Picture this a bustling fishing district in early Edo period Tokyo. This is Nihonbashi Koamicho. Its name Koamicho literally means small net street. This refers to the privileged fishermen who supplied the shogun with their catches. They were known for hanging their nets to dry on a street corner in 1-Chome. Nihonbashi Koamicho was a prime location for water transport. This was due to its proximity to the Nihonbashi River. Land prices here and in nearby Nihonbashi Kodenmacho were sky high. This was because of the many sake soy sauce and cargo boat wholesalers. Both sides of the river were lined with white-walled storehouses.
Imagine the scene pop pop boats and ferry boats plying the waters. These boats traveled to and from Gyotoku in Chiba Prefecture. Sadly the Nihonbashi River is now surrounded by expressways. This has sadly obscured the time-honored scenery of Nihonbashi. Anti-highway movements are underway to restore the area’s beauty.
The abundance of Inari Shrines is noteworthy. The Nihonbashi Koamicho Town Council office is even located in one. This may be because it was a merchant town. The Hamaguchi Family major landowners and founders of the Higeta Shoyu soy sauce company donated generously to preserve these shrines.
Today Nihonbashi Koamicho is more of an office district. Yet its history and nostalgic atmosphere remain. This is evident in its old-fashioned restaurants and preserved structures. It remains close to Ningyocho. You can shop there while enjoying a nostalgic Edo atmosphere. We hope more people will explore Sannobe discovering the rich history and charm of Nihonbashi Koamicho. The Koami Shrine a cultural asset of Chuo Ward stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. It’s the only remaining shrine in Nihonbashi made of cypress. This is due to its survival of war damage. The dragon carving below its roof is truly magnificent. Enjoy this historic district of Nihonbashi Koamicho.