Hello, I'm Yasu.
While Kanda and Nihonbashi may not be as well-known as tourist destinations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Asakusa, they are areas deeply loved by Tokyo foodies and locals who appreciate culture, which is why I'm writing this article hoping that visitors to Tokyo will explore these neighborhoods.
Especially if you want to experience Tokyo's popular culture and shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere, I strongly recommend Kanda and Jinbocho.
As for me, although I'm originally from Shibuya, I now spend every day in the Kanda and Nihonbashi area. This area, where you can strongly feel Tokyo's essence, is truly wonderful even from my perspective as a Tokyo local.
The Kanda and Nihonbashi area is a unique region where historical remnants intersect with modern business districts. Its history is extremely old, flourishing during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a hub that supported the economy and culture under the Tokugawa Shogunate era.
This area is actually the oldest shitamachi in Tokyo, with a history far more ancient than Asakusa, Ueno, or Shinjuku. Kanda and Nihonbashi truly served as the center of Tokyo's popular culture and the heart of commercial and artisanal development.
Under the Tokugawa Shogunate, various goods and craftsmen gathered from all over Japan, developing commerce and traditional crafts. This influence continues today, spreading an attractive atmosphere throughout the area where history and modernity merge. It remains an area that attracts many Japanese people and Tokyoites.
In this article, I'll delve deeper into the appeal of the Kanda and Nihonbashi area, introducing spots where you can feel the history and recommended ways to enjoy your visit.
The Kanda and Nihonbashi area is a unique region where old remnants from the Tokugawa Shogunate era merge with modern business districts.
Nihonbashi developed as a hub for the Tokugawa Shogunate to gather resources from around the country, becoming a center for commerce and finance. Today, redevelopment has transformed it into a luxury area lined with high-end brands.
In contrast, Kanda has been a commercially vibrant area since the Edo period and, unlike Nihonbashi, remains a place where common people's culture is still strongly preserved. Traditional set-meal restaurants, long-established Japanese style pubs, and used bookstores line the streets, offering the unpretentious warmth of downtown.
By exploring these two areas, you can discover the "true Tokyo" where tradition and innovation intersect.
The Kanda area, while located in the center of Tokyo, hasn't become overly touristy, strongly preserving its history and traditional local life. Kanda consists of the following four areas:
Compared to Nihonbashi, it's more down-to-earth, with traditional eateries and established shops still present, which is also an attractive point. Walking through the streets, you should be able to experience the coexistence of history and modernity.
Over 400 years ago, Kanda developed near Edo Castle, the center of Japanese politics, and became a neighborhood where skilled craftsmen gathered. Even today, Kanda's district names preserve words like blacksmith, vehicle, and dyer (fabric dyeing), indicating the significant influence craft guilds had on the area. Historically, Kanda was a commercial hub.
As one of Tokyo's most vibrant areas, Kanda received fresh ingredients from all over Japan via Tokyo's largest market formerly located in Nihonbashi, giving rise to famous soba noodle and tempura establishments. This traditional Japanese food culture that developed there continues to be preserved today.
In the late 1800s, numerous schools were built in the surrounding area, transforming Kanda into a neighborhood brimming with youthful energy. A district of used bookstores also formed, becoming a bustling place for those seeking knowledge and quality experiences.
Kanda is a place that has continuously preserved traditional buildings and long-established flavors without letting them disappear. The down-to-earth compassion characteristic of downtown Tokyo was also nurtured throughout this long history.
Today's Kanda is a business district lined with large office buildings. However, once you step into a small alley, a nostalgic landscape unfolds as if time has stopped.
Traditional eateries and Japanese style pubs line the streets, and the lives of local people thrive. This area has developed its food culture since ancient times, and there are still many long-established famous restaurants that food connoisseurs and literary masters frequently visited.
