Nihonbashi, which directly translates to ‘Japan Bridge’, is located in central Tokyo and is a bustling business district. The development of Nihonbashi is largely credited to the Mitsui family during the Edo Period, who created Japan’s first department store, selling wholesale goods. Since then, Nihonbashi has become a renowned cosmopolitan area with vibrant commercial districts and rich cultural cuisine and arts.
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Things to Do in Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi Kirin Statues 日本橋麒麟像
Nihonbashi, which crosses the Nihonbashi River, has been a vital infrastructure since the days of Keicho long ago. Today, the Metropolitan Expressway runs over the bridge, continuing its historical role. The bridge’s lion statue stands as a powerful symbol, reminiscent of shrine guardian dogs, seeming to protect Tokyo. It’s a perfect blend of Japanese and Western styles, featuring Western-style lamps.
In the middle of the bridge is the famous “Kirin Statue”, a bronze statue of a mythical feathered creature. This statue, often mistaken for a giraffe due to the similar sound of the word “kirin”, is actually based on a legendary creature and was created to pray for Tokyo’s prosperity. Exploring Nihonbashi’s historical spots, including this statue, is highly recommended.
Find out more about Nihonbashi Kirin Statues here on Google maps.
Fukutoku Shrine 日本橋福徳神社
This shrine, located at the end of the COREDO Muromachi commercial facility, has been enshrined since the Jōgan era (859-867), with even Ieyasu Tokugawa visiting it. The clean and beautiful shrine area is impressive, combining a long history with a modern atmosphere. It is particularly beautiful when lit up at night, offering a serene experience in the heart of Nihonbashi.
Find out more about Fukutoku Shrine here on Google maps.
Bank of Japan Head Office 日本銀行本店
The Bank of Japan, established in 1882 at the foot of the Eitaibashi Bridge over the Sumida River, moved its main building to Nihonbashi in 1896. Designed by Kingo Tatsuno, known for Tokyo Station, the building is a national important cultural property. Visitors can tour the building, including the underground safe and guest room, by making a reservation in advance. An online tour is also available, offering insight into its historical significance.
Find out more about Bank of Japan Head Office here on Google maps.
Mitsui Memorial Museum 三井記念美術館術館
The Mitsui Memorial Museum, located in Nihonbashi, houses exquisite works of art collected by the Mitsui family for over 350 years. The museum, situated in the Mitsui Main Building, a Western-style building from the early Showa period, is an important cultural property. The exhibition aims to rediscover traditional Japanese and Western “beauty of modelling”, featuring recreations like the national treasure tea room “Nyoan”.
Find out more about Mitsui Memorial Museum here on Google maps.
COREDO Nihonbashi
COREDO is a vibrant shopping centre in Nihonbashi, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a cooking school. It caters to a wide range of tastes with its selection of Thai, Japanese, Italian, and Korean cuisines. For women, there’s a dedicated floor with beauty and skincare shops. Regular shoppers can earn points with the Mitsui Shopping Park card, making it a great place for both casual visits and dedicated shopping sprees.
Find out more about COREDO Nihonbashi here on Google maps.
ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM アートアクアリウム美術館 (will be reopened later this year)
The ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM in Nihonbashi is a unique aquarium focusing on the beauty of goldfish. Created by artist Hidetomo Kimura, the museum features mesmerising fish tanks of various shapes and sizes, illuminated in different colours. The displays incorporate elements of Japanese culture, providing a captivating fusion of natural beauty and high-tech artistry.
Find out more about ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM here on Google maps.
Bank of Japan Currency Museum 日本銀行金融研究所 貨幣博物館
The Bank of Japan Currency Museum in Nihonbashi showcases the history of Japanese money through well-researched exhibits. Visitors can see historical gold coins from the Toyotomi and Tokugawa periods and learn about anti-counterfeiting technologies. The museum offers a fascinating look at the evolution of money and its role in society.
Find out more about Bank of Japan Currency Museum here on Google maps.
