Nihonbashi Guide: Tonkatsu Hajime, Tendon & Half-Day Walk
Tokyo Mate
Looking for Nihonbashi Tokyo attractions? If you want to truly experience the charm of this place where tradition and modernity coexist, pay attention to this guide. From life-changing tonkatsu restaurant 'Hajime' to Japan's first department store, and the children's paradise Pokemon Center DX. We introduce a perfect half-day course to enjoy everything Nihonbashi offers.
✨ Tokyo’s Center Where Tradition and Modernity Coexist: Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi (日本橋), meaning ‘Japan’s Bridge’, was historically the starting point of all roads in Japan, just as its name suggests. Today, between Japan’s first department store and long-established shops (老舗) with proud histories, modern shopping malls and new culture coexist, creating this neighborhood’s unique charm.
🚇 How to Get to Nihonbashi
🚆 Subway Access
- Direct connection via Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Tozai Line, Toei Asakusa Line ‘Nihonbashi Station’
- Also about 10 minutes on foot from Tokyo Station, convenient for exploring both areas together
🚌 Free Shuttle Bus: Metrolink Nihonbashi
There’s a free shuttle bus departing from Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit that circulates through Nihonbashi’s key attractions (Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, etc.). Operating at approximately 15-20 minute intervals, it’s the ultimate travel tip for comfortably covering distances awkward to walk.
- Year-round operation
- Operating hours: 11:00 ~ 19:00
Major Stops:
📍 Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit (東京駅八重洲口): Your journey’s beginning and end. Convenient when arriving at JR Tokyo Station.
📍 Subway Mitsukoshimae Station (地下鉄三越前駅): Most convenient stop for visiting ‘Mitsukoshi Main Store’ and ‘COREDO Muromachi’.
📍 Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-chome (日本橋室町一丁目): Near restaurant alley including ‘Tonkatsu Hajime’ and ‘Kaneko Hannosuke’.
📍 Nihonbashi Takashimaya (日本橋髙島屋): Stops right in front of Takashimaya Department Store housing ‘Pokemon Center DX’.
🚶♂️ Complete Nihonbashi in Half a Day! Recommended Walking Course
Starting at Nihonbashi Station and ending at Mitsukoshimae Station, this efficiently covers key attractions without overlapping routes.
1. Nihonbashi Station → Takashimaya S.C. & Pokemon Center
Start your journey at Takashimaya S.C. New Building 5F’s ‘Pokemon Center DX’, connected to Nihonbashi Station, with the giant Snorlax.
2. Nihonbashi Bridge (日本橋), Kirin Statue, Zero Point
Head outside toward Nihonbashi Bridge, the starting point of Japan’s roads. Take a commemorative photo with the famous ‘winged kirin statue’ at the bridge center. Fans of Keigo Higashino’s novel The Wings of the Kirin will feel especially moved. After crossing the bridge, find the Nihon Koku Douro Genhyo (日本国道路元標) marking the ‘0km’ point for all roads extending nationwide.
3. Department Store Street & Chuo-dori (中央通り)
Cross the bridge and walk along Chuo-dori, Nihonbashi’s main street. Enjoy the grandeur of ‘Mitsukoshi Main Store’, Japan’s first department store, and the sophisticated shopping mall ‘COREDO Muromachi’.
4. Lunch
Experience the ultimate meal at one of ‘Tonkatsu Hajime’, ‘Kaneko Hannosuke’, or ‘Tsujihan’.
5. Mitsukoshimae Station (三越前駅) - G Ginza Line, Z Hanzomon Line
After exploring Mitsukoshi department store and the surrounding area, conveniently move to your next destination from Mitsukoshimae Station, directly connected to the department store, concluding your itinerary.
🏛️ Nihonbashi Representative Landmarks & Attractions
- Pokemon Center DX & Pokemon Cafe
A paradise for Pokemon fans located in Takashimaya S.C. New Building. Full of limited edition goods, with a 100% reservation-only Pokemon Cafe.
If you’re curious about detailed interior views, limited edition goods, and the 100% reservation-only Pokemon Cafe, check out the detailed guide below!
➡️ Tokyo Nihonbashi Pokemon Center Tokyo DX & Pokemon Cafe, 5 Minutes from Tokyo Station
- Nihonbashi Bridge & Wings of the Kirin, Zero Point
Japan’s road ‘0km’ point. The winged kirin statue symbolizes the setting of Keigo Higashino’s novel The Wings of the Kirin.
- Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Japan’s first department store built in 1935. The grand building and the giant celestial maiden statue in the central hall are must-sees.
- COREDO Muromachi (COREDO 室町)
A sophisticated complex shopping space showcasing Nihonbashi’s ‘present’. Four buildings house everything from traditional craft shops to the latest restaurants and cinemas.
