15 of the Best Sightseeing Spots in Nihonbashi: Filled with the Atmosphere of the Old Downtown Area

Nihonbashi, long a hub of transportation and commerce, exudes a somewhat retro and chic atmosphere. This downtown area, rich in traditional charm, is actually a hidden hub of trendsetting information. Alongside long-established department stores like Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya, cutting-edge spots like COREDO Muromachi and COREDO Nihonbashi line the streets, creating a pleasant blend of tradition and modern trends that continues to evolve daily. With its Edo-period ambiance and flavors reminiscent of the Meiji Restoration, there's also a wealth of delicious gourmet offerings and souvenirs. Here are 15 of Nihonbashi's most charming spots!

Nihonbashi's convenient location makes it an ideal place to stay.

1. Nihonbashi

If you're sightseeing in Nihonbashi, this is the perfect place to start. Once hailed as Oedo Nihonbashi, Nihonbashi served as the starting point for journeys along the Tokaido during the Edo period. Recently, it has also gained attention as the return point for the Hakone Ekiden relay race.

The stone double-arched Nihonbashi, a symbol of the area, was constructed in 1911 (Meiji 44) and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011 (Heisei 23). Guarding the bridge at its center is a winged kirin statue, which gained fame in the film adaptation of Keigo Higashino's novel The Wings of the Kirin. Just a short walk away, you can also visit Koami Shrine, which appeared in the novel.

Flanking Nihonbashi are two famous department stores—Mitsukoshi to the north and Takashimaya to the south. Let's start by exploring the Mitsukoshi area to the north.

2. Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

A key highlight in the northern area of Nihonbashi is the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. Interestingly, Mitsukoshi was the first place in Japan to install an escalator, back in 1914 (Taisho 3). The current building was completed in 1935 (Showa 10), and in 1999 (Heisei 11), it was designated as a Tokyo Historical Building. Nihonbashi is full of such historical structures, making it a must-see area for sightseeing.

Welcoming visitors at the main entrance is the majestic lion statue, known as the Guardian of Mitsukoshi. The lion statues at other Mitsukoshi stores, such as the one in Ginza, are modeled after the ones here at the Nihonbashi main store. In the central hall, there is a statue of a celestial maiden that rises up to the 4th floor. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, live pipe organ performances are held three times a day—at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 3:00 p.m. Additionally, at the end of each year in December, a live performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is played to mark the year's conclusion!

3. Bank of Japan Head Office Main Building

Since the Edo period, Nihonbashi has been the center of commerce and finance. After the currency system changed during the Meiji period, the Bank of Japan's main building has played a central role in the nation's economy. The Bank of Japan's main building is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and can be toured with a prior reservation.

For groups of 10 or more university students or adults, a guided tour with a lecture is available. Tours are offered from Monday to Friday (excluding the New Year period), and reservations must be made by phone between three months and one week before your desired tour date. Experiencing a tour of a national cultural property is a unique opportunity only available when visiting Nihonbashi.

4. Bank of Japan Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies Currency Museum

The Senpeikan, built in 1923 by coin collector and researcher Tanaka Keibun in his residence, became the foundation for the collection now housed in the Bank of Japan Currency Museum, part of the Bank of Japan Financial Research Institute. The museum opened in 1985 and is located across from the Bank of Japan's main building. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of currency from the late 7th century to the present day. You can even see pre-Wadokaichin coins, which are quite famous!

It’s possible to tour the Bank of Japan's main building alongside the museum. As Nihonbashi is not only home to the Bank of Japan but also many other banks and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, it's a great place to explore the history of money while visiting Tokyo's financial hub.

5. Mitsui Memorial Museum

Alongside the Bank of Japan's main building, the Mitsui Main Building, also designated as an Important Cultural Property, houses the Mitsui Memorial Museum on its 7th floor. The museum holds seasonal special exhibitions and exhibitions of its own collection. The Mitsui family, with a history spanning around 300 years, has amassed a collection of about 4,000 pieces of fine art and crafts, and an incredible 130,000 stamps! It's a must-see spot when visiting Nihonbashi.