In addition, Kanda is also the center of book culture. In the adjacent Jimbocho, used bookstores, new bookstores, and publishers line up, creating an intellectual atmosphere. There are also many cafes and bars where literary masters wrote and socialized, making it an irresistible spot for literature lovers. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide points out several notable literary landmarks.
On the other hand, Nihonbashi functioned as the starting point of major roads leading to major cities in Japan in the early 17th century. As a result, merchants and goods gathered from all over the country, and it developed as one of Japan's leading commercial districts.
Currently, it is characterized by traditional department stores and historical buildings, creating a luxurious townscape. It is one of Tokyo's most sophisticated areas where traditional and modern urban landscapes merge while preserving tradition.
The Nihonbashi Area around Nihonbashi Bridge, which was built in 1603, developed as the center of Edo (present-day Tokyo) and became the starting point of highways throughout Japan.
Fish markets and rice markets lined Nihonbashi, and while functioning as a financial center, it played an important role as the key to the Japanese economy.
In the late 19th century, substantial brick buildings incorporating European architectural styles appeared within the Japanese-style town, forming a beautiful townscape that merged with traditional Japanese architecture. At the same time, the Nihonbashi area was further modernized and developed as a commercial center with department stores and banks.
Today's Nihonbashi is known as a commercial area where sophisticated skyscrapers and historic buildings harmonize.
The main street is lined with international brand shops, and traditional department stores offer quality products from traditional crafts to the latest trends. However, stepping into the back streets, there are Japanese restaurants and confectionery shops that have continued since the Edo period, creating a calm atmosphere.
Nihonbashi, which also has the face of a financial district, is home to office buildings of prestigious companies.
The unique townscape created by old and new architecture and the natural coexistence of tradition and innovation give you a sense of Nihonbashi's unique charm. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide is essential for navigating this fascinating blend of historical and modern Japan.
Kanda Myojin is one of Tokyo's representative shrines with approximately 1,300 years of history. It has been traditionally worshipped and cherished mainly by samurai and merchants. The shrine developed alongside Edo (present-day Tokyo), which was the center of politics and economy, and has played an important role as a place of worship for common people.
What I particularly want you to see is the intricate carving and powerful design of the vermilion "Zuishin-mon" gate. It has long been considered a symbol of warding off evil and prosperity, and its magnificent structure carries the meaning of guiding visitors into a sacred space.
Furthermore, the "Kanda Matsuri (Festival)" held in May every other year (odd-numbered years) is a must-see. During this festival, over 100 portable shrines (mikoshi - vehicles carrying deities) are lifted by bearers with enthusiastic chants as they parade through the streets of Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Akihabara. The sight of them traveling through the streets with energetic chants is truly spectacular.
This festival, which has continued for about 400 years to pray for people's prosperity and safety, conveys the Japanese tradition and community bonds that have been passed down through changing times.
Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone number: 03-3254-0753 Hours: 24 hours Closed: None Official website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/
The Holy Resurrection Cathedral, completed in 1891, is the only authentic Russian Orthodox Church cathedral in Japan featuring Byzantine architecture. Byzantine architecture is a building style developed in the Eastern Roman Empire, characterized by large domes, arch structures, and decorations of luxurious religious paintings.
The large verdigris dome and substantial brick exterior create an exotic atmosphere that stands in contrast to the surrounding traditional wooden buildings.
This is one of the few places in Tokyo where you can fully experience the traditions and architectural beauty of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Address: 4-1-3 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone number: 03-3295-6879 Hours: 13:00-15:30 Closed: None Official website: https://nikolaido.org/
Yushima Seido is a Chinese-style building dedicated to Confucius that was built during the Edo period. The Tokugawa Shogunate established it as a school for studying Confucianism.
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived approximately 2,500 years ago. He emphasized the importance of morality and education, and systematized Confucianism.
The architecture of Yushima Seido features wooden structures coated with black lacquer, incorporating traditional Chinese styles. Its linear and powerful design showcases a different kind of beauty compared to Japanese shrine and temple architecture.
