Chuo City Area Guidemap \u3000\u2777\/ 5\u9280\u3000\u5ea7GinzaArea Guide mapGinza, an area that was home to moneyexchangers during the Edo Period,flourished as a center for the proliferation of Western culture,and contains upscale foreign brand shopsas well as old-established storesIn 1612, the 17th year of Keicho, the TokugawaShogunate built its silver-coin mint here, and rows ofmoney exchangers were established along what isnow Ginza-dori Street. “Ginza” was the name of thegovernment department in charge of silver coinage,while the department that handled gold coins (calledkoban), was referred to as “Kinza.” The name “Ginza”was adopted as the official name of the area in 1869,the 2nd year of Meiji, and Shinryogae 1-chomebecame Ginza 2-chome. With this long history, Ginzacontains historical ruins from the Edo Period andnumerous other monuments to the modernization ofJapan. Explanatory signs are attached to them,providing passersby with information about theirhistory. In addition, the shopping district, which hasflourished as one of the first centers for theproliferation of Western Culture in Japan, is the moststylish and fashionable area in the country. Famousstores, which include upscale foreign brand shopsand old-established shops that have been there forgenerations, are centered along Chuo-dori Ave.GINZA Event Guide\u9280\u5ea7\u30a4\u30d9\u30f3\u30c8\u30ac\u30a4\u30c9August 2-7Noh Play Konparu FestivalOn Konparu-dori Street in Ginza8-chome, noh-related courses andhands-on lessons for parent s andtheir children are offered. OnAugust 7, the final day, a noh play isperformed on Konparu-dori Street.First Sunday in August (sometimes held on the previous or following Sunday)Holiday Promenade”the Yukata de Gin-bra”An event that commemorates Ginza-dori Street’sstatus as Japan’s first ever “pedestrian paradise”Mid-summer visitors to Ginza wearing yukata orother traditional Jap anese clothing an enjoysights such as water being sprink led on thepavement as Ginza filled with the colors of Japan.Early November (late October)Chuo City\u201c Marugoto\u201d MuseumThe whole of Chuo City is turned into amuseum, and you can travel around thecity by bus or boat for free, enjoying thecity’s rich cultural attractions, whichinclude famous sites, historical ruins, artgalleries, and the waterfront scenery.”From early October (approx. one month)Chuo City Tourism and Market FairAn event at which you can enjoy thedelights of Chuo City in the autumn.Duringthe period of the festival, various events areheld at department stores, shoppingdistricts, and “antenna shops” (shops sellinggoods from provincial regions of Japan).Early to mid-June (the Grand Festival is held in even-numbered years)Sannou FestivalThis became a magnificent festival known as the”Tenka Matsuri” when a portable shrine that hadbeen returned to Edo Castle was officiallyworshipped by successive shoguns from the thirdshogun, Iemitsu, onwards. You won’t want tomiss the 300-meter-long “Shinkosai” procession.May 5Ginza Willow Festival\/Golden ParadeThis festival is held to commemorate the planting of willowtrees along Nishi-Ginza-dori Street, which has beendesignated as one of Tokyo’s symbolic roads. Once a year,the street is shut off to vehicles and turned into a “pedestrianparadise,” and a parade and various events are held.Mid – late MayAzuma DanceA special event in the Shinbashi world ofgeisha. During the event, you can enjoythe refined and gorgeous dances ofShinbashi geisha at the Shinbashi EnbujoTheatre. Normally you can only see thesedances at upscale restaurants in Shinbashi.Late October – early NovemberAUTUMN GINZAA variety of events can be enjoyed in Ginza,including “Ginchakai,” a tea ceremony eventthat is the area’s signature autumn event.Other events include the Ginza-hacchoshrine tour, the Ginza Restaurant Walk, andthe Shinomiza Children’s Kabuki.The dates and details of the events described in this Event Guide may change, so please check the websites of the various event organizers to get the most up-to-date information.Highlights of GINZA\u9280\u5ea7\u306e\u898b\u3069\u3053\u308d\u25cfShinbashi Enbujo TheatreThis theater opened in 1925, the 14th year of Taisho, to serve to train Shinbashi geisha and provide a stage for theirperformances. It was modeled after the