The Center of Old Tokyo Designated as the Starting Point of the five Major Highways during the Edo Era

The Nihonbashi, Kyobashi, and Kayabacho district has been flourishing since the Nihonbashi Bridge was built as the starting point of the five major highways during the Edo Period. This district also served as the commercial center of Edo (as Tokyo was formerly known), with a fish market beside the river and many shops along the roads. The current district still retains its vigor with numerous offices, department stores, and traditional Japanese-style shops, but also offers a calm atmosphere that people can appreciate while strolling around.

● Free Buss(Metrolink Nihonbashi)
Starting from Tokyo Station Yaesu exit to Nihonbashi and Kyobashi areas.

(1)★I Nihonbashi Bridge

Near 1-1 Nihonbashi
A symbol of the Edo Period, the Nihonbashi Bridge was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1603. The current Renaissance-style stone bridge was constructed in 1911, and designated as an important cultural asset by the government in 1999-the first time for a bridge still in use. The zero marker copper plate embedded at the center of the bridge indicates that it serves as the starting point of the national roads.

(2)★c Bank of Japan Head Office

2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Hongokucho
Japan's central bank, which began operations in 1882. The magnificent building is well known as a masterpiece of authentic Western-style architecture built during the Meiji Era, and has been designated as an important cultural asset by the government.

(3)● Museum of Coinage and Currency
2-1 Nihonbashi-Hongokucho, within the Bank of Japan Annex Tel. 3277-3037
A very informative museum where visitors can learn everything related to money. In addition to introducing the history of money in Japan from ancient times to the birth of the yen, the museum also showcases coins and notes of countries throughout the world as well as unique monies.

(4)● Kite Museum

1-12-10 Nihonbashi Tel.3275-2704
This unique museum displays about 3,000 kites collected from various places around Japan as well as from all over the world.

(5)★g Mitsui Memorial Museum

Important National Cultural Assests
7th floor, Mitsui Main Bldg., Nihonbashi-muromachi 2-1-1 Tel. 03 (5777) 8600
A new style of museum combining its own architectural merits with the outstanding artworks on display.

(6)● Bridgestone Museum of Art
1-10-1 Kyobashi Tel.3563-0241
An outstanding art museum displaying artworks of a wide range of genres including ancient Western art objects and modern paintings.

(7)● Police Museum
3-5-1 Kyobashi Tel. 3561-8251
This museum displays various materials showing the history and activities of the Metropolitan Police.

(8)● INAX Gallerye
INAX Archi-Plaza 2F, 3-6-8 Kyobashi Tel. 5250-6530
A gallery holding theme exhibitions related to architecture and design, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

(9)● National Film Center, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
3-7-6 Kyobashi Tel. 3561-0823
The National Film Center collects domestic and overseas movies and exhibits materials related to movies. It also plans and holds movie shows.