Currently, it's frequently visited by students preparing for exams and scholars praying for academic success, symbolizing a culture that respects knowledge. Located in the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide area, this historic site offers tourists a glimpse into Japan's educational heritage.
Address: 1-4-25 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3251-4606 Hours: 9:30-17:00 Closed: August 13-17, December 29-31 Official website: http://www.seido.or.jp/
####Access of Kanda Myojin Area
Multiple train lines provide access to Kanda Myojin Shrine. We recommend tourists use the following stations:
Ochanomizu Station: JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shin-Ochanomizu Station: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Akihabara Station: JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tsukuba Express Suehirocho Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
The shrine is easily accessible for international tourists. From each of these stations, Kanda Myojin Shrine is approximately a 5-10 minute walk.
###Highlights and Cuisine of the Jinbochō Area
Source:Official Instagram（https://www.instagram.com/kitazawa_books）
Kitazawa Bookstore, established in 1902, is a specialized antiquarian bookstore focusing on Western books. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide highlights its rich collection of English and American literature, Japan/Asian studies, linguistics, occult studies, and other humanities subjects in English. Its selection is highly regarded even in overseas antiquarian book circles.
The "KITAZAWA DISPLAY BOOKS" corner showcases beautifully bound Western books as interior decoration pieces. Beyond the joy of reading, these antiquarian books can be appreciated as artistic pieces that enhance your living space.
This is one of my favorite bookstores in the Kanda & Nihonbashi area, recommended not only for researchers and translators but also for those who appreciate book binding and design.
Address: 2F Kitazawa Building, 2-5 Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3263-0011 Hours: 12:00-17:00 Closed: Sundays and holidays Official website: https://kitazawabook.official.ec/
Source:Official site（https://www.yamada-shoten.com/onlinestore/store.php）
Established in 1938, Yamada Shoten is an antiquarian bookstore specializing in ukiyo-e and woodblock prints. According to the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide, ukiyo-e is a Japanese print art form that gained popularity among common people during the Edo period.
The store displays a wide range of works, from masterpieces by Katsushika Hokusai, known for "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," and Utagawa Hiroshige, famous for "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō," to affordable woodblock prints.
If you want to thoroughly enjoy the appeal of ukiyo-e, including the texture of the paper and the detailed carving techniques, the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide suggests you should definitely visit Yamada Shoten.
Address: 2F & 3F Yamada Building, 1-8 Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3295-0252 Hours: 10:30-18:30 Closed: Sundays and holidays Official website: https://www.yamada-shoten.com/onlinestore/
Source:Official site（http://www.yumeno-manga.com/index.html）
Yumeno Manga Bookstore is a specialty manga shop that carries a wide range of manga publications, from retro magazines to the latest releases. A particularly attractive feature is their collection that entices collectors, including rare out-of-print books and first editions by popular artists.
Inside the store, you'll find world-beloved classics such as "Astro Boy," "Dragon Ball," and "Black Jack." Manga and character merchandise are packed tightly on the shelves, with posters adorning the ceiling, creating a treasure-hunting experience as you discover hidden gems. This store is a highlight of any Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide for manga enthusiasts.
They also carry English translations and manga in other languages, making it a dream destination for manga fans visiting from overseas.
Address: 2nd Floor, Kanda Kosho Center, 2-3 Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Yasukuni Street side) Phone: 03-6256-8993 Hours: 10:00-18:30 (Mon-Sat) • 11:00-17:30 (Sundays & Holidays) Closed: December 31-January 3 Official Website: http://www.yumeno-manga.com/index.html
Source:Tabelog（https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1310/A131003/13000419/）
Tsuruhachi, a renowned establishment in Jimbocho, is a long-established sushi restaurant known for its quiet, formal atmosphere. The interior features counter seating where you can closely observe the craftsmen's skills, with the warmth of wood creating a sophisticated adult space.