singing\/dancing schools and theaters in Kyoto and Osaka. Each year atthe beginning of summer a show by Shinbashi geisha called the “To Odori” is performed for the general public. Awide range of other arts performing arts, including kabuki and modern drama, can also be seen at the theater.mapB-3\u25cfSite of Sakuma Shozan SchoolShozan Sakuma (1811-1864) was a samurai of the Matsuhiro clan from Shinanikuni (in present-dayNagano Prefecture) who was a well-known thinker of the late Edo Period. After studying Confucianism,he opened a school near Kanda-otamagaike, and also served as the principal of the Matsuhiro clan’sEdo academy. Later, he dedicated himself to the field of coastal defense, studying artillery and Dutchbooks. He opened a military academy in Kobikicho 5-chome (near present-day Ginza 6-chome) inorder to lecture on methods of coastal defense. He attracted numerous well-known teachers,including Kaishu Katsu, Shoin Yoshida, Sanai Hashimoto, and Tsuginosuke Kawai, as students, andeven the name of Ryoma Sakamoto can be found in the academy’s student record book.mapB-3\u25cfJapan’s first “pedestrian paradise” (Chuo-dori Ave.)The “pedestrian paradise” stretching from the Ginza-dori Street intersectionto the Ginza 8-chome intersection began in 1970, the 45th year of Showa.(Begins at noon on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and runs til 6 p.m. in April-September and 5 p.m. in October-March)\u25cfMonument of Sukiya-bashi BridgeSukiya-bashi Bridge, which spannedthe outer moat of Edo Castle, wasbuilt in the early years of the EdoPeriod. On the Yurakucho side, therewas the famous Minamimachimagistrate’s office. Since the MeijiPeriod, it has long been known as theentrance to Ginza, and is also famousas the setting for Kazuo Kikuta’s filmKimi no Na wa. When the outer moatwas filled in in 1958, the 33rd year of Showa, the bridge was removed, but thismonument to it can be found in Sukiyabashi Park.mapA-2\u25cfNewel post of Kyobashi Bridge(Chuo City Citizens’ Tangible Cultural Property)The original Kyobashi Bridge is said to have been built in the sameyear as Nihonbashi, i.e. 1603, the 8th year of Keicho. During the EdoPeriod, it was a wooden bridge, but in 1875, the 8th year of Meiji, itwas rebuilt as an arched stone bridge, while in 1901, the 34th year ofMeiji, it became a steel bridge. Over two years from 1963, the 38thyear of Showa, the Kyobashi River was filled in, and as a result, thebridge was removed. However, the bases of three of its main stonepillars can still be seen on the sidewalk of what is now Chuo-doriAve. Of these, the two with ornamental knobs date back to the 8thyear of Meiji.mapC-1\u25cfKabukiza TheatreAs its name suggests, this is a kabuki theater, and kabuki plays are performed here all year round. The firsttheater was opened in 1889, the 22nd year of Meiji. The building back them was a colorful Western-stylewooden structure that was very advanced for its time. Destroyed by fire during World War II, it was rebuilt in1951, the 26th year of Meiji. The fifth-generation Kabuki-za that opened in April 2013, the 25th year of Heisei,retained the famous facade and interior of the fourth-generation theater, but was equipped with the latestfacilities and is now the face of the Ginzakabukiza complex, which comprises the theater and an office tower.On the fifth floor of the tower is the Kabukiza Gallery, a kabuki-themed cultural facility, while a rooftopgarden has been installed above the theater.mapC-2 \u25cfTodai (Lighthouse)(Chuo City Citizens’ Tangible Cultural Property)This work was produced in 1931, the 6th year of Showa,by sculptor Seibo Kitamura (1884-1987), who is alsofamous for producing the Peace Statue in Nagasaki.The lamp features a statue of a powerful young manwho is carrying a torch and accompanied by aguardian dog. On September 1, 1933, the 8th year ofShowa, the lamp was set atop a stone pedestal madeto commemorate the 10th anniversary of the GreatKanto Earthquake.mapB-2\u25cfFormer site of Konparu residenceDuring the Edo Period, the four families of Konparu, Kanze, Hosho, and Kongowere bestowed homes in what is modern-day Chuo City because they were nohactors under the direct supervision of the shogunate. Among them, the Konparufamily were one with a long history, having first prospered