Step into the vibrant world of Edo through an enlarged replica of Kidai Shōran (1.5 times the original size), displayed in the underground concourse of Mitsukoshimae Station (near Exit A3). The original painting is housed in Berlin, Germany, at the Museum of Asian Art.

The title Kidai Shōran (熈代勝覧) can be translated as “A Glorious View of an Enlightened Age.” It depicts the prosperity of Edo (present-day Tokyo) in 1805, just one year before a devastating fire struck the city.

This remarkable artwork was discovered in 1995 by Hans-Joachim Küster, a biology professor and collector of Chinese art, in the attic of a relative’s home. Initially believed to be Chinese, it was later deposited in a Berlin museum.

After his passing in 1999, the collection was re-examined, and a Japanese curator recognized the work as Japanese. Further research by Professor Kobayashi of Gakushuin University confirmed its significance.

The painting presents a detailed bird’s-eye view of a 764-meter stretch from Nihonbashi Bridge to Imagawabashi Bridge—one of the busiest streets in Edo at the time.

It features an astonishing 1,671 people—monks, merchants, and townspeople—along with 20 stray dogs, 13 horses, 4 ox-drawn carts, 1 monkey, and 2 hawks, vividly bringing the city to life.

This is a fascinating introduction to Edo culture and a perfect starting point for your Nihonbashi walk.

Located on the basement level (B1) of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, the oldest department store in Japan, this magnificent statue of a celestial maiden, known as “Tenyo,” is one of the symbolic artworks of the store.

It was created in April 1960 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the department store’s founding. The statue was crafted over approximately 10 years by the renowned sculptor Gen Gen Sato. This large-scale wooden sculpture, standing about 10 meters tall, is richly colored and elaborately decorated.

The artwork captures the moment “a celestial maiden, surrounded by auspicious clouds, descends onto the center of a flower,” expressing a sense of luxurious and breathtaking beauty.

Rather than representing a deity from a specific religion, the Tenyo embodies a universal spiritual concept in Japan—the divine essence present in all things in nature. This reflects a traditional worldview in which sacredness resides in the entire universe, from mountains and rivers to all living beings.

As you explore the depachika (food hall), take a moment to appreciate this extraordinary work of art, where beauty, spirituality, and everyday life quietly come together.

Standing proudly at the 1st floor entrance of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, the iconic lion statues have long served as a symbol of the store.

The lions were first installed in 1914, when the store opened as Japan’s first modern department store. Inspired by Western culture, they were commissioned in the United Kingdom after Mitsukoshi representatives visited Europe.

The statues were modeled after the famous lions of Trafalgar Square in London and took about three years to complete. Each lion measures approximately 269 cm in length, with a height of about 120 cm.

During World War II in 1941, the statues were surrendered to the government as part of a national metal collection effort and came close to being melted down. Fortunately, they escaped destruction. After the war, they were discovered abandoned at a shrine and eventually returned to their original place at the store’s entrance. This experience shows that the lion statues are symbols that share the history and fate of Mitsukoshi itself.

There is also a popular urban legend: if you can climb onto a lion’s back without being noticed, your wish will come true. Known as a “good luck charm for success,” this playful belief has fascinated many visitors, although accomplishing this is extremely difficult.

Today, these lions are more than sculptures—they are enduring cultural icons, quietly witnessing over a century of Tokyo’s history while continuing to inspire visitors from around the world.

Located near the historic Bank of Japan building in Nihonbashi, the Currency Museum of the Bank of Japan offers a fascinating journey through the history of money in Japan and beyond.

The museum was opened in 1985 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bank of Japan. It houses an extensive collection of currency and related materials, including ancient coins, gold and silver currency from the samurai era, and modern banknotes. The core of the collection originates from the renowned “Senpeikan Collection,” assembled by a private collector and later preserved by the Bank of Japan.

Inside, visitors can explore how money has evolved over time—from early forms such as rice and cloth to beautifully crafted gold coins and today’s paper currency. The exhibits also highlight how money has shaped society, trade, and daily life throughout Japanese history.

The museum was renovated and reopened in 2015, offering clearer displays and interactive elements that make learning about economics engaging and accessible.

Admission is free, and a typical visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes, making it an easy and enriching stop during your Nihonbashi walk.

This museum provides a unique opportunity to understand not only the history of currency, but also the cultural and economic foundations that continue to shape modern Japan.

Located in Nihonbashi, Nihonbashi Saruya is Japan’s only specialty shop dedicated to traditional toothpicks. Established in 1704, this long-standing store preserves a unique part of Edo craftsmanship. Visitors can freely enter the shop and the small Yoji Museum at no charge, making it an easy cultural stop during the walk.

Inside, the museum displays beautifully crafted decorative toothpicks, reflecting both artistry and everyday life from the past. These toothpicks are made from kuromoji, a fragrant shrub known for its refreshing natural aroma. Skilled artisans carefully shave each piece by hand to create the shop’s signature “Jokaku Yoji.” Even an experienced craftsman can make only about 400 per day.

