the mid-Edo period and the Noh mask “Old Kongo Soke Denrai Noh Mask”. Special exhibitions are held regularly, and valuable works according to the theme are released, so it is recommended to visit according to the schedule.

[4:00 PM] Fukutoku Shrine

Fukutoku Shrine has been familiar to the local people as the general guardian of the Nihonbashi area since ancient times. It is known as the god of business prosperity, and has prospered especially as a center of Daikokuten faith. It seems that there is also a benefit for winning the lottery because it was permitted to sell “Tomikuji” in the Edo period.

There is also an urban forest of about 600 square meters called “Fukutoku no Mori” in the precincts. You can spend a quiet time in a healing space that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

[5:00 PM] Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C.

Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C. is a complex commercial facility that was reborn in 2018 after a large-scale renovation, centering on the long-established department store “Nihonbashi Takashimaya” that opened in 1933. The main building, completed in 1933, is also attractive for its beauty of architecture, in which the design of Japanese architecture can be seen in the heavy Western historical style.

The main atrium remains as it was at the time of construction, and the building itself is designated as an important cultural property. Please pay attention not only to shopping but also to the beauty of the architecture.

Enjoy the charm of Nihonbashi where history and modernity are woven together

The Nihonbashi area where historical buildings and long-established stores that have continued since the Edo era, the latest shopping facilities and museums coexist. If you want to mainly enjoy shopping, you can spend more time in Coredo Muromachi, Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C., Ningyocho, etc., and if you like history, you can thoroughly visit the Bank of Japan Head Office and the Mitsui Memorial Museum.

Please enjoy strolling through the quaint streets at your leisure.

photo by PIXTA