After exploring the exhibits, how about taking a break at the museum café? You can enjoy matcha with traditional Japanese sweets or even local Nihonbashi beer. At the museum shop, you can also find original items like brush pens and lunch totes, which make great souvenirs from your Nihonbashi visit.

6. Coredo Muromachi

Just past Mitsukoshi, you'll come across COREDO Muromachi. COREDO Muromachi 1 opened in 2010, followed by COREDO Muromachi 2 and 3 in 2014, becoming the new face of the Muromachi area in northern Nihonbashi.

In addition to shops offering the latest fashion, accessories, and carefully curated food items, there are many stylish restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, from Japanese to Western and Chinese. It’s always bustling with people and is definitely a spot to visit during your Nihonbashi tour.

On the 3rd floor of COREDO Muromachi 2 is TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi, featuring 9 screens and 1,770 seats. You can catch the latest films here. This area gives you a glimpse of Nihonbashi's new side, where tradition meets modern evolution!

7. Nihonbashi Kiya

Founded in 1792 (Kansei 4), Nihonbashi Kiya is a specialty cutlery store that has long been trusted for its quality.

When people think of Kiya, they immediately recall its wide variety of knives. The store offers a broad selection, including Western, Japanese, and Chinese knives, as well as specialized ones like eel knives and noodle cutters, attracting professionals in the field for generations.

In addition to cooking tools such as knives, Kiya is also known for household items like nail clippers and tweezers, which enjoy enduring popularity. Many people find them indispensable after just one use. Kiya's products, renowned for their reliable quality, make perfect souvenirs from your Nihonbashi visit.

8. Fukutoku Shrine

Located close to COREDO Muromachi, Fukutoku Shrine has a long history dating back to the Jōgan era in the 9th century. It gained the devout faith of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the second shogun, Hidetada, after they entered Edo Castle. Even today, many visitors come to pay their respects at Fukutoku Shrine, which continues to watch over Nihonbashi.

After your visit, it’s nice to take home a Mebuki Mamori or Kachi Mamori charm, embroidered with new sprouts, in reference to the shrine's alternate name, Mebuki Inari (Sprouting Inari). Fukutoku Shrine was also one of the few shrines permitted to issue lottery tickets during the Edo period, and it is said to bring good fortune for storing lottery tickets. They sell a Treasure Bag, which has a treasure boat pattern on the inside—a very lucky symbol! Fukutoku Shrine is definitely worth a visit during your Nihonbashi tour.

9. Antenna Shops from 7 Prefectures

Antenna shops that showcase specialty products from various regions across Japan might come as a surprise, but there are actually seven such shops in Nihonbashi! These represent Fukushima, Niigata, Toyama, Mie, Nara, Shimane, and Nagasaki. Most of these shops are clustered around the Mitsukoshi area, making it convenient to explore them all on foot. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these seven shops so special.

◆ Nihonbashi Fukushima-kan MIDETTE

Located a short walk from Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, towards the Kanda area, is the Nihonbashi Fukushima-kan MIDETTE. The affectionate name MIDETTE conveys the sentiment of "Come and see!"

Inside the shop, you can feel the current state of Fukushima, which is also known as the Kingdom of Fruits, featuring local fruits like peaches and cherries, as well as specialty sake and traditional crafts such as Akabeko and Kokeshi dolls.

◆ Cave de Wine Prefecture Yamanashi

Cave de Wine Prefecture Yamanashi showcases the charm of Yamanashi, a renowned wine-producing region. This antenna shop operates under the concept of a "food experience hub," allowing visitors to enjoy the pairing of Yamanashi-produced wine and local ingredients.

In the tasting space, you can sample Yamanashi's specialty wines, such as Koshu and Muscat, before purchasing. The shop also offers a wide variety of Yamanashi specialty products and souvenirs, making it a great spot to experience the local flavors.

