Nihonbashi

This stone bridge marks the historic zero point from which all distances in Japan were traditionally measured, the starting post of the great highways of the Edo era. The present ornate structure, with its bronze lions and mythical creatures, dates to the early twentieth century and replaced generations of earlier wooden crossings that anchored the merchant heart of the old city. A plaque set into the pavement marks the road origin, and although an elevated expressway long shadowed it, plans aim to restore the bridge's open sky.