Remember GeoCities Japan? It once had its headquarters right here in Nihonbashi Hakozaki cho.
Welcome to Nihonbashi Hakozaki cho a neighborhood with much to offer. Nihonbashi Hakozaki cho is formally called Nihonbashi Hokazakicho. It is a neighborhood within Nihonbashi in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
This area is home to the Tokyo City Air Terminal or T-CAT. Several company headquarters are located here as well including Yoshinoya and IBM Japan.
Did you know Nihonbashi played a key role in the Edo period? It was a major mercantile center. The Mitsui family helped develop the area. They established their wholesaling business here. They even created Japan’s first department store, Mitsukoshi. The Edo-era fish market in Nihonbashi predates the Tsukiji and Toyosu Markets.
Nihonbashi’s bridge became famous in the 17th century. It served as the eastern terminus for major roads to Kyoto. The Nakasendo and Tokaido roads both started here. At that time, it was called Edobashi or Edo Bridge. Today highway signs measuring distance to Tokyo actually measure to Nihonbashi.
Imagine this area during the Edo period. Merchants bustled about trading goods. Travelers set out on long journeys to Kyoto. The Nihonbashi bridge was a symbol of connection and commerce.
During World War II, the area around the bridge faced devastation. The March 1945 bombing of Tokyo leveled much of the city. One area of the Nihonbashi bridge still bears scars from an incendiary bomb. These marks serve as a reminder of the past.
In 1947, Nihonbashi merged with Kyobashi to form Chuo ward.
Before the 1964 Summer Olympics, an expressway was built over the Nihonbashi bridge. This blocked the view of Mount Fuji from the bridge. Locals have been petitioning to move the expressway underground. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in 2041. This will restore the classic view.
If you’re traveling to Nihonbashi Hakozaki cho getting here is easy. From Narita Airport, take the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station. Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Mitsukoshimae Station. Finally, take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Suitengumae Station. From there, it’s a short walk to your destination.
Hakozakicho is a vibrant mix of history and modernity.