Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

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Motohashi Hie-jinja Shrine is located close to Tokyo Metro Kayabacho Station and adjacent to Kabuto-cho. The precincts are large despite the city center and are unexpectedly quiet.

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It has been known as the resting place of portable shrines of the Sanno Festival since the Edo period, and it is still a resting place for the festival procession at the shrine festival.

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The komainu of this shrine is rare and facing up.

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This is said to have been consecrated in hopes of recovery from the Great Kanto Earthquake and rising luck.
It's called "upward" and luck is going up.

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February 23rd, Mount Fuji Day.

At Machiya in Nihonbashi, Edo Castle and Mount Fuji are as much as possible.
The city planning was done so that I could expect.

Suruga Tefu and Surugacho are located in front of the street in Suruga.
It is a town designed so that you can see Mount Fuji.
The name of the town was given from this view.

It depicts a broad composition that forms a pair with Mount Fuji.
You can feel good luck on the streets of the town.

Currently, stone structures such as the main building of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store and the Mitsui Main Building are made of stone.
It's a street lined with Historic buildings.

I can't see Mount Fuji hidden in the building, but I can't see it.

It is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring.

◆A famous place in Edo where you can enjoy Nishiki-e.
　Hiroshige, 100 famous views of Edo.

◆Edo Sakura-dori St.
　1-2 Nihonbashi Honishicho, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-2
　Nihonbashi Honmachi 1-2

 

 

Hello. It's Hanes, a new correspondent!
Recently, I got a sports bike for some reason, so I took a trial ride in the city.
Considering the traffic volume of pedestrians and cars in the city center, the maintenance of bicycle paths, etc.
Rather than enjoying running, I feel that pottering to enjoy visiting historical sites and shops is more suitable.

However, when it comes to sports bikes, pottering in the town is not enough....
One thing to say selfishness is that I want a variety of undulations and scenery.
This time, I would like to introduce a course (Hanes style) that fulfills such hope.
(* Photos in the article are taken at different times of multiple days.)

◼️ Seasonal Waterfront Course
Itinerary: Tsukiji - Toyomi - Harumi - Toyosu - Harumi - Kachidoki - Tsukiji
Time required (approximate): 45 minutes to 1 hour
Course Overview: A course for everyone who enjoys a variety of undulations and scenery in addition to seasonal spots such as Harumi's Athlete Village and Toyosu Market.
Recommended time zone: At any time



The starting point is in front of the Kachidokibashi Museum, located near Kachidokibashi.
Even if you go cycling in a group, there is a space where people can gather without disturbing pedestrians.
It is safe because there is also a public toilet.
For those who come for sightseeing or do not have a bicycle, a community cycle with electric assist is convenient.
I will introduce you later, but please check this map for the nearby cycle ports.

①Museum in Kachidokibashi
In front of the museum, there are monuments of the Navy Accounting School and traces of Kachidoki.
You can learn about the history of Kachidoki before departure.
And if you are lucky, you may see bulbuls that stop in the surrounding trees.



Well, the preface has become longer, but now we'll start for a ride in the waterfront area!

②Tsukiji Outer Market
The first thing you can see on your left after you start running is Tsukiji Outer Market, which is lined with about 460 shops.
The average number of tenants at major department store food department stores in Tokyo is said to be around 80.
It's calculated that there are 5.7 times more shops here.
Please note that there is a large amount of pedestrians and cars around the out-of-market market.

Also, if you want to start around this area, which has good access from subway stations and out-of-market markets, you can use it as a starting point.
There is a cycle port near the traffic light of Ichiba Bridge, so it is convenient to use it here.



If you go south along the site of the market for a while, you will see a sticker indicating the entrance of Route 2 for pedestrians and bicycles.
It may be a bit difficult to understand for the first time, but the entrance is right in front of Ote-mon gate Bridge!



It turns a little bit when entering and exiting, but most of it is straight and wide, making it easier to run.
While paying attention to pedestrians, it opens and crosses the bridge for about three months.