These delicate toothpicks symbolize Edo elegance—refined, subtle, and deeply connected to traditional aesthetics. Some, called Tsujiura, are wrapped in small papers containing playful fortunes or romantic verses. Another popular souvenir is the “Samurai Yoji,” featuring humorous samurai-style phrases with English translations.

Many visitors also enjoy the charming streets around the shop. Walking through this area offers a glimpse of old Edo, where even a simple toothpick tells a rich cultural story.

Nihonbashi Bridge is one of the most historically significant landmarks in Tokyo and a symbol of Japan’s history and development.

The first bridge was built in 1603 at the beginning of the Edo period (1603–1868). By the following year, it became the starting point of the Five Major Highways (Gokaido), making Nihonbashi the center of transportation and a symbol of Edo’s prosperity.

The current bridge, completed in 1911, is a beautiful double-arched stone bridge and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its elegant design blends Western engineering with traditional aesthetics.

Above the bridge runs an elevated expressway, built in 1963, which has long covered the historic sky. However, there are plans to relocate it underground by around 2040, aiming to restore open skies and revive the area’s historical landscape.

At street level, underground utility systems have removed many overhead power lines, creating cleaner and more refined streets.

Nearby, on the southwest side of the bridge, you can find “Hana no Hiroba” (Flower Square), where a stone monument called the “Yurai-ki” explains the origins of Nihonbashi. During the Edo period, this area was used to display official notices.

Standing on this bridge, you are at the heart of where Edo once flourished—a place where history, infrastructure, and Tokyo’s future intersect.

At the center of Nihonbashi Bridge lies the Nihonbashi Road Origin Marker, marking the official starting point of Japan’s national road network.

Since the Edo period, Nihonbashi has been regarded as the point from which distances across Japan are measured. In the modern era, this tradition continued, and the bridge was formally recognized as the origin of national roads.

The marker itself is symbolic rather than strictly defined by law, but it represents an important cultural and historical concept—placing Nihonbashi at the geographic and symbolic center of the nation.

Because the original bronze plaque is embedded in the roadway, it can be difficult and unsafe to view it up close. For this reason, a replica is displayed near the bridge, allowing visitors to safely see and photograph this important landmark.

Standing here, you are quite literally at “mile zero” of Japan—a unique point where all journeys begin.

This area marks the birthplace of Japan’s fish market culture.

Its origins date back to the early 17th century. After establishing the Edo government in 1590, fishermen from Settsu (present-day Osaka) were invited to settle nearby. They were granted fishing rights in Edo Bay and required to supply seafood to the Tokugawa shogunate.

Around 1610, fishermen began selling surplus fish—originally intended as tribute—to the general public. They displayed their catch on wooden boats, marking the beginning of the Nihonbashi Fish Market. Over time, a division of labor developed: fishermen supplied their catch to wholesalers, who then handled sales.

By the 17th century, the market had expanded significantly, gathering seafood not only from Edo Bay but from across Japan. It became so prosperous that it was known as “a thousand pieces of gold in a single morning,” symbolizing its immense economic activity.

Although supplying fish to the shogunate was considered an honor, it became increasingly difficult due to low prices and delayed payments, and the tradition eventually ended in 1792.

The market continued to thrive as the “kitchen of Edo and Tokyo” until the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, after which it was relocated to Tsukiji.

Today, a monument stands here along with a statue inspired by Otohime, the princess of the mythical Dragon Palace—offering a glimpse into the origins of Japan’s rich food culture.

Founded in 1689, Kuroeya is a long-established lacquerware shop with over 300 years of history. Its origins trace back to a craftsman who came to Edo (old Tokyo) from Kuroe Village in Kii Province (present-day Wakayama), a renowned center of lacquerware production. The shop moved to its current location in 1856 and has preserved its tradition ever since.

Kuroeya flourished from the Edo era (1603–1868) to the Meiji era (1868–1912), and was featured in the 1890 merchant guide Tokyo Shopping Directory, highlighting its prestige among Tokyo’s leading stores.

Despite the rise of modern chemical coatings, Kuroeya remains devoted to traditional urushi lacquer, prized for its durability and beauty that deepen over time. The more it is used—over years or even decades—the richer its texture and character become. Here, you can find elegant handcrafted items such as bowls, sake cups, tea trays, and tiered boxes, all reflecting refined Japanese aesthetics.

Lacquerware in Japan dates back to the Jomon period (Japan’s prehistoric era, about 14,000 BC–300 BC) and has evolved uniquely over centuries. With the introduction of Buddhism in 538, techniques were further refined under the influence of continental culture. This craft developed along two paths: one as highly sophisticated art for the imperial court and aristocracy, and the other as practical yet beautiful ware for everyday life among common people.

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

Visit the heart of Japan’s financial world at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, located in Nihonbashi Kabutocho—often called Japan’s “Wall Street.” This is where stocks are traded and market activity is monitored, making it one of the most important economic centers in the country.