Additionally, the facility includes a restaurant where you can indulge in wine pairings with Yamanashi ingredients, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Nihonbashi.

◆ Bridge Niigata

Just across the crosswalk from Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi and a short walk toward Nihonbashi, you'll find Bridge Niigata. Established in 1868 (Meiji 6), it also serves as the Tokyo branch of the Daiichi Bank. The first floor is a shop, while the second floor is a business meeting space, making it a lively spot for business people from Niigata Prefecture.

In the shop, you can find local specialties from Niigata, including rice, hegisoba (a type of buckwheat noodle), sasadango (rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves), as well as a variety of sake and Tochio-age (fried tofu).

◆ Nihonbashi Toyama-kan

Opened in June 2016, Nihonbashi Toyama-kan is located just after crossing the Nihonbashi and turning left.

A highlight of this shop is its bar lounge, which is open until 9 PM. Here, you can enjoy a variety of sake unique to Toyama, blessed with abundant water, along with local specialties such as firefly squid and candied burdock root. It’s a great way to wrap up your Nihonbashi sightseeing in the evening.

◆ Mie Terrace

Located very close to COREDO Muromachi is Mie Terrace. The first floor features a retail section along with a restaurant and café, while the second floor serves as an event space.

In the stylish retail area, you can find local specialties such as Matsusaka beef, oysters, Ise udon, and Ise soy sauce. At the Italian-style restaurant and café, you can savor dishes that make the most of Mie's ingredients.

◆ Nara Mahoroba Hall

Nara Mahoroba is located a bit back toward Nihonbashi from Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, near Bridge Niigata. A large statue of "Sentokun," the mascot character of Nara Prefecture, serves as a landmark!

At Nara Mahoroba, you can participate in lectures that allow you to learn about ancient culture, which is one of its unique features. It’s a great idea to schedule your Nihonbashi sightseeing to enjoy this intellectual experience.

◆ Oidemase Yamaguchi-kan

Located in Nihonbashi, the Yamaguchi Prefecture antenna shop Oidemase Yamaguchi-kan is an attractive spot offering specialty products and tourism information from Yamaguchi. Here, visitors can purchase Yamaguchi’s renowned items such as pufferfish (fugu), seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, and Japanese sake. The shop also serves as a hub for promoting tourism information and sharing updates about Yamaguchi Prefecture, providing visitors with the latest local insights.
Inside the store, there is a space for tastings and events where seasonal product fairs and tasting events are held. It’s a great opportunity to experience the "now" of Yamaguchi up close. While in Tokyo, visitors can enjoy the flavors and culture of Yamaguchi, making it the perfect place for gathering travel information or searching for specialty products before visiting the area.

◆ Nihonbashi Nagasaki-kan

Among the antenna shops in Nihonbashi, Nihonbashi Nagasaki-kan is the only one located across the bridge in the southern Takashimaya area. It opened in March 2016.

The interior is divided into four zones: a tourism information zone, a retail zone, an event zone, and a light snack zone. In the light snack zone, you can enjoy local specialties from Nagasaki, such as loquat soft serve ice cream and castella cake. The shop also features tableware made from Hasami-yaki and Mikawachi-yaki, both designated as traditional Japanese crafts, allowing you to indulge in a luxurious experience while savoring the essence of Nagasaki.

10. Nihonbashi Cruise

Let's take a moment to return to the heart of the city, Nihonbashi. In fact, you can enjoy cruising right from the edge of Nihonbashi.

There are two cruising options: one course takes you from the Nihonbashi River to the Sumida River, and the other circles around the Kanda River. Experiencing the cityscape of Tokyo from a boat while looking up at the bridges and buildings is something you don't usually get to do.

The boarding schedule varies by day, so be sure to check the website in advance and head to Nihonbashi in time for ticket sales. Additionally, the cruise may be canceled due to weather conditions. A boat trip in the middle of Tokyo could become an unforgettable memory of your Nihonbashi sightseeing experience.

