SHIMBASHI/ TORANOMON/ SHIBA

Zojo-ji Temple (About 400 years ago ~ )

The temple is known as a family temple of the Tokugawa family, the ruling shogunate in the Edo period. It also has cultural properties such as Honzon Amida Nyoraizo (Main Image of Amida Buddha) and Sangedatsumon (Sangedatsu Gate). “Sentai Kosodate Jizoson” (A Thousand Jizo statues) are stone statues of children built wishing for children’s healthy growth.

The setting of “Chushingura” (The Tale of the 47 Loyal Samurai)

In 1702, 47 ronin (masterless samurai) took revenge against their master’s enemy and then committed seppuku (ritual self-disembowelment) in this area. This is a very famous story in Japan and also performed in the Kabuki play “Kanadehon Chushingura.”

Now…

Try Shinshodo’s Japanese sweets called “Seppuku monaka” whose name is associated with the Chushingura story. Sandwiched between monaka wafer shells, the red bean paste filling almost spills out. Although the appearance may remind you of seppuku, it has very elegant sweetness. Another popular sweets here is yokan, a thick, jellied dessert made of red bean paste and it has different samurai drawings on its packages.

Old Shimbashi Station / SL Square

In 1872, Japan’s first railway line was opened between here in Shimbashi and Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. “The Old Shimbashi Station” is a building reproducing the external appearance of the former station building in the same place as it was. Ruins of the building are designated a national historical site, and a part of the platforms and tracks are reproduced. A steam locomotive is exhibited in front of the current Shimbashi Station and the place is called SL Square.

Now…

You can enjoy SL Square with beautiful lights and music during Christmas time.
Illuminated period: November 12 (Thu), 2015-January 9 (Sat), 2016

Old Shimbashi Station Exhibition Hall
http://www.ejrcf.or.jp/shinbashi/english

Tokyo Tower

Built in 1958, the tower is a symbol of Tokyo with a height of 333 meters. In addition to the splendid views from the two observatories, the lit up tower at night is also fabulous.

Now…
Enjoy the world of popular manga and anime, “ONE PIECE” at “TOKYO ONE PIECE TOWER”! They have different attractions and a good selection of ONE PIECE goods.

TOKYO ONE PIECE TOWER
03-5777-5308
10:00-22:00 (Admission until 21:00)
Open 365 days
http://onepiecetower.tokyo/en/

A town of corporate employees

Shimbashi is often called “a town of corporate employees,” and “New Shinbashi Building” is its landmark. The building is packed with bars and shops selling suits, shoes, watches, cigarettes and other such items for business persons. Go visit and get an insight into the everyday lifestyle of the Japanese “salaryman”!

Bars and restaurants are also lined up under the elevated railway tracks and around the station. Red lanterns hanging under the eaves of bars are a familiar Tokyo sight, attracting many people.

■Tokyo Port Brewery

The sake brewery was opened in 1812 but was closed in 1909. Then, almost 100 years later, the current brewery chief and his son revived the brewery in 2011. Doburoku, or unrefined home-brewed sake, can be purchased at a store adjacent to the brewery. *The number of bottles available is limited.

Shiba Store Association: Shiba-kara Super-hot Street

The shopping street has been loved by local people for more than 50 years and now offers you super-hot delicious food! Twenty-four stores there offer their original menus using the world hottest chili pepper, bhut jolokia. Taiyaki, a fish-shaped pancake, is usually stuffed with bean jam and tastes sweet, but ones sold here are filled with hot curry and spicy!

Toranomon Hills

This is a skyscraper complex building with offices, commercial facilities and a hotel opened in 2014. Don’t forget to take pictures with its mascot, “Toranomon”!