Photography is prohibited by store policy, allowing you to fully focus on the skilled techniques of the chefs and the sushi before you. The meticulously prepared sushi has the beauty and perfection of a work of art.
While it may seem intimidating at first glance, the owner and hostess are extremely friendly and welcome even first-time visitors warmly. When exploring the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide area, this is a place known to those in the know where you can enjoy authentic sushi without pretension.
Address: 2-4-1 Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3265-6533 Hours: 17:00-21:30 • 12:00-13:30 / 17:00-21:30 (Saturday) Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays, and Holidays Official Website: None
Source:Official facebook（https://www.facebook.com/trois.bagues1976）
"Trois Bagues" is a long-established coffee shop that has been loved by many people for its calm atmosphere since its founding in 1976.
The interior features red velvet chairs and sofas, creating a chic, adult space reminiscent of a bar. The lighting is subdued, making it an ideal environment for quietly enjoying reading or conversation. One of the hidden gems in the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide for those seeking a moment of respite.
The aroma of coffee, carefully brewed one cup at a time using the nel drip method, gently envelops visitors. The shelves lined with antique cups and saucers also reflect the shop's history and the owner's dedication.
It's a hideaway-like coffee shop where you can spend relaxed time, perfect for reading purchased old books.
Address: B1F Tomita Building, 1-12-1 Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3294-8597 Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Mon-Fri) • 12:00-19:00 (Sat & Holidays) Closed: Sundays Official Website: https://troisbagues.com/
The Jinbocho area is a transportation hub where multiple train lines intersect. It's conveniently located near major terminals like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station, making it easily accessible from various directions.
Jinbocho Station: Toei Subway Mita Line, Shinjuku Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Kudanshita Station: Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, Toei Subway Shinjuku Line Shin-Ochanomizu Station: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Takebashi Station: Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Ochanomizu Station: JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Suidobashi Station: JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Toei Subway Mita Line
It's approximately 35 minutes by train from Haneda Airport and about 90 minutes from Narita Airport, making it highly accessible from airports as well. This area is extremely convenient as a base for tourism or business.
###Attractions and Culinary Highlights Around Kanda Station
The area surrounding Kanda Station is a vibrant commercial district with a down-to-earth atmosphere that's surprising given its proximity to Tokyo Station. Without tall buildings, lively restaurant districts spread around Kanda Station. You'll find everything from traditional Japanese eateries to casual dining establishments, with bars and izakayas open until late at night. It's a charming area where modern businesses coexist with historic temples.
The narrow alleys are lined with wooden Japanese-style pubs and soba restaurants, preserving the nostalgic ambiance of old Tokyo. As evening falls, many people from the surrounding business districts like Otemachi and Nihonbashi visit Kanda to enjoy their after-work hours in this nostalgic atmosphere.
Quiet temples stand near the bustling dining districts, creating a unique charm where history and modernity exist in harmony.
Source:SAVOR JAPAN（https://savorjapan.com/0006032112/）
Kanda Matsuya is a long-established soba restaurant founded in 1884, famous for serving traditional Tokyo "Edo soba."
For over 130 years, it has maintained its unchanged flavor and atmosphere, beloved by many celebrities and locals. Shotaro Ikenami, a writer of Japanese historical novels, was a regular at this restaurant and praised it highly in his works.
Also, the food culture called "Sobamae" has taken root in this restaurant. Sobamae is the custom of enjoying sake and appetizers before eating soba, which is a sophisticated pleasure for people living in this area. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide recommends this establishment as a must-visit for tourists seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.
Enjoy the taste and atmosphere of this historic establishment where history lives on.
Address: 1-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3251-1556 Hours: 11:00-20:30 (Tuesday-Friday), 11:00-19:30 (Saturday, Holidays) Closed: Sunday, Monday Official website: http://www.kanda-matsuya.jp/
Source:Tabelog（https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1310/A131002/13000630/）
Mimasuya, established in 1905, is one of Tokyo's oldest Japanese-style pubs. The wooden architecture of this shop with over 100 years of history preserves the atmosphere of old Japanese bars just as they were.
