“Matsudaira, please build a bridge here.” Imagine those words echoing centuries ago. We are standing before \u4e09\u306e\u6a4b bridge in Tokyo. It whispers tales of feudal lords and simpler times. Originally this was a wooden bridge. It was even known as “Bishu-dono Bridge”. This was because it was under the care of Matsudaira Bishu-no-kami’s residence. The current bridge dates back to January of Heisei 19. That is January 2007.
\u4e09\u306e\u6a4b connects Minami-Azabu 2-chome 6 with Mita 5-chome 1. This bridge spans 22.3 meters. It has a width of 11.2 meters. Think about the people who have crossed this very spot. For centuries people have crossed this river. They were traveling to different parts of the city.
Nihonbashi, or “Japan Bridge” in literal terms, was historically the heart of Tokyo. This was during the time when Tokyo was still called Edo. It served as the center point of all of Japan. It marked the terminus of many important trade routes during the Edo period.
During this era of peace, bridges were built. Bridges were not destroyed. The original bridge was built as an arched wooden bridge with two lanes. It was nicknamed Nihonbashi or “two-lane bridge”. The words for “two lanes” and “Japan” sound the same. So, the bridge’s kanji changed to “Japan Bridge.”
Even today, Nihonbashi is a bustling commercial center. With the beginning of the Edo period in 1603 the Uogashi fish market emerged. It was located at the banks of the river which is called Nihonbashi River today. Since then the Nihonbashi area has been a hub for culinary innovation and commerce.
Many foods originated here that we love today. Nihonbashi is the home of the Japanese central bank. It is the origin of Tokyo’s fancy department stores. It’s even considered the birthplace of Japanese fast food. The popular beef bowl chain Yoshinoya was founded in 1899 at the Nihonbashi fish market.
The oldest department store in Japan, Mitsukoshi, started as a kimono shop in 1673. All the way back in 1683, Echigoya was the first to switch from door-to-door sales only to having a permanent store.
The Nihonbashi area bridges tradition and modern life. As we stand on \u4e09\u306e\u6a4b, remember its story. From wooden beginnings to a vital link in Tokyo. This bridge connects us to the past.