🛶 Another Tokyo on the River: Nihonbashi River Cruise
At the pier right next to Nihonbashi Bridge, enjoy a special river cruise viewing Tokyo from a boat. It offers a unique experience of looking up at the city from the river instead of always looking down from above, with passing under bridges as the highlight. (Advance reservation recommended)
- Kanda River Cruise 90 minutes (from 2,500 yen~)
Cruise the calm Edo-period Nihonbashi River, historic Kanda River, and scenic Sumida River. A 90-minute course enjoying the fusion of historical and modern scenery.
- Sunset Cruise 70 minutes (from 3,500 yen~)
A course heading to Tokyo Port while enjoying the changing sky colors unique to this time. Sunset and Rainbow Bridge are a perfect match!
- Nihonbashi Night Cruise 80 minutes (from 3,500 yen~)
This course’s exclusive route passes close to Hamarikyu Gardens. At Tokyo Port, enjoy the nightscape of buildings. Recommended for those who want to see “This is Tokyo’s night view!”
- Edo Tokyo 60-minute Cruise (from 2,000 yen~)
See all bridges designated as important cultural properties among the distinctive bridges over the Sumida River. A 60-minute course leisurely enjoying both Nihonbashi and Sumida Rivers.
- Edo Tokyo 45-minute Cruise (from 1,500 yen~)
A 45-minute course casually cruising Nihonbashi and Sumida Rivers on an open boat with excellent openness, viewing landmarks like Nihonbashi Bridge and Sky Tree.
🍽️ Worth Waiting in Line: Nihonbashi Top 3 Restaurants
1. Tonkatsu Hajime (とんかつ はじめ)
Michelin Bib Gourmand, Tabelog Hundred Famous Stores. Life-changing tonkatsu slowly fried at low temperature. Nihonbashi has 2 locations, so you can flexibly plan by moving to another location if the wait is long or visiting according to operating hours.
🍜 Nihonbashi Tonkatsu Ichi Nihonbashi Main Store (10 seats)
- Tue
Fri:11:0021:00 (last entry) / No break time - Sat·Sun·Holidays: 10:00~21:00 (last entry) / No break time
- ※Regular Monday closure (Open if Monday is a holiday!)
🍜 Nihonbashi Tonkatsu Ichi Hanare (12 seats)
- Weekdays: 10:00
14:30 (last entry) / 17:3020:30 (last entry) - Sat, Sun, Holidays: 10:00~21:00 (last entry)
- Year-round operation
2. Kaneko Hannosuke (金子半之助)
The best value tendon with generous tempura spilling out of the bowl. This location also has 2 branches.
🍜 Kaneko Hannosuke Nihonbashi Main Store
- Mon
Fri:11:0021:00 (L.O.20:30) - Sat·Sun·Holidays: 10:00~21:00 (L.O.20:30)
🍜 Kaneko Hannosuke Nihonbashi Branch
- Weekdays: 11:00~22:00 (LO21:30)
- Sat, Sun, Holidays: 10:00~21:00 (LO20:30)
3. Tsujihan (つじ半)
A jewel box-like ‘Zeitaku-don’ with over 9 types of chopped seafood. Features finishing by pouring sea bream broth for ochazuke enjoyment, with 2 locations.
🍜 Tsujihan Nihonbashi Main Store
- Operating hours: 10:00 ~22:30 (LO.22:00)
🍜 Tsujihan Nihonbashi COREDO Muromachi Branch
- Operating hours: 10:00 ~22:00 (LO.21:30)
Today we’ve introduced Nihonbashi attractions as a perfect course covering history, shopping, and gastronomy. Why not experience Tokyo’s authentic charm in Nihonbashi, where you can feel the substantial history and dignity different from other Tokyo areas?
📍 After Nihonbashi, Where Next? (Recommended Connected Courses)
Nihonbashi is located in central Tokyo, making it a perfect starting point for afternoon plans after completing the half-day course. Choose your next destination according to your preferences and route.
🚶♂️ 10 Minutes on Foot! Tokyo’s Heart, Tokyo Station
Just a short walk south along Chuo-dori from Nihonbashi, you’ll quickly reach Tokyo Station. Explore the massive underground shopping area with Character Street and Ramen Street, or enjoy the beautiful Marunouchi Station building’s night view.
➡️ Tokyo Station Activities, Perfect Course from Character Street to Restaurants & Night Views
🚇 2 Minutes by Subway (Ginza Line)! Luxury Shopping Center, Ginza
If you want to enjoy modern, sophisticated shopping different from Nihonbashi’s traditional atmosphere, take the Ginza Line subway two stops. World-class luxury brands, upscale department stores, and atmospheric cafes await you.
➡️ Ginza Attractions, Complete Recommended Course (Shopping, Restaurants, Tips)
🚇 10 Minutes by Subway (Ginza Line)! Traditional Tokyo Scenery, Asakusa
If you want to experience lively traditional commoner culture different from Nihonbashi’s business-oriented tradition, use the Asakusa subway line. Enjoy Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and Nakamise-dori’s street food.
➡️ Tokyo Asakusa Activities & Restaurants Complete Guide (Senso-ji, Gyukatsu, Hotel Recommendations)