Koami-jinja Shrine 小網神社
Koami Shrine in Nihonbashi is known for its blessings of warding off evil and improving fortune. The shrine’s Kagura-den has a unique pentagonal structure, and its sculptural dragons, symbolising good luck and protection, are particularly notable. The “Mayutama Mikuji” omikuji, delivered in a real cocoon, is a popular feature among visitors.
Find out more about Koami-jinja Shrine here on Google maps.
Haibara 榛原
Haibara, a Japanese paper shop in Nihonbashi, has been operating for over 200 years. The shop offers a variety of paper-related products, from postcards and fans to rare items like rolling paper. Located inside the Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower, Haibara provides a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern convenience.
Find out more about Haibara here on Google maps.
Tako no Hakubutsukan (Kite Museum) 凧の博物館
The Kite Museum, located within the Taimeiken restaurant in Nihonbashi, was founded by Mr. Motegi in 1977. It houses around 3,000 kites from Japan and around the world, with a particular focus on Edo kites. The museum, showcasing kites painted by Sadazo Hashimoto, offers a glimpse into the history and artistry of traditional Japanese kites.
Find out more about Tako no Hakubutsukan here on Google maps.
Top Restaurants in Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi Brewery
Nihonbashi Brewery is a craft beer speciality store where you can enjoy 13 types of beer, including their original brew. The spacious interior exudes warmth with its wooden decor. There are various seating options: a dining table for lively meals, a relaxing counter, and a small tatami mat area, which is rare in a Western-style restaurant.
The lunch menu offers great value with pasta and pizza, accompanied by vegetable smoothies and salads from contract farmers with free refills, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Find out more about Nihonbashi Brewery here on Google maps.
Tsujihan つじ半 日本橋本店
Tsujihan is a seafood donburi restaurant in Nihonbashi where all seats face the chef, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh fish. The Kaisendon, a donburi with a mix of seafood, is very popular, and you can even get a complimentary ochazuke service afterwards. Ochazuke is a light and tasty soup served with rice. The restaurant is very popular, so you may have to wait in line; to avoid this, visit during off-peak hours.
Find out more about Tsujihan here on Google maps.
Jiji Baba
Popular for its Western-styled comfort food, Jiji Baba is an authentic Nihonbashi restaurant that imports ingredients from the hometowns of Jiji (Grandpa) and Baba (Grandma) in Yamagata and Yamanashi prefectures. This family-run business offers generous portions, ensuring no one leaves without feeling completely satisfied. The Doria dishes are particularly popular, so come with an empty stomach.
Find out more about Jiji Baba here on Google maps.
Torifuji
Torifuji, located in Nihonbashi, specialises in Oyakodon, a Japanese dish consisting of chicken, egg, and rice in a light gravy. This dish is extremely tasty, and Torifuji has been awarded for having the best Oyakodon in Hyogo prefecture. Experience a taste of Japan in the heart of the capital city—you won’t regret it.
Find out more about Torifuji here on Google maps.
Malay Kampung
Enjoy a variety of dishes such as satay, chicken rice, roast chicken, curry, and roti at the authentic Malaysian restaurant, Malay Kampung in Nihonbashi. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing with numerous Malaysian posters on the walls. The Nasi Goreng, Malaysian fried rice, is a must-try and is delicious. The food is reasonably priced, with set menus available.
Find out more about Malay Kampung here on Google maps.
Benihana Annex
Said to have one of the best curries in Tokyo, Benihana has been around since before World War II but was destroyed during the bombings. After the war, the owner’s wife found a Benihana (red flower) in the remains of the old business, inspiring the opening of a new store. Initially a cafe, Benihana now serves the most delicious Sri Lankan curry, with distinct spices in each dish. It’s definitely worth trying if you can handle spicy food!
Find out more about Benihana Annex here on Google maps.
Vino el IL raccolta
In the heart of Nihonbashi is this delightful Italian restaurant known for its fresh and chewy pasta, often described as ‘mochi mochi’. The pasta is complemented with a variety of sauces, and you can upgrade your dish to a larger size for only 200 Yen extra. There is also a good selection of wines to accompany your meal.