The charm of this establishment comes from the handwritten menus on the walls that have continued since the old days, and the lively atmosphere inside the shop. Here, Japanese izakaya culture thrives.
Unlike formal restaurants, Japanese-style pubs offer relaxing spaces, so they're recommended for those who want to interact with locals while experiencing Japanese food culture. According to the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide, this is an ideal spot for tourists to immerse themselves in local dining traditions.
You can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes that are less known compared to sushi and tempura, such as horse meat sashimi and stewed beef tendon. They also offer a wide variety of sake, which you can enjoy paired with the food.
In this friendly atmosphere, interactions with local regular customers will naturally occur.
Address: 2-15-2 Kanda Tsukasa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3294-5433 Hours: 11:30-13:30, 17:00- Closed: Sundays, Holidays Official website: None
The Kanda area is served by multiple train lines, making it exceptionally easy to access. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide recommends these stations for tourists:
Kanda Station: JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Awajicho Station: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shin-Ochanomizu Station: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
A pleasant feature for first-time visitors is the relatively smooth transfers from Narita and Haneda airports, making the Kanda & Nihonbashi area particularly accessible for international tourists.
The Nihonbashi central area is a historic commercial district that flourished as the starting point of five major highways in Edo (present-day Tokyo). Centered around "Nihonbashi Bridge," the area features long-established department stores and traditional shops.
The commercial culture that has continued since the Edo period has merged with modern skyscrapers to create a unique cityscape.
Nihonbashi Bridge is a double-arch stone bridge completed in 1911 and designated as an Important Cultural Property. It was first built in 1603, and the current bridge is the 20th iteration.
It plays an important role as the starting point of Japan's road network, and as proof, "Japan's Zero Milestone" is embedded in the center of the bridge. Additionally, the bridge's decorations feature a blend of Japanese and Western designs, making it highly valued as a historical structure.
Currently, the Metropolitan Expressway runs directly above Nihonbashi Bridge, but there are plans to move it underground in the future, creating a more open landscape. The sight of the historic bridge intersecting with the modern expressway may only be visible for a few more years. It's worth visiting now to witness this historical transition in progress.
Address: Between Nihonbashi 1-chome and Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3274-6263 (Meikyo "Nihonbashi" Preservation Society Office) Hours: 24 hours Closed: None Official Website: None
Source:Official site（https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/feature/luxury_f2/combine_w_lx.html）
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is Japan's oldest department store, conveying its history and elegance to the present day. The main building, completed in 1935 in Renaissance style, was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2016.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is also a place where you can experience the depth of Japanese culture through architecture and art. Its symbol is the "Magokoro (Tennyo) Statue" that towers in the central hall. This statue embodies Mitsukoshi's philosophy of "Magokoro (sincerity)."
In this space where historical architecture and art merge, please take the opportunity to feel Japanese aesthetics. When exploring the Kanda & Nihonbashi area, this landmark is an essential stop for any tourist wanting to experience authentic Japanese commercial culture.
Address: 1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3241-3311 Hours: 10:00-19:00 Closed: Never Official website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/nihombashi.html
Source:Official site（https://www.boj.or.jp/about/services/kengaku.htm）
The Bank of Japan Head Office is a spot where you can learn about Japanese monetary history and architectural history simultaneously. Completed in 1896, this building is a masterpiece by Kingo Tatsuno, who also designed Tokyo Station, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
A tour of approximately 60 minutes is conducted, allowing visitors to see the majestic classical-style interior and the interior of the octagonal dome. You can also learn about the historical evolution of Japanese currency.
