Did you know? Japan also has its own "Point Zero" in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi.

Nihonbashi: A Subtle Bridge That Shaped All of Japan

When people think of Paris, many make a point to step on the small bronze plaque in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral—the "Point Zéro", the origin of all French roads.

What about Japan?
The answer is: Nihonbashi in Tokyo.

At the very center of Nihonbashi Bridge lies a quietly embedded plaque called the "Nihon Koku Doro Genshyo" (Japan's Road Origin Marker). This is the starting point for all of Japan's national highways. So unassuming that it's easy to miss, yet it holds irreplaceable significance as the "departure point" in Japan's transportation history.

From the Edo Period to Today, Always Connecting to the Future

Nihonbashi was born in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu, in his efforts to develop Edo (modern-day Tokyo), established the Five Routes—Tokaido, Nakasendo, Nikko Kaido, Koshu Kaido, and Oshu Kaido. Each began at this bridge, stretching out across the nation.

Back then, people carried their belongings and dreams, setting off from this very spot. Today, though the bridge has been rebuilt in stone, its meaning as a "starting point" remains unchanged.

Now, Nihonbashi is more than a transportation hub—it's like a "time capsule of memory." Standing at the bridge's center, with your feet on the origin marker, you'll feel a curious sensation: this city, this country—its past, present, and future—all unfold from here.

The Wings of the Kirin, Guardian of the Bridge's Story

Look up, and you'll see a striking statue of a Kirin with wings. Not the giraffe-like creature, but a mythical beast said to bring peace and hope.

This statue served as a key setting in Keigo Higashino's novel The Wings of the Kirin (Kirin no Tsubasa). In the story, a tragedy unfolds beneath the Kirin, with each character searching for their own "starting point." For those who've read the novel, it's hard to pass over Nihonbashi without pausing, recalling the Kirin's wings gazing into the distance, as if waiting for something.

A Quick Reminder: Golden Week Temperatures Are Rising!

Golden Week has just begun, and Japan is in full festive mode. But here's a heads-up: during the latter half (especially early May), temperatures in Tokyo and other areas may soar close to 30°C. If you're planning a Nihonbashi stroll during Golden Week, don't forget a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to keep your journey comfortable and safe.

Suggested Walking Itinerary

• Tokyo Station → 10-minute walk to Nihonbashi
• Road Origin Marker & Kirin Statue: Snap a photo, take a moment for quiet reflection
• Currency Museum (Free admission)
• Lunch at the century-old eel restaurant "Isesada Honten": Savor the taste of Edo
• COREDO Muromachi & Mitsukoshi Main Store: Leisurely explore
• Nara Tsutaya Bookstore: Enjoy a coffee, write a postcard to yourself

At Nihonbashi, Everyone Can Find Their Starting Point

Travel doesn't always mean going far. Sometimes, the truest journey is standing in one place, looking down at the ground beneath your feet, then up at the sky, and quietly asking yourself:

What is my "starting point"?

If you're looking to find your own answers in Tokyo, let it begin at Nihonbashi, with this small bronze plaque.