Nihonbashi: Why Is It Under Redevelopment?

Within the heart of Tokyo, Japan’s largest metropolitan area, lies the Chuo district, a bustling downtown area that draws countless tourists every year. Within Chuo itself is Nihonbashi, a smaller section of Tokyo, most famous for its namesake landmark: the Nihonbashi Bridge.

A vital cultural artifact of modern Japan, recent construction developments in Nihonbashi have been approved to restore the bridge’s beauty and significance. Read on to learn what this development is and why it has brought joy and anticipation to people across Japan.

What is the Nihonbashi Bridge?

Initially commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Nihonbashi Bridge was built in 1603 at the beginning of the Edo period. Crossing the aptly named Nihonbashi river, the bridge was the beginning of Japan’s central nationwide road system; in fact, it became the baseline for determining distances across the country. While the bridge has undergone various rebuilds and maintenance over the centuries, it remains a vital cultural landmark for Tokyo.

In the excitement before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a concrete highway was built right over the bridge. People were thrilled at first, seeing it as a symbol of modernization in post-war Japan. But the new structure was low and dark, completely covering the bridge. Those who once loved the open sky now saw only grey concrete above them.

What are the construction plans for the area?

For decades, local citizens and businesses have worked to remove the highway. Their goal wasn’t protest but restoration—to bring back the area’s original beauty. Through festivals, events, and petitions, they kept attention on the bridge and plans for its renewal. At last, their efforts succeeded. The local government has approved a significant project to demolish the highway and move it underground.

It cannot be overstated how massive an undertaking this is and how difficult it will be to enact without a hitch. To begin with, the very act of deconstructing a massive intercity highway is no small order. Furthermore, digging and excavating the area around the bridge to relocate the highway, while navigating a river and the already bustling Tokyo rail line, is a tremendous effort. And to top it all off, officials must find a way to maintain the existing traffic flow throughout the entire construction effort.

Why is this redevelopment significant?

While Tokyo has undergone several significant construction efforts in its incredibly long history, this is undoubtedly one for the books. The incredible thing about this is the fact that it’s all for a single bridge. The efforts behind this endeavor, while all positive and essential in their own right, come from a desire to restore beauty and convenience to the surrounding area.

Generally, the project’s core is relocating the highway. Other plans include creating ample walking paths, wide open spaces, and shops and other buildings. Essentially, the construction project will transform the immediate area around the Nihonbashi Bridge into a gorgeous, yet economically sound neighborhood.

In most major cities, it’s hard to imagine a government approving such a costly, time-consuming project simply because citizens wanted it. Large-scale construction rarely aligns so closely with public wishes. That’s why the rebuilding of the Nihonbashi Bridge is truly remarkable—it shows an exceptional commitment to both the people and the city’s cultural heritage.

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Why does the restoration project mean so much to the city of Tokyo?

The 2.2-billion-dollar project was approved in 2019 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Chuo Ward, the national government, and the Metropolitan Expressway. The underground highway is planned to open in 2035, with full completion expected by 2040. This is a remarkable target given the scale of the work.

For those who once saw the highway rise over the river, its removal feels like a dream realized. Citizens who wrote petitions, joined events, and spoke up can finally celebrate their success. It shows that public voices matter and that Tokyo is committed to restoring beauty to a beloved landmark.

Though small compared to the city’s vast development, the revival of the Nihonbashi Bridge marks a significant step forward. Japan holds great pride in its culture, and few sites in Tokyo carry as much historical meaning as Nihonbashi.

All roads may have led to Rome in Europe, but the Nihonbashi Bridge in Japan measured all roads. This is an exciting development for the city that citizens and tourists alike can watch grow and evolve in the coming years. Have you ever been to the bridge before on your visit to Tokyo? What other areas of the city do you think deserve this level of restoration? Please let us know! We’d love to hear your thoughts!