Tours require reservations but are free to participate, and English tours are also available. It will be a special experience to touch the center of Japan's economy and culture that cannot be experienced elsewhere during your stay in Tokyo. This historic institution rounds out any Kanda & Nihonbashi guide for tourists interested in Japan's economic heritage.
Address: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3279-1111 Hours: 9:30-16:15 (Tour hours, reservation required) Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays Official website: https://www.boj.or.jp/
Source:Official site（https://oedo.gorp.jp/）
"Unagi Kappo Oedo" is an established eel restaurant with over 200 years of history, founded in 1800. Its greatest feature is faithfully inheriting the traditional Edo-style techniques.
Edo-style eel is a cooking method unique to the Kanto region, characterized by first grilling unseasoned eel, then steaming it, and finally glazing it with sauce before grilling again. The steaming process removes excess fat, resulting in a fluffy, tender texture.
Unagi Kappo Oedo adds a longer steaming process to create a more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Their secret sauce is neither too sweet nor too spicy, maximizing the eel's natural umami flavor.
Experience the traditional craftsmanship and meticulously refined taste at this Nihonbashi establishment. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide highly recommends this authentic dining experience for visitors seeking traditional Japanese cuisine.
Address: 4-7-10 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3241-3838 Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Mon-Fri) • 11:00-21:00 (Sat) Closed: Sundays and holidays Official website: https://oedo.gorp.jp/
Source:Official site（https://yoshinozushi.net/）
Founded in 1879, "Yoshino Sushi Honten" is a well-established restaurant known for naming the fatty part of tuna "Toro." The name "Toro" comes from the Japanese word "Torokeru," which describes the smooth, melting texture in the mouth.
While many established sushi restaurants have strict rules about eating methods and order, Yoshino Sushi Honten values the motto "eat what you like, as much as you want." The interior has an unpretentious atmosphere, and despite being long-established, it maintains an approachable friendliness.
According to the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide, tourists should definitely enjoy authentic sushi made by skilled craftsmen in this relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 3-8-11 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3274-3001 Hours: 11:00-14:00/16:30-21:30 (Mon-Fri) • 11:00-14:00 (Sat) Closed: Sundays and holidays Official website: https://yoshinozushi.net/
The Nihonbashi area is a transportation hub where major subway lines intersect, making access very convenient. Mitsukoshimae Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line Nihonbashi Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tozai Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line Shin-Nihonbashi Station: JR Sobu Rapid Line Tokyo Station: JR Lines
The free shuttle bus "Metro Link Nihonbashi" connects Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit with the Nihonbashi and Kyobashi areas, offering exceptional convenience. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide points out that hotels and business facilities are concentrated in the surrounding area, making it possible to enjoy sightseeing while using the area as a base for accommodation.
The Ningyocho area is a shitamachi (downtown) where history and tradition thrive, located in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. It was named "Ningyocho" (Doll Town) because many Ningyo Joruri (Bunraku) puppet craftsmen lived there during the Edo period (1603-1868).
This area is characterized by streets filled with downtown atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide recommends this area for tourists looking to experience authentic old Tokyo charm.
Amazakeyokocho is a shopping street approximately 250 meters long located in Ningyocho. In the late 19th century, an amazake shop on this street gained popularity, and gradually the area became known as "Amazakeyokocho."
Amazake is a traditional Japanese sweet drink made from rice malt or sake lees. It's highly nutritious and often called a "drinkable IV drip" - a fermented beverage treasured in Japanese culture.
Today's Amazakeyokocho features long-established Japanese confectionery shops alongside restaurants serving sushi, tempura, and other Japanese cuisine, as well as craft shops, all lined up along the street.
When exploring the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide area, Amazakeyokocho offers a charming spot where you can enjoy food and shopping while experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
Address: 2-4 Nihonbashi-ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: http://amazakeyokocho.jp/
Source:Official site（https://www.suitengu.or.jp/）
Suitengu Shrine is known as a power spot for safe childbirth and conception. Since its establishment in 1818, it has attracted the faith of many pregnant women.