③Hamarikyu Onshi Garden
In the middle of a comfortable ride, you can enter your view....
Historic scenery and seasonal flowers of the Hamarikyu Onshi Garden, a nationally designated special scenic spot and special historic site.
In mid-February, I could see some of the canola flower, which is now in full bloom.



When I looked down on the surface of the water, I felt like I was called by someone.
A cute waterfowl was swimming with dexterous water.



If you go a little further, you will see the Hamarikyu dock, the lighthouse ruins, the Tsukiji River sluice gate, etc.
From this area, you can see the famous buildings of the ancient and modern times, Hamarikyu Garden and Rainbow Bridge at the same time!



④Tsukiji Ohashi
The flat road ends once in front of the bridge and becomes a gentle uphill.
Senior correspondent Mr. Satsuki's Koi Blower introduced it before.
Check the calligraphy of former Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe and proceed to the destination!



After crossing the bridge, head to the pier with a ship from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.



⑤Toyomi Fisheries Wharf
This area has many warehouses and many trucks.
There is a view that looks like a port town reminiscent of a market in Tsukiji.



From here, you can see Harumi Wharf, the athlete's village under construction, the Rainbow Bridge, etc.
It's not as famous as Harumi Wharf, but it's a great photo spot.



As you can see in the picture above, the view at dusk is also good.
You can take a memory of cycling against the backdrop of the blue sky during the day and the shining water surface.



⑥Tuna Wholesale tuna bowl shop
After that, if you run a little while looking at the Asashio Canal to the right, you will see something like a shop.
That's the tuna wholesaler's tuna bowl shop!
Senior correspondent HK introduced in detail in 2017.



The menu is written on the surfboard.
"Tuna wholesale tuna bowl", which is also the name of the store, is 600 yen!
Personally, I'm worried about "super rich bisque soup shrimp buckwheat".



For cycling in the morning, take a break that also served as lunch here.
Why don't you enjoy the seafood and scenery unique to the waterfront?
After that, go back along Route 2 and continue the ride.

⑦Reimei Ohashi, Toyosu Ohashi
Like Tsukiji Ohashi, this is also a relatively recently opened road.
Fortunately, the bicycle path is well-maintained.
However, there are pedestrians, so drive with care for speed.



After experiencing a moderate uphill, you can see the scenery unique to the waterfront.
"The slope was hard, but I'm glad I came."



⑧Toyosu Market
When you go down Toyosu Ohashi, you will see the Toyosu Market.
This is not Chuo-ku, but it is one of the seasonal spots related to the former Tsukiji Market!



⑨Harumi Ohashi
Pass the Toyosu Market, cross the Harumi Ohashi and return to Chuo-ku.
As you can see in the article by Senior Correspondent Sumida Fireworks, Harumi Ohashi has some undulations.
Even a woman like me can cross it without difficulty.
If you use a community cycle with electric assist, you can use it.
You can cross with a smile without having to look rugged.



From this area, you can see warehouses, tower apartments, and sky trees.
I don't get tired of the scenery
After that, we only run to the goal point, Kachidokibashi Museum, but also to the goal point.
Why don't you take a short stop before that?

⑩Derido Kachidoki Ekimae Store (with bicycle parking)
This is a supermarket used by people living in the surrounding area.
With self-service, you can enjoy your specialty coffee at an affordable price.
At the time of the visit, in addition to the commonly seen coffee, you can see the coffee.
There were also flavor coffee such as caramel vanilla and organic coffee.
There are two sizes, 12oz (about 355ml) and 16oz (about 470ml).
Surprisingly plenty, but you can adjust the amount yourself for self-service!

Get off the bicycle and move to the east side of Kachidokibashi with a cup of coffee.
It is also a luxurious time to see Tokyo Tower and Kachidokibashi (the night view is recommended).



