Nihonbashi

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Nihonbashi (the bridge)
Nihonbashi (the bridge)
Marker from which distances are measured
Marker from which distances are measured

Nihonbashi (日本橋? lit. Japan Bridge), or Nihombashi, is a business district of Chūō Ward, Tokyo, Japan, surrounding a famous bridge of the same name. The district covers a large area to the north and east of the bridge, reaching Akihabara to the north and the Sumida River to the east. Ōtemachi is to the west and Yaesu and Ginza to the south.

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The Nihonbashi district was a major mercantile center during the Edo period: its early development is largely credited to the Mitsui family, who based their wholesaling business in Nihonbashi and developed Japan's first department store, Mitsukoshi, there. The Edo-era fish market formerly in Nihonbashi was the predecessor of today's Tsukiji fish market. In later years, Nihonbashi emerged as Tokyo's (and Japan's) predominant financial district.

The Nihonbashi bridge first became famous during the 1600s, when it was the eastern terminus of the Nakasendō and the Tōkaidō, roads which ran between Edo and Kyoto. During this time, it was known as Edobashi, or "Edo Bridge." In the Meiji era, the wooden bridge was replaced by a larger stone bridge, which still stands today (a replica of the old bridge has been exhibited at the Edo-Tokyo Museum). It is the point from which Japanese people measure distances: highway signs that report the distance to Tokyo actually state the number of kilometers to Nihonbashi.

Shortly before the 1964 Summer Olympics, an expressway was built over the Nihonbashi bridge, obscuring the classic view of Mount Fuji from the bridge. In recent years, local citizens have petitioned the government to move this expressway underground. This plan was supported by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi but opposed by Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara. If implemented, the construction costs are expected to total ¥500 billion (about US$4+ billion).

Bank of Japan
Bank of Japan
Mitsukoshi Department Store
Mitsukoshi Department Store
Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower
Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower

Nihonbashi (日本橋)

Hakozakicho (箱崎町)

Honcho (本町)

Muromachi (室町)

As the starting point for the five routes of the Edo period, Nihonbashi provided easy access to many parts throughout ancient Japan.

Nihonbashi (starting location) - Shinagawa-juku
  • Nakasendō (connecting Edo to Kyoto, going through the mountains)
Nihonbashi (starting location) - Itabashi-juku
Nihonbashi (starting location) - Naitō Shinjuku
Nihonbashi (starting location) - Hakutaku-juku
Nihonbashi (starting location) - Senju-juku


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