11. Tokyo Stock Exchange

From here, let's head south across Nihonbashi to the Takashimaya area.

Did you know that you can tour the Tokyo Stock Exchange for free? In addition to regular tours, there are also guided tours specifically for students. There’s even a section where you can virtually experience stock trading. In this area, you can trade stocks in a simulated market with a virtual capital of 10 million yen, which sounds both thrilling and exciting.

After your visit, be sure to stop by the museum shop. You'll find many unique souvenirs, including merchandise featuring Arooz-kun, the mascot shaped like a market center, which is perfect for a memorable and unique experience of sightseeing in Nihonbashi.

12. Coredo Nihonbashi

Soaring between Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya is Coredo Nihonbashi. It opened in 2004 as a new commercial complex on the site of the former Tokyu Nihonbashi store, which closed in 1999. The facility features a calm atmosphere with various shops and restaurants.

Inside Coredo Nihonbashi, you will also find the Waseda University Graduate School of Finance. It serves as a discreet place for learning, offering many business courses for working adults. It would be wonderful to visit Nihonbashi for self-improvement.

13. Haibara

Established over 200 years ago, Haibara is a traditional Japanese paper shop in Nihonbashi. They offer a wide range of products, including classic washi paper and gampi paper, as well as washi items that blend traditional and contemporary designs.

Among their offerings, Haibara's original washi letter paper has been cherished by many literary figures, including Mori Ōgai and Kuniko Mukōda. You’ll love its smooth writing experience, so be sure to give it a try. The washi letter paper comes in various designs, including ones printed with patterns from the Meiji and Taisho eras. One special item to look for is the memo pad designed by Yumeji Takehisa. It makes for a charmingly retro souvenir while exploring the historic streets of Nihonbashi.

14. Maruzen Nihonbashi Store

Loved by many literary figures, including Natsume Sōseki, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, and Kaji Motojirō, Maruzen has a rich history. The Maruzen Nihonbashi Store, established in 1870, symbolizes that history. With a vast selection of products ranging from stationery to foreign books, the store is a delightful place to explore.

The Maruzen Nihonbashi Store also features a gallery that has long showcased works by authors connected to the world of books. You can currently enjoy a diverse range of exhibitions, including works by Alphonse Mucha and Shigeru Mizuki.

If you get tired from walking, head to the café on the third floor. Interestingly, Maruzen is considered the birthplace of hayashi rice. While the hayashi rice is a must-try, the specialty here is the Omuhayashi Curry, which features omelet rice topped with both hayashi and curry sauces. Enjoying this beloved dish while overlooking the tranquil streets is a sophisticated way to experience sightseeing in Nihonbashi.

15. Nihonbashi Takashimaya

A key landmark in the southern area of Nihonbashi is Takashimaya, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The architect, Teitaro Takahashi, aimed to blend traditional Japanese and Western styles, meticulously designing every detail.

The manually operated elevator, still guided by attendants, conveys the charm of the store’s origins into the 21st century. Additionally, hidden within the marble walls is an ammonite fossil.

On the second Friday of every month, there are guided tours of the Important Cultural Property. These tours last about an hour and take place twice a day, promising a memorable experience during your sightseeing in Nihonbashi.

◎ Summary of Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi, where the history of the Edo period intersects with 21st-century trends, is full of charm both then and now. From the historic Mitsukoshi in the north to Takashimaya in the south, you can easily lose track of time simply by exploring the beautiful buildings and enjoying delicious foods from various regions of Japan. The symbol of the city, you can even enjoy a cruise from Nihonbashi, allowing you to experience the nostalgic ambiance of Edo. How about visiting Nihonbashi on your next day off and crossing the bridge watched over by the winged kirin?

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15 of the Best Sightseeing Spots in Nihonbashi: Filled with the Atmosphere of the Old Downtown Area