During your visit, you will explore TSE Arrows, the public observation and learning facility of the exchange. Here, you can see the iconic circular “Market Center” with its large electronic ticker boards displaying real-time stock prices—often featured in financial news programs.

The facility also offers easy-to-understand exhibits explaining how the stock market works, making it enjoyable even for first-time visitors. You can learn about listed companies, trading systems, and the role of the stock exchange in modern society.

Admission: Free of charge

Opening Hours:

* 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

* Closed on weekends and public holidays

This visit offers a rare opportunity to step inside one of the world’s leading financial centers—an engaging and uniquely Tokyo experience.

For guests who would like a deeper and more insightful experience, I can arrange a guided tour of TSE Arrows. This approximately 60-minute tour provides detailed explanations about stock trading, listed companies, and how the Japanese market operates.

Compared to a self-guided visit, this experience allows you to gain a much clearer and more meaningful understanding of Japan’s financial system.

Tour Details:

Duration: approx. 60 minutes

Admission: Free of charge

Reservation required (from 90 days up to 4 days in advance)

Important Notes:

I will handle the reservation for you—please book my tour in advance if you wish to join this experience

Due to facility rules, live interpretation during the guided tour is not permitted, as it may disturb other participants

There is no public Wi-Fi available; however, you may use your own mobile data and translation apps (such as Google Translate) during the tour

In fact, previous guests who used their own devices to follow the explanations found the experience very interesting and easy to understand, especially when learning how stock trading works in Japan.

This optional experience adds significant value to your visit and is highly recommended for those interested in business, economics, or modern Japan.

Discover a hidden cultural spot in Nihonbashi at the Mitsubishi Warehouse Edo-bashi History Gallery, a small public exhibition space located inside the modern Nihonbashi Dia Building, which preserves the façade of a 1930 riverside warehouse within a larger redevelopment.

This gallery offers a fascinating look into Tokyo’s past as a “city of water” and the origins of Japan’s logistics and trading systems. Through models, photographs, and displays, you can trace the transformation of Nihonbashi from a bustling river transport hub in the Edo period to a modern financial center. Some historical illustrations even depict Mount Fuji in the distance, offering a striking contrast to today’s urban landscape.

The exhibition also highlights the history of Mitsubishi’s warehouse business, which began here in the 19th century and played a key role in Japan’s modernization. One highlight is the series of scale models showing how the Edo-bashi area evolved over time, along with artifacts such as an original vault door.

Located in the entrance hall, the gallery is open to the public and can be visited casually without crowds, making it an ideal short stop during your Nihonbashi walking tour.

Admission: Free

Opening Hours:

Weekdays: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Saturdays: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Closed on Sundays, public holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays

This spot is perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and the evolution of Tokyo—an easy yet enriching addition to your tour.

Experience traditional Japanese paper at Ozu Washi, a long-established washi shop founded in 1653. With over 370 years of history, it has played an important role in preserving Japan’s paper culture. Washi itself is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its global significance.

Inside, you’ll find a store offering a wide variety of washi papers and goods, along with a gallery, classrooms, and a small museum displaying historical documents and tools related to the paper trade.

One highlight is the Ozu Washi Museum, where you can explore over 1,000 historical materials, including traditional tools and documents that tell the story of Japan’s paper industry. These exhibits show how washi supported daily life, art, and commerce in Edo-period Tokyo.

You may also join a hands-on washi-making workshop (approx. ¥1,000). As this experience is very popular and often fully booked, please contact me in advance so I can check availability and help arrange a reservation.

Creating your own sheet of paper using traditional techniques is a memorable cultural experience.

Admission: Free

Opening Hours:

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday–Saturday)

Closed on Sundays and New Year holidays

This stop offers a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and hands-on culture—an ideal place to experience the refined artistry of Japan up close.

Experience one of Tokyo’s most innovative and meaningful concepts at the Avatar Robot Café DAWN ver.β in Nihonbashi. This unique café is operated by Ory Laboratory and features robots controlled remotely by people who are unable to leave their homes due to illness or physical conditions.

Inside the café, you will be welcomed and served by avatar robots called OriHime and OriHime-D. These robots are not autonomous—they are operated in real time by human “pilots,” allowing them to communicate, take orders, and interact with guests. This creates a truly memorable and human-centered experience that combines technology with social inclusion.

You can enjoy conversations with the robot operators, observe cutting-edge telepresence technology in action, and experience a new style of hospitality that challenges traditional ideas of work and communication.

Admission:

* Adults: 2,200 yen (tax included)

* Includes one drink

Important Notes:

* Admission is required for the “OriHime service area” where robot interaction takes place

* Payment is cashless and typically made on-site (no advance ticket required)

* During busy times, entry may be limited and seating may be restricted to around 2 hours

* Basic service is provided in Japanese, but the experience is still enjoyable and engaging for international visitors

This is more than just a café—it’s a glimpse into the future of work, accessibility, and human connection, making it one of the most unique stops in your Nihonbashi tour.