If you take a break and cross the bridge, the museum is right there.
This time, I used photos from different time zones, so it may have been difficult to understand.
As I wrote at the beginning, you can make a lap in 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Finally, looking back on the course, the historical scenery such as the Hamarikyu Onshi Garden is the garden.
Modern landscapes such as Tower Mansion, Rainbow Bridge, Sky Tree, and Tokyo Tower.
And the scenery of warehouses, ships, sluice gates, etc. unique to the waterfront.
I was able to see a lot of landscapes that were rich in change and did not get tired of my eyes.

In addition, many of the roads that ran this time (other than around Tsukiji and Toyomi Fisheries Wharf) have bicycle paths.
The road width is wide and easy for children.
Whether you live in the city or have come to Chuo-ku for sightseeing from Japan and overseas, you can also visit the city.
This is my favorite course that I would like to recommend.

※When riding a bicycle, follow the manners and rules.
　Don't forget to wear a helmet or turn on the lights after darkening....

 

 

Hello. I'm a new correspondent (Hanes)
As March approaches, it's time to find a "small spring".
Kikaku Takarai, a poet related to Chuo-ku, wrote about the spring of Edo (New Year).

"There is no day when one bell can't be sold, spring in Edo"

It is said that Edo was prosperous enough to sell even the bells of temples that are unlikely to sell.
I can't see such a sight now, but
In Chuo-ku, there are many bells that have seen the passage of time for a long time.
This time, I went to see some of these bells.

■Bronze Bell, Kokumachi Bell (Nihonbashi Kodenmacho 5-2) / Made in Japan
This bell, which was set up in Honishi-cho around the time of the second shogun Hidetada, informs people of Edo Castle about the time.
Because it was near Nagasakiya, Kawayanagi was written saying, "The bell of Kokumachi can be heard to the Netherlands."



The bell is about 170cm tall and is about the average height of an adult man.
(Speaking of about 170cm in Chuo-ku)...The iron bodhisattva head of Daikanonji also has the same size. )
I can hit this bell specially on New Year's Eve, so I would like to try it someday.

■Catholic Tsukiji Church (5-26 Akashicho) / Made in France
Here is the copper-made Western Bell (Kumin Tangible Cultural Property), commonly known as "JEANNE LOUISE DE YEDO" in Edo.
This bell was cast and donated in 1876.
At that time, during the Meiji era, it was already renamed "Edo" to "Tokyo".
So why was it named "Janne Louise of Edo" as the bell name suggests?...
The reason for this is that at the time of ordering the bell to Renne, the name "Tokyo" was not yet thoroughly enforced.

The event that could be said to be the origin of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival was held in 1732.
The name has changed with the times, and it seems that the current name has taken root is newer than expected.
Looking at the changes in the name, it is interesting to get a glimpse of the background and intentions of the times.



The "Adelaide Josephine," a bell that once duet with this bell, is known as "Adelaide Josephine."
This is exactly what Harumi Madam introduced last year.

Both bells were spared from the metal supplies of Pacific War, and did not become cannons.
As an aside, Jeanne Louise remains intact to this day, whereas
The Adelaide Josephine has overcome the rough waves of the times.
The bell was engraved with the name of the French legal scholar Boasonard.
I was able to escape the metal supply at Pacific War, but
Once broken, it was recasted in 1957 with the donation of a believer at Sekiguchi Church.

■Peace Bell (in the median strip between Nihonbashi 3-4 and Kyobashi 1-1) / Made in the Netherlands
This bell commemorates the 380th anniversary of Osamu Nichiran in 1989.
It was established by Chuo-ku in hope of world peace as a member of an international city.
The 26 bells are the largest in the world in the manufacture of Carillon Swing Bells.
With more than 100 years of history and excellent technology and achievements, he was awarded the title of "Royal" by the Dutch royal family.
Manufactured by Royal I Suvautu, Netherlands



The bell plays a song typified by the song "My Town" in Chuo-ku at 0 minutes every hour.
If you are concerned about the melody, or if you live far away, please contact us.
From Heiwa, Chuo-ku Prayer Virtual Museum



■Ginza Bell (Ginza Church: Ginza 4-2-1) / Made by U.K.
This is not so known compared to the above three bells, but
It is located on the right side of the stairs of Ginza Church.
It is a historical bell that has witnessed the transition of Ginza for about 90 years since the third hall was built in 1928.