during the MuromachiPeriod, and their home covered a large area which is now 6 to 8 Ginza 8-chome.After the relocation of their home, geisha gathered on its former site, whichdeveloped as the Hanamachi geisha quarter. The Konparu Festival is held eachyear in August, and on the final day a noh play is performed in the street.mapA-3\u25cfMonument of Takuboku Ishikawa’s PoetryTakuboku Ishikawa (1885-1912) was a poet from IwatePrefecture. After returning to Tokyo in 1908, the 41styear of Meiji, he began writing poetry while receivingassistance from Kyosuke Kintaichi, who had been hissenior at Morioka Junior High School. The followingyear he joined the Asahi Shimbun newspaper inTakiyama-machi in Kyobashi-ku (now Ginza6-chome). For the next three years until his death atthe age of 26 he continue to write poetry whileworking as a proofreader. In 1912, the 45th year ofMeiji, he died, and this monument, which is inscribedwith his poetry, can be found at the former site of theAsahi Shimbun.mapA-2\u25cfSite of the Shibaguchi castle gateIn 1710, the 7th year of Hoei, on the occasion of a visit to the government by anambassador from Korea, a castle gate was built for the purpose of emphasizingJapan’s power. However, in 1724, the 9th year of Kyoho, it was burned to theground, and a sheet of copper with a gate design was buried at the site.mapA-30.4km4 min. on Foot0.3km4 min. on Foot0.3km4 min. on Foot0.3km4 min. on Foot0.3km4 min. on Foot0.2km2 min. on Foot0.2km2 min. on Foot0.3km4 min. on Foot0.1km1 min. on Foot0.2km3 min.on Foot0.9km10 min.on FootKakugo Inari-jinja ShrineThe d eity h ere w as c eremoniallyt r ans f e r r e d h e r e f r o m K yo t o’sFushimi-inari-taisha. It is famous forprotecting the town from the infernothat swept in from the Nippori sidefollowing the Great Kanto Earthquake.Toyoiwo Inari-jinja Shrine mapB-2Attracts worshippers fromthe entertainment industry.It is also known as the hometo a god of marriage, so itattracts a lot of femaleworshippers.mapA-3Saiwai Inari-jinja Shrine mapB-1Blesses visitors with successin business, the safety of one’sfamily, and marriage.Ginza Inari-jinja Shrine mapB-1A shrine that protects visitors fromfire and blesses them with successin business. Its name derives fromthe fact that Ginza 2-chome, whereit is located, was where the Ginzaarea spread out from.Asahi Inari-jinja ShrineFamous for a god that blessesvisitors with success in businessand the safety of one’s family.This guardian deity has resided inGinza since ancient times.mapB-2Azuma Inari-jinja ShrineDeifies the god of Kyoto’s Fushimiinari-taisha. The fox god protectsvisitors from theft as well as fire -a fire has never occurred since thegod was deified here soon afterWorld War II.mapB-2 Ginza Shusse Jizoson(Auxiliary Ginza Shrine)(cultural asset of the City)Home to a j izo, a b odhisattvawho looks over children, travelersand the underworld, which is saidto “answer every prayer.”Kabuki Inari Daimyoujin mapB-2ShrineAttracts worshippers from thekabuki w orld, w ho p ray forpacked houses and safety aswell as peace and tranquility forthe audiences and actors.mapB-2Walking course\u2460Ginza Haccho shrine tourSeiko Inari-jinja ShrineDeifies Mitsukane, a dragongod, and a fox god of success.Blesses visitors with prosperityand success in business.[Normally closed to the public.]mapA-2Ryuko Fudoson-jinja ShrineTurns visitors’ suffering into happiness,grants their wishes, and blesses themwith familial harmony and success inbusiness. Also responds to the prayersof p eople i n the fashion i ndustr ybecause the name “Ryuko” also meansfashion in Japanese.mapB-2Hodo Inari-jinja ShrineHouses a child-rearing harvest god thatis said to ensure that visitors raisehealthy c hildren. A lso s aid t o h elpvisitors find their ideal marriage partner.mapB-2[Enter an alley from Ginza Suzuran-dori Ave.] [The building is currently undergoing reconstruction] [Azuma-dori Ave. \/ Miharakoji] [Right side of the entrance to the Kabukiza Theatre][Normally closed to the public.][On the roof of Matsuya Ginza][Ginza 3-chome (Daiko Asahi Bldg.)][Through an alley behind Tenshodo][Ginza Terrace, Mitsukoshi Ginza 9F][Ginza 1-chome (Namiki-dori Ave.)]Walking course\u2461Newel post ofKyobashi BridgemapC-1Former level crossing signal onthe national railwayThis signal