The most popular attraction in the shrine is the "Kodakara Inu (Childbirth Guardian Dog)" statue. Dogs are considered symbols of fertility and safe delivery. Around this statue, you'll find the Japanese zodiac (animals representing birth years that repeat in a 12-year cycle in East Asian calendars). It is said that touching the animal corresponding to your birth year will fulfill your wishes for safe childbirth or conception.
The Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide recommends visitors who want to experience traditional Japanese prayers for safe childbirth to check which animal represents their birth year and touch its statue.
Address: 2-4-1 Nihonbashi-kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3666-7195
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Official Website: https://www.suitengu.or.jp/
Source:Official site（https://www.koamijinja.or.jp/history.html）
Koami Shrine is a popular power spot known for its benefits of good fortune and warding off evil.
Particularly noteworthy is the "Zeniarai Well." It is believed that washing money here will increase your financial fortune. Many people can be seen washing their money at this spot.
Recently, this has become so popular that even foreign tourists visit the Nihonbashi Area specifically for this purpose, as highlighted in the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide.
It is recommended to keep the washed money for one year and then use it for others. Why not purify your money, keep it safely, and use it for gifts for your loved ones on your next trip? It will surely bring you further luck along with special memories.
Address: 16-23 Nihonbashi-koami-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3668-1080
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Official Website: https://www.koamijinja.or.jp/
Walking along Ningyōchō Street, two distinctive "Ningyōchō Karakuri Yagura (Towers)" catch your eye. These clock towers are symbols of Ningyōchō that bring the essence of Tokyo (formerly called Edo) from about 400 years ago into the modern day.
Every day from 11 AM to 7 PM, mechanical dolls come to life every hour, accompanied by traditional music and chants, creating a small "world of Edo" that lasts for about 2-3 minutes. The intricate movements of these meticulously crafted dolls evoke Bunraku, which inspired the name of Ningyōchō itself.
When exploring the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide areas, be sure to stop by to enjoy the sophisticated movements and charming performance.
Address: 1-17-7 Nihonbashi Ningyōchō, Chūō-ku, Tokyo Hours: 11:00-19:00 Closed: Never Official Website: https://ningyocho.or.jp/
Source:Official site（https://imahan-tokyo.com/official/honten/）
Ningyocho Imahan is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant founded in 1895. In an interior designed in Sukiya-zukuri (traditional Japanese architectural style) that exudes downtown charm, you can enjoy sukiyaki and shabu-shabu made with premium domestic Japanese Black Wagyu beef.
The dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients carefully selected one by one and reliable cooking techniques by skilled artisans, are exceptional. The tender fat and meat quality spread a refined flavor throughout your mouth.
On the first floor, you can enjoy teppanyaki steak, while the second floor offers Japanese cuisine centered around sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
If you want to taste exquisite wagyu dishes in Japan, the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide recommends visiting Ningyocho Imahan.
Address: 2-9-12 Nihonbashi Ningyōchō, Chūō-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3666-7006 Hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-22:00 (Weekdays) • 11:00-22:00 (Weekends & Holidays) Closed: December 31st & January 1st Official Website: https://restaurant.imahan.com/honten/
Ningyōchō is within walking distance from the Nihonbashi area and easily accessible from Kanda and Akihabara with just one transfer.
Ningyōchō Station: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Asakusa Line Nihonbashi Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tozai Line, Toei Asakusa Line Mitsukoshimae Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line Shin-Nihonbashi Station: JR Sobu Rapid Line Tokyo Station: Various JR lines
You can smoothly arrive from Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, or Narita Airport by taxi or train, making it an ideal location for exploring downtown attractions and culinary experiences.
