Shimbashi

Shimbashi is a district located in Minato ward, Tokyo. It is a historic commercial district adjacent to Ginza and Shiodome, centered on Shimbashi Station.

The name "Shimbashi" means "new bridge" and refers to a bridge built in the early modernization era in the Shimbashi area. In 1872, the first railway in Japan terminated at Shimbashi Station, marking the start of the country’s modern railway network. The station and surrounding district grew rapidly as a gateway for travelers and goods, attracting offices and shops.

Transportation and access are defining features of Shimbashi. Shimbashi Station serves JR East lines, including the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Tokaido, and Yokosuka lines, as well as the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The area’s location near central business districts and entertainment zones has made it a busy hub for commuters and visitors.

Economy and urban form in Shimbashi mix corporate offices, hotels, and commercial facilities with historic storefronts and dining streets. The neighborhood contains a dense cluster of office towers along major thoroughfares around the station, while retaining traditional retail and after-work dining venues that reflect its long-standing role as a business and social center.

Redevelopment since the late 20th century has integrated modern high-rise offices with the adjacent Shiodome and Shinbashi neighborhoods. Today, Shimbashi remains a key transportation artery in central Tokyo, linking corporate districts with residential areas and serving as a gateway to the city’s southern wards.