However, it was cast in 1878, the same age as the bell of the Catholic Tsukiji Church!
Blews & Son (Blews & Son) in Birmingham City has a total of 227 kg.
The owner, William Bruus, remains a record as a craftsman making brass candlesticks, but
It seems that the church bell was also cast, and the bell of the time remains in the home base Birmingham.
How did this church bell cross the sea?...Don't you bother me?



So, if you look at the bell inscription, you can see words about the casting company or church, but take a closer look at lines 3 to 4.
Why isn't it engraved with NAGASAKI JAPAN?
This is a great clue for the bell to come to Ginza.
As a British lover, I couldn't pull down here, so after further investigation, I found the following:

In 1873 (Meiji 11), the oldest protestant sacred school in Japan, which later became Dejima Holy Public Hall Theological School, was established in Nagasaki.


(This building is indicated by a red arrow. When I visited last year, I didn't know that it was related to the Ginza Church. )

At that time, this bell, which Thomas Graver ordered, was attached.
However, the bell fell in an earthquake that occurred in 1922....
After that, missionary Scott has bought it.

The following year, the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred, and the Ginza Church was burned down....
It was revived in 1928, when the aforementioned Third Hall was completed.
At this time, the bell obtained from the Scott was attached.

Finally, the relationship between Nagasaki and Ginza appears on this bell has emerged.
Why did Glaver custom to Bruus & Sun?
We have not yet fully clarified what kind of person missionary Scott was and what kind of relationship it had with Ginza Church.
If you know the details, I will introduce them again on the blog!

■Yeah
This time, we introduced the bells seen in the city, how was it?
The countries of making bells are all different, and I feel again that Chuo-ku is international in the past.
An unexpected relationship with Nagasaki was also found.
As you mentioned, some of them have retired bells.
In this way, if you understand the history of the active era, you can gradually see the background of the era at that time.
In Chuo-ku, I hope you will find "one bell" very interesting.

[References and Website]
Earthquake and Volcano Observation Research Center, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, “Overview of seismic activity in Nagasaki Prefecture (August 2003)” (viewed on February 16, 2019)
Tsukiji Catholic Church 100th Anniversary Magazine Editorial Committee "Tsukiji-100th Anniversary Commemorative Issue" (Tsukiji Catholic Church, 1978) ※Not for sale (You can show it at the church.)
Nagasaki Baptist Church “Recommendation Walking Course - Course B: From spectacle bridge to Dejima / Oura 3” (viewed on February 16, 2019)

 

 

The fifth episode of Kyobashi Monogatari. It's a continuation from the last time.

Until the last time →　【①】【②】【③】【④】

　

Minami Temmacho, where the remnants of the Taisho era remained even after the Great Kanto Earthquake. In this city, which is lined with modern buildings, we decided to continue to look at the reconstruction of Ginza from a high place. If you sit in a chair, the view looks very pleasant. Entering the Showa era, the cityscape of Ginza Street has also clearly changed.

On the left of the street, a department store in Matsuya has already opened. In the back, you can see Matsuzakaya slightly, and the reconstruction of the city of Ginza seems to be progressing rapidly, led by these two department stores.

　

On the other hand, the scenery of Minami Temmacho around 1928. The streetcars and shared buses are shown on the street, indicating that they are booming. The renovation of the Hoshi Pharmaceutical building has begun, and the Katakurakan on the leftmost part has been expanded.　

　

In the fall of 1928, Emperor Showa's memorial service (gratitude) is held, and a memorial tower is set up in Kyobashi. The great scripture is a series of ceremonies, such as the throne, Great Thanksgiving Ceremony. At the time of Emperor Taisho, what was done in 1915 was introduced in Kyobashi Monogatari 2.

This year 2019 is a memorable year, and as you know, the throne will take place on October 22. This year's throne is held in Tokyo in the same way as in the Heisei era, but it is said that it was held at the Kyoto Imperial Palace during the Showa and Taisho eras.

