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Nihonbashi: 400 Years of History and Charm
Nihonbashi, located in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, has a history spanning over 400 years and continues to captivate many as a symbol of Japan’s modernization and economic growth. In this article, we delve into the allure of Nihonbashi, exploring its historical significance and architectural beauty.
From Edo to Reiwa: The History of Nihonbashi
The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - Nihonbashi
The history of Nihonbashi dates back to the early Edo period. In 1629, Nihonbashi was designated as the starting point for the Five Routes (Tokaido, Nakasendo, Nikko Kaido, Oshu Kaido, and Koshu Kaido), becoming a bustling hub for goods and people from all over the country.
With the onset of the Meiji era, Nihonbashi underwent modernization, being rebuilt in 1871 as Japan’s first Western-style iron bridge. This event symbolized Japan’s technological innovation. The current stone arch bridge was completed in 1911, marking another milestone in Tokyo’s development and establishing Nihonbashi’s status as a central landmark.
Stone Artistry: The Architectural Beauty of Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi is an elegant stone double-arch bridge completed in 1911. With a total length of 49 meters and a width of 27 meters, it continues to captivate many.
The main structural material of the bridge is granite. Fukagawa stone is used for the arches, while Mamma stone is used for the parapets, resulting in a beautiful finish that utilizes the characteristics of each stone.
Bronze giboshi (decorative caps) adorn the parapets, with eight on each side, adding elegance to the bridge.
Lion statues on lighting columns are installed at the four corners of the bridge, symbolically protecting it.
At the bridge’s entrance pillars, the words “Nihonbashi” are inscribed, marking the official starting point of the bridge and symbolizing its grandeur.
At the center of the bridge is Japan’s road origin marker, a crucial landmark serving as the starting point for road distances throughout Japan.
Additionally, at the four corners of the parapets are kirin (mythical creature) statues, generally believed to ward off evil.
The architectural beauty of Nihonbashi is created through its graceful curves, intricate stonework, and harmonious decorative elements. Continuing from the Edo period, Nihonbashi is one of Japan’s proud architectural structures due to its historical significance and current stone bridge’s beauty.
Nihonbashi in Culture and Literature
Nihonbashi, due to its historical importance, appears in many cultural works. During the Edo period, it was depicted in Hiroshige Utagawa’s ukiyo-e series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” as “Nihonbashi Snowy Day,” conveying the bridge’s appearance at that time.
In modern literature, Nihonbashi plays an important role, such as in Keigo Higashino’s mystery novel “Wings of the Kirin,” where the bridge’s history and symbolism are central to the story, highlighting Nihonbashi’s cultural importance in contemporary times.
Through such cultural works, Nihonbashi is more than just a transportation hub; it is a place deeply ingrained in many people’s hearts. With over 400 years of history, Nihonbashi remains a significant symbol of Japanese culture and history.
One of Japan’s Three Great Bridges: The Pride of Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi is widely known as one of the “Three Great Bridges of Japan.” These bridges, representative of Japan, are:
- Nihonbashi (Chuo Ward, Tokyo)
- Designated as the starting point for the Five Routes in 1629, the current stone arch bridge was completed in 1911. As the center of Edo and Tokyo, Nihonbashi has played a significant role in Japan’s economic and cultural development.
- Kintaikyo Bridge (Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
- Completed in 1673, this wooden five-arch bridge is renowned for its unique structure and beautiful curves, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese civil engineering.
- Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture)
- Built in 1634, this stone arch bridge is named for its resemblance to a pair of spectacles. It is known as the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan.
These three bridges, built in different times and places with various structures and materials, are highly regarded as representatives of Japanese bridge technology and aesthetics.
Being counted among the Three Great Bridges of Japan signifies Nihonbashi’s historical, cultural, and technical importance. Nihonbashi, having functioned as Japan’s center from the Edo period to the present, is indeed a representative Japanese bridge.
Nihonbashi’s status as one of the Three Great Bridges further enhances its value, serving as a precious cultural heritage that conveys Japan’s traditional techniques and aesthetics.
Connecting to the Future: Preservation and Restoration of Nihonbashi
In 1999, Nihonbashi was designated as a National Important Cultural Property, officially recognizing its historical value. Regular repair work is carried out to maintain its beauty and functionality. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Construction Bureau, extensive repair work was conducted from 2017 to 2019, completed in March 2020. This work included bridge reinforcement, parapet repairs, and cleaning of the entrance pillars and lion statues.
Furthermore, plans to relocate the Metropolitan Expressway underground, which has marred Nihonbashi’s scenery, are progressing. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, an underground route plan and urban planning draft were announced in November 2019, outlining specific plans. Realizing this plan is expected to restore Nihonbashi’s original appearance and scenery.