Source:Official website（https://nihonbashi-cruise.jp/）
The Nihonbashi Cruise departing from Nihonbashi Pier offers a special tourism experience traveling along rivers flowing through central Tokyo. From the boat, you can view Tokyo's historical landscapes including stone walls that have remained for many years, historic bridges, and the Ochanomizu valley as seen looking up from the water surface.
On the other hand, you can also see modern landmarks such as TOKYO SKYTREE and Rainbow Bridge, which makes experiencing the city's evolution another attractive point. It will be a valuable opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Tokyo where tradition and innovation intersect, all at once.
Discover the new charms of Tokyo from a unique water perspective while enjoying open views from a small boat—an experience you can't get from land-based tourism.
Address: 1-9 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-5679-7311 Hours: Check the homepage for holidays Official website: https://nihonbashi-cruise.jp/
Akihabara, located in Sotokanda, is an entertainment mecca right next to the Kanda area. Once known as an electronics district, it has now become a spot attracting worldwide attention as a hub for Japanese anime and manga culture.
The streets lined with colorful signs feature shops selling the latest games and electronic devices alongside specialty anime merchandise stores and figure shops. At maid cafés and huge game centers, you can experience Japan's unique subculture.
If you're interested in Japanese pop culture, it's recommended to incorporate it into your tourism course along with your Kanda exploration. You'll be able to experience modern Tokyo, which contrasts with Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide locations introduced so far.
Source:PR TIMES（https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000021.000009289.html）
The popular Akihabara spot "at-home cafe" is a maid café that represents Japanese pop culture. A maid café is a uniquely Japanese concept café where female staff (maids) call visitors "master" (or "Princess" for female visitors) and provide unique services.
You can chant love-filled spells with maids to make your food and drinks taste better, take commemorative photos together, or enjoy songs and dance performances by the maids.
The at-home cafe is a tourist spot where you can casually experience the extraordinary while experiencing Japanese subculture.
Address: Mitsuwa Building, 1-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 050-3135-2091 Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Mon-Fri), 10:00-22:00 (Sat-Sun) Closed: None Official website: https://www.cafe-athome.com/
Source:VISIT CHIYODA（https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/819）
"Super Potato" is known as a holy ground for retro games. Inside the store, you'll find a rich collection of nostalgic game software and hardware from the 1980s and 1990s, including Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Their inventory is so extensive that it's dubbed "Japan's No.1 in retro game stock."
There's also a corner where you can enjoy arcade games that were once hugely popular in Japan, starting at 100 yen per play. They also sell traditional Japanese snacks called "dagashi."
For those interested in Japanese gaming culture or curious about the atmosphere of retro game centers in Japan, Super Potato is a must-visit spot in the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide for any tourist exploring this historic area.
Address: 3rd-5th Floor, Kitabayashi Building, 1-11-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-5289-9933 Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Mon-Fri) • 10:00-22:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays) Closed: Never Official Website: http://superpotatoakiba.jp/
Source:VISIT CHIYODA（https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/441）
"Radio Kaikan" is a symbolic shopping spot in Akihabara that houses stores selling anime, manga, and game-related products.
The 10-story building features a wide range of stores specializing in anime, hobbies, idol merchandise, PC parts, and more. Each floor handles different genres, allowing you to experience many subcultures at once.
The selection of figures and doujinshi (fan-made publications) is particularly vast, attracting dedicated fans (called "Otaku"). It's an essential spot to enjoy the essence of Akihabara all at once and is featured prominently in the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide as one of the must-see destinations for tourists interested in Japanese pop culture.
Address: 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: Contact individual stores Hours: 10:00-20:00 Closed: Varies by store Official Website: https://akihabara-radiokaikan.co.jp/
Akihabara is a transportation hub served by JR lines, subway, and the Tsukuba Express, making it a highly accessible area.
Akihabara Station: JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tsukuba Express
It's only about 2 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, and also within walking distance from Kanda Station. According to the Kanda & Nihonbashi Guide, tourists will find that signage from airports is well-maintained, so you can arrive without getting lost.