Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi is a district in Tokyo’s Chuo ward, centered on the Nihonbashi Bridge, which spans the Nihonbashi River just east of central Tokyo. The name Nihonbashi means “Japan Bridge,” and the area has long been associated with commerce and transport in the city.

Historically, the bridge was first built in 1603 under the Tokugawa shogunate to mark the starting point of Japan’s five major roads (the go-kaidō) radiating from Edo. Distances along these routes were measured from Nihonbashi, making the site a symbolic origin for travel and trade across the country.

The wooden bridge underwent several reconstructions due to fires and floods. The current structure, completed in the early 20th century, preserves a traditional stone-arch appearance while serving a modern urban district.

Today the Nihonbashi district is a mixed-use area that blends its mercantile heritage with contemporary retail and offices. It hosts flagship stores, galleries, and redevelopment complexes such as COREDO Muromachi, alongside traditional shops and eateries that recall its historic commercial character.

Public transit access is strong, with Nihonbashi Station served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and nearby connections to other subway lines and JR services. The district’s riverfront promenades and close proximity to central hubs like Tokyo Station make Nihonbashi a notable waypoint for visitors and a busy center for business and shopping.