The town of Nihonbashi has been the commercial centre in Japan since Edo era (1603-1868) and there used to be large fish market where my ancestors worked.
Now, in this town there are Bank of Japan, a stock exchange, famous department stores, many banks and securities companies, as well as various companies.
Starting from Bank of Japan, about ten minutes’ walk will take you to Nihonbashi-Ningyocho area, which has a little different atmosphere from the central Nihonbashi.
Nihonbashi-Ningyocho area (hereafter Ningyocho) has not so many huge buildings. There are many small old buildings and traditional small shops, such as a shop which sells only scissors and clippers, Japanese folding fan shop, a shop selling Japanese sweets….etc. You will find even a shop specializing toothpicks.
This town attracts mainly the Japanese: Japanese business person, senior citizens as well as pregnant women and their mothers. This is due to the existence of Suitengu shrine, which dedicates God for easy delivery. On the “day of dog”, which comes every twelve days, the town is full of pregnant women!
The other day I went to Ningyocho for the first time in a long time.
I ate lunch at a small restaurant, which specializes udon noodle with tempura.
This is the shop where Ningyo-yaki is sold. The town name of Ningyocho reportedly derived from this Ningyo-yaki.
Japan has many earthquakes and high humidity in summer. So the residents make a tremendous effort to preserve old buildings.
If you want to experience old Japan, would you spend a day in this town?