Nihonbashi Origin Story Monument
Nihonbashi Origin Story
Original Text (Classical Japanese)
日本橋ハ江戸名所ノ随一ニシテ其名四方ニ高シ慶長八年幕府譜大名ニ課シテ城東ノ海濱ヲ埋メ市街ヲ營ミ海道ヲ通シ始テ本橋ヲ架ス人呼ンデ日本橋ト稱シ遂ニ橋名ト為ル翌年諸海道ニ一里塚ヲ築クヤ實ニ本橋ヲ以テ起點ト為ス當時既ニ江戸繁華ノ中心タリシコト推知ス可ク橋畔ニ高札場等ヲ置ク亦所以ナキニアラス舊記ヲ按スルニ元和四年改架ノ本橋ハ長三十七間餘幅四間餘ニシテ其後改架凡ソ十九回ニ及ヘリト云フ徳川盛時ニ於ケル本橋附近ハ富買豪商甍ヲ連ネ魚市アリ酒庫アリ雜鬧沸クカ如ク橋上貴賎ノ來往晝夜絶エス富獄遥ニ秀麗ヲ天際ニ誇リ日帆近ク碧波ト映帶ス眞ニ上圖ノ如シ
明治聖代ニ至リ百般ノ文物日々新ナルニ伴ヒ本橋亦明治四十四年三月新装成リ今日ニ至ル茲ニ橋畔ニ碑ヲ建テ由来ヲ刻シ以テ後世ニ傳フ
Modern Japanese Translation
Nihonbashi was one of the most famous landmarks in Edo, widely known for its name. In 1603, the shogunate ordered daimyo to reclaim the eastern coast of the castle, create a city, build roads, and construct this bridge for the first time. People called it Nihonbashi, and it eventually became the official name of the bridge.
The following year, when milestones were built on various highways, Nihonbashi was actually used as the starting point. It can be inferred that it was already the bustling center of Edo at that time, and it was for this reason that bulletin boards were placed near the bridge.
According to old records, the Nihonbashi rebuilt in 1618 was about 67 meters long and about 7 meters wide and was rebuilt about 19 times thereafter.
During the Tokugawa shogunate’s heyday, the area around Nihonbashi was lined with the shops of wealthy merchants, fish markets, and sake warehouses, bustling with activity. The bridge was a constant thoroughfare for people of all ranks day and night. Mount Fuji’s beautiful peak was proudly visible in the distance, while nearby sails reflected off the blue waves. It was truly as depicted in the illustration above.
With the arrival of the Meiji era and the daily modernization of various cultural items, Nihonbashi was also newly transformed in March 1911, reaching its present state. Here, a monument was erected by the bridge, inscribed with its origin to pass on to future generations.
Nihonbashi Today and Tomorrow
Today, Nihonbashi is one of Tokyo’s representative tourist spots. Many visitors enjoy the Tokyo scenery from the bridge. At night, Nihonbashi is illuminated, presenting a fantastic sight.
Revitalization plans for the entire Nihonbashi area are underway, aiming to enhance the bridge’s value. The main plans include:
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Relocating the Metropolitan Expressway underground: According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, the relocation plan for the Metropolitan Expressway, which mars Nihonbashi’s scenery, is progressing. This is expected to restore Nihonbashi’s original appearance.
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Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan: Centered around Mitsui Fudosan, the “Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan” aims to balance regional revitalization and the preservation of historical value. This plan aims to enhance the overall charm of the Nihonbashi area.
If these plans come to fruition, Nihonbashi is expected to be reborn as a more attractive and functional urban space while maintaining its historical value. Nihonbashi will continue to play an important role at the center of Tokyo, bridging the past, present, and future.
How to Get to Nihonbashi
The nearest station to visit Nihonbashi is Mitsukoshimae Station. It is served by the Hanzomon and Ginza lines. The B6 exit is the nearest exit to Nihonbashi.
Upon exiting the B6 exit, Nihonbashi appears right in front of you.
To the left after exiting the B6 exit is Nihonbashi. On the right is Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi store.
Nihonbashi Tourist Information Center
Near Nihonbashi is a tourist information center where you can get information about Nihonbashi’s history and boat tours. You can obtain pamphlets and maps of the Nihonbashi area for free, so it is recommended to visit here first when you come to Nihonbashi.
The staff is always present and can help with purchasing goods.
Additionally, multilingual support is available, including Japanese, English, Chinese, and Italian.
They also offer Japanese experience tours. If you want to entertain friends from abroad in Nihonbashi, it is recommended to consult here.
Nihonbashi Tourist Information Center - Nihonbashi Area Renaissance 100 - Year Committee
Nihonbashi River Cruising
Across the street from the tourist information center is a reception area for cruising. You can cruise from Nihonbashi River to Kanda River and Tokyo Bay.
Same-day participation is possible, but advance reservations are recommended.
The cruising course varies by company.
Schedule of Nihonbashi Boat Transport (PDF)
Below is a summary of cruising plans from the Nihonbashi Boat Dock for reference.
Nihonbashi Boat Transport Guide - Nihonbashi Boat Dock Association
The Stone Poem Transcending Time: Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi. With over 400 years of history, this bridge has walked alongside Japan’s development and continues to capture the hearts of many.
Its majestic appearance, delicate decorations, and deep historical significance make Nihonbashi a true “stonework masterpiece.”
When you have the opportunity to visit Nihonbashi, view the bridge from the perspectives introduced in this article. You will surely discover new charms of Nihonbashi that you hadn’t noticed before.
Nihonbashi, as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future, will continue to shine at the heart of Tokyo. Its presence quietly yet powerfully speaks to us about the importance of Japan’s history and culture.
