Twisted history awaits in Nihonbashi yokoyamacho. This area, a unique part of Tokyo, has a rich story. Today we will uncover its past.
Nihonbashi yokoyamacho’s name is quite a mouthful. It’s actually a combination of two older town names. These are Bakurocho and Yokoyamacho. The long name reflects the area’s history as a merger of these two distinct communities.
Bakurocho has two interesting origin stories, both involving horses. One theory says “bakuro” referred to horse traders. These dealers catered to shogunate officials needing horses. Another theory mentions two merchants. Takagi Genbei and Tomita Hanshichi traded horses here in the late 1500s. Both theories link the name to horse-related businesses. This made sense due to the area’s proximity to major roads.
Yokoyamacho means “side of the mountain.” Yet, there are no mountains here. The name likely comes from the Yokoyama branch of the Edo clan. They held a fief in this area. The Odawara Shūshoryō Yakuchō mentions this clan.
Nihonbashi yokoyamacho sits within what was once Nihonbashi Ward. This ward later merged into Chūō Ward. Despite administrative changes, the name Nihonbashi remains in addresses. This keeps the area connected to its historical roots.
During the Edo period, Nihonbashi was vital. It marked the start of five major highways. These roads connected the capital to the rest of Japan. Nihonbashi yokoyamacho’s location near Nihonbashi tied it to this important merchant hub.
The Great Kantō Earthquake and World War II devastated Nihonbashi yokoyamacho. The area rebuilt itself after these disasters.
Today, Nihonbashi yokoyamacho is known for its wholesale district. It has been a center for textile and garment wholesalers for over 150 years. In the early Edo period, there were only about 20 shops. By the late Edo period, this number grew to nearly 150.
Nihombashi Yokoyamacho is a highly unique town not only in Nihonbashi but also in the whole of Japan.
The shops each handle slightly different products. Because each shop is unique, retailers can expect to purchase what they want from a wide range of product choices.
The shop owners of Yokoyamacho launched an organization in 1933 called “Serving for Yokoyamacho”.
Recently, Nihonbashi yokoyamacho sees an increasing number of buyers from overseas. Japanese garments are popular among overseas customers for their good quality.
You can visit Yokoyamacho Cash Wholesale Dealer Street. About 1,500 trading houses and shops line the streets.
The Oedo Wholesale Dealers Festival is held in Nihonbashi Yokoyamacho Shinmachi-Dori on the first Sundays of July and December.
As you explore Nihonbashi yokoyamacho, consider its layers of history. From horse traders to garment wholesalers, this area has constantly evolved. Its story reflects Tokyo’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.