Find out more about Vino el IL raccolta here on Google maps.
Caveman
Caveman in Nihonbashi has a botanical atmosphere, with plants adorning every corner, creating a pretty and calming dining experience. The set dinner with wine pairing is very popular among customers. Although it is on the pricier side, the delicious food makes it worth every penny. The menu changes with the seasons, so be sure to take pictures of your seasonal dishes.
Find out more about Caveman here on Google maps.
Mie Terrace
As the name suggests, Mie Terrace in Nihonbashi uses ingredients sourced from Mie prefecture. The food is stunning, both in presentation and taste. Despite the high-quality ingredients, the prices are very reasonable. The Matsuzaka beef is highly recommended.
Find out more about Mie Terrace here on Google maps.
Dashi Inari Kaiboku
If you are a fan of Inari Sushi, Dashi Inari Kaiboku in Nihonbashi is a must-visit. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. Inari Sushi consists of sushi rice stuffed inside seasoned deep-fried tofu cooked in dashi (broth). The broth here is sweet yet light and delicious, making it a perfect light snack before or after a meal. The store is extremely popular and can sell out by 14:00!
Find out more about Dashi Inari Kaiboku here on Google maps.
Imoya Kinjiro
Imoya Kinjiro in Nihonbashi is a popular snack shop selling potato kempi. This confectionery store allows you to watch kempi being made through a horizontal window. They offer a variety of kempi at great prices, and you can even buy takeaway bags of freshly made kempi. It’s so good that you might finish it in one sitting.
Find out more about Imoya Kinjiro here on Google maps.
Recommended Accommodations in Nihonbashi
Hotel K5
Just a 5-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station, Hotel K5 offers accommodation in a renovated historical building from 1924. The hotel provides restaurants, cafes, and room service, with free WiFi available throughout the property. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a seating area, desk, soundproofing, and private bathroom. Each room features a record player with a vinyl collection.
For guests’ comfort, the hotel provides a minibar, complimentary toiletries, slippers, and pyjamas. Some suites include a dining area, seating area, and stand-alone bathtub. The 24-hour front desk offers concierge service and free luggage storage
Belken Hotel Tokyo
In a prime location in the Chuo Ward district of Tokyo, Belken Hotel Tokyo is located 400m from the War Disaster Memorial Service Monument, 500m from the Yasube Taketsune Horibe Monument, and 500m from the Tokyo Shoken Building Inc.
The property features a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the hotel. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers, and a desk. The rooms include a private bathroom, a hairdryer, and bed linen.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include the Monument of Armor Tribute Site, Kyoka Square, and the Sakuragawa Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 26 km from Belken Hotel Tokyo.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi
Attractively situated in the Chuo Ward district of Tokyo, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi is 300m from the National Film Archive of Japan, 400m from the Tokyo Convention Hall, and 500m from Kyobashi Edogrand. The property offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space for guests.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer, and a desk. At the hotel, rooms include a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kyobashi no Oyabashira, Daimaru Tokyo, and Kyoka Square.
The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 26 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi.
Discover the Best of Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi has so much to offer that it would be impossible to visit everywhere in just a few days. From the mouth-watering cuisine at Tsujihan and Jiji Baba to the relaxing atmosphere of Hotel K5 and Belken Hotel Tokyo, every moment spent in Nihonbashi is a delight for the senses. The vibrant culinary scene caters to all tastes, whether you prefer traditional Japanese dishes or international flavours. Nihonbashi Brewery offers a fantastic selection of craft beers, while Vino el IL raccolta satisfies your Italian cravings with fresh, chewy pasta.
Beyond the dining experiences, Nihonbashi’s attractions, like the mesmerising ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM and the serene Fukutoku Shrine, provide a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Shopping enthusiasts will love COREDO Nihonbashi’s variety of retail stores and salons, ensuring a fun-filled day of exploration and indulgence. Whether you’re seeking a culinary adventure, a unique shopping experience, or a tranquil retreat, Nihonbashi has it all. Enjoy your visit and make the most of everything this vibrant district has to offer!
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