　

In 1930, seven years have passed since the earthquake. There is a break in the earthquake reconstruction project.

Hoshi Pharmaceutical buildings, which had been damaged by the earthquake, have been renewed, and the reconstruction of the city of Minami Temmacho has ended for the time being. Nevertheless, the cityscape of Minami Temmacho, which retains the remnants of the Taisho era. People walking on Ginza Street may have felt a kind of nostalgia.

Then, in late March 1930, the Imperial City Reconstruction Festival will be held. Many citizens rush to Ginza Street and share the joy of reconstruction.

　

The main pillar of Kyobashi facing the heavens and the tower of the building in Minami Temmacho. A double pole of a tram in the commemorative celebration tower. The place where the crowd standing in front of it looks at is the city of Ginza that has been reconstructed.

The whole city of Minami Temmacho, which has been watching Ginza until now, seems to be blessing the reconstructed city of Ginza by raising both hands toward Ginza Street, saying "Hanzai!"

　

If you can go back in time in the past only once in Chuo-ku, when and where would you like to go? 。 I would like to designate somewhere in this wonderful photo and look at Ginza Street. The tongari roof of Daido Life Building in the upper left looks good.

　

　

But after all, it might be better to look down on Ginza Street from the tower of Daiichi Mutual Hall in the upper right.

This year when Ginza Mitsukoshi also opened at the 4-chome intersection. There was a change in the town of Ginza. Ginza, which was up to 4-chome, expanded to 8-chome, and the location of Owaricho, where the Matsuzakaya Ginza store was built, has been changed to Ginza 6-chome.

　

The following year, Showa 6 (1931). The same thing happens in Minami Temmacho.

Just as the bridge stopped giboshi since Edo, Minami Temmacho and the surrounding cities also decided to stop the name of the town since Edo. It will be a manifestation of the consciousness of moving toward a new era. The new town name I chose is "Kyobashi". It was the moment when the modern city and modern bridges formed during the Taisho era were integrated in both name and reality.

　

The following year, in 1932, the clock tower of Hattori Clock Store was built at the Ginza 4-chome intersection. On the other hand, on Kyobashi-dori, the Fukutoku Life Building is completed on the left hand side, and the face of the city of Kyobashi changes.

And don't forget that famous building in the city of Kyobashi. This building will be built next to Chiyoda-kan between Hoshi Pharmaceutical and Chiyoda-kan at Kyobashi 2-chome. In the early Showa period, there was a gable roof-style balack and a French restaurant Konosu.

　

Is it around 1932? If you look at Kyobashi 2-chome from the Daiichi Mutual Hall, you can see that the land was vacant at this point.

　

That building is the building of Meijiya. It was completed in 1933 next to Chiyoda-kan. The picture postcard below shows a little Meijiya.

In this way, you can see that the Meijiya building was a latecomer building built in the city of Kyobashi. By the way, I think that the only buildings in this postcard still remain in this Meijiya building and the Nihonbashi Takashimaya, which was completed in the same year, in the back right of the street. In Ginza, the Kyobunkan building was built in the same year, and it still remains.

　

In addition, this Meijiya building was built by connecting the basement and the subway station, and during construction, a subway ran to Kyobashi Station. Asakusa Kaminoma opened in 1927 and gradually expanded the opening section to Kyobashi Station in December 1932, and Ginza Station in March 1934.

Photo provided: Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library

　

This street, where department stores have expanded mainly in Ginza and the subway has been opened, attracts new customers and is extremely prosperous. However, the prosperity of Ginza Street means that the role of the town of Kyobashi has been completed, "watching the reconstruction of Ginza."

After this, the wartime color became darker and controlled, and I have not been able to find Kyobashi postcards since then. Almost in this form, we entered the Pacific War and ended the war.　

　

And the next time is the last one. Until now, it was a long story from the first to fifth times, but when you click on some of the images, you can see enlarged images and explanatory images. I hope you look back again and look at the next final episode.

Followed.