operated for 56 yearsbetween 1931, the 6th year ofShowa, and 1987, the 62nd yearof Showa on the freight linerunning from Shiodome Station tothe Tsukiji wholesale market. At itspeak, 150 freight trains passedthrough it every day, but the linewas closed following the closureof Shiodome Station. However, atthe request of local residents, ithas been preserved to this daybecause a railway level crossingsignal is a rare sight in Ginza.mapB-4mapB-3Site of Japan’s first Chamber ofCommerce and IndustryThe Meiji Government saw the expansion of tradewith foreign countries as its top priority, butbecause there was no organization to represent theviews of domestic merchants and industrialists, itwas proving difficult to revise the unequal treatieswith other countries. As a result, Eiichi Shibusawalobbied for the establishment of an organization torepresent the merchants and industrialists, and in1878, the 11th year of Meiji, Japan’s first Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, the “Tokyo Chamber ofCommerce and Industry,” was founded.Recommended sightseeingspots in GinzaSite of Sakuma mapB-3Shouzan School mapC-2Ginza Yonchome IntersectionThe Ginza 4-chome intersection is the face of Ginza, and theclock tower on the Wako Building is known as a Ginza landmark.mapB-2mapA-3Site of Konparu residenceThe birthplace of GinzaThe “Ginza” was a shogunate institution responsible forminting and managing silver coinage during the EdoPeriod. It was in contrast with the “Kinza,” whichhandled gold coins called koban. In 1612, the 17th yearof Keicho, the silver-coin mint was moved to district ofmoney exchangers (now Ginza 2-chome) from Suruga.As a result, “Ginza “came to be the name of the district.Later the Ginza government offices were relocated towhat was then Kakigawacho (now NihonbashiNingyocho 1-chome), where they remained until theMint Bureau (now Japan Mint) was established.mapB-2Monument to brick GinzaIn 1872, the 5th year of Meiji, a fire that started atWadakuramon Gate engulfed Ginza, and developedinto an inferno that reached as far as the TsukijiHotel. In response, Yuri Kimimasa, Tokyo’s governorat t he time, declar ed t hat h e wou ld bu ild a nincombustible city, which resulted in the Ginza brickd i s t r i c t . T h i s m o n u m e n t w a s p u t u p t ocommemorate the brick buildings, which had servedas a symbol of the opening up of Japan. A gaslighthas also been restored behind the monument.Monument to the willows of Ginza mapC-1When the brick district of Ginza was completed, pine trees,maple trees, cherry trees, and so on were planted by theroadside, but they quickly wilted and died. Only the willowtrees were hardy enough to survive. Later, willow treesdisappeared from Ginza on several occasions due to roadwidening, fires, and other reasons. But the persistence oflocal residents always saw new ones replanted, and nowthe area is filled with the green leaves of the willow trees.mapA-3mapB-3Shinbashi EnbujoTheatreKabukizaTheatreGas Lamps of Ginza mapB-2The Ginza gaslight street inGinza 3-chome features fourr e s t o r e d g a s l i g h t s . 8 5gaslights were installed duringthe Meiji Period, and the streetserves to remind us of howthey illuminated Ginza at thetime. Ginza was a pioneeringdistrict during the opening upof Japan, but the lights musthave been a big surprise forthe people of the time.0.1km1 min. on Foot0.5km6 min. on Foot0.4km5 min. on Foot0.4km4 min. on Foot0.4km5 min. on Foot0.3km4 min. on Foot0.3km3 min. on Foot0.1km1 min. on Foot1.2km14 min. on Foot0.2km2 min. on Foot0.2km2 min. on Foot0.5km6 min. on Foot3F Kyobashi Plaza, 1-25-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, 104-0061TEL 03-6228-7907www.chuo-kanko.or.jpChuo City Tourism Association websiteIssued in March 2019An information center that tellstourists from Japan andoverseas about the attractionsof Chuo City, Tokyo. Please feelfree to drop in.\u4e2d\u592e\u533a\u89b3\u5149\u60c5\u5831\u30bb\u30f3\u30bf\u30fc\u25a0Address:2-2-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo(Located on 1BF and part of 1F in KYOBASHI EDOGRAND)\u25a0TEL:03\uff0d6262\uff0d6481\u25a0Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.\u25a0Open:365 days a year\u25a0HP\u3000http:\/\/centraltokyo-tourism.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"