Nihonbashi | Review by Norton Liang

Nihonbashi

It is the center of the transportation network and a commercial area that has continued to develop since the Edo period with kimono stores - department stores.

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“The Wings of the Kirin at Nihonbashi” has significance on two main levels: first, the bronze kirin statue standing in the center of Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo; and second, the classic novel and film adaptation of the same name created by renowned Japanese mystery writer Keigo Higashino, using this statue as a symbol.

Historical and Cultural Background

1. The starting point of Japan’s roads: During the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Nihonbashi as the starting point of the “Five Routes” (including the Tokaido and Nakasendo). Today, the “Japan National Road Origin Marker” monument still stands at the bridge, symbolizing the starting point of Japan’s entire highway network.
2. Why does the kirin have wings?: The legendary kirin originally had no wings. However, when Nihonbashi was rebuilt as a stone bridge in 1911, the architect and sculptor specially added a pair of wings to the bronze kirin statues in the center of the bridge (strictly speaking, the design combines fins and wings), expressing the prosperous hope of “taking flight from the starting point of Japan’s roads and spreading throughout the country.”

Other Reviews by Norton Liang

Meguro River

The Meguro River flows through the Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa wards of Tokyo until it reaches Tokyo Bay.
- Nakameguro, Daikanyama
- Nature Spots
11 Oct 2026 See More

The architectural style of Meguro Catholic Church (St. Anselm's Church) is an outstanding example of postwar modernist architecture in Japan, and it was also selected as one of the “250 Selections of Modern Movement Architecture in Japan.” Its defining feature is its revolutionary use of materials and structure:
1. Folded-Plate Construction
This is the church’s most distinctive feature. Architect Antonin Raymond dispensed with traditional beams and columns, instead using nine pairs of exposed-concrete folded plates bent at 45-degree angles to support the roof and walls. This structure not only strengthens the building but also gives the interior a geometric rhythm resembling an accordion.
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

Since its beginning in 1673 as a kimono store, Echigoya, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store has built its history for 350 years as the face of Nihombashi area. It was announced to become a department store in 1904 as the first in Japan.
- Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
- Commercial Buildings
11 Oct 2026 See More

The golden Western deity sculpture above the front main entrance (Lion Entrance) of the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is a statue of **Mercury (Roman mythology)**, also known as **Hermes** in Greek mythology.
Below is a detailed explanation of its meaning and the background of its designer:
### 1. What does this statue represent?
* **Guardian deity of commerce and wealth:** In mythology, Mercury is the god who presides over **commerce, trade, travel, luck, and wealth**. As one of Japan’s premier temples of commerce, Mitsukoshi Department Store placed him above its main entrance primarily to pray for **“prosperous business” (commercial prosperity and thriving trade)**.
* **Depiction of mythological features:** If you look closely at the statue, you will notice that he has Mercury’s three classic attributes:
1. **Winged hat (Petasos):** He wears a round traveler’s hat with wings on his head.
2. **Winged sandals (Talaria):** The sandals on his ankles have golden wings, representing great speed.
3. **Caduceus:** In his left hand, he holds a winged staff entwined by two snakes, a symbol of commerce and peace.
### 2. Who designed it?
* **Original artist:** **Giovanni da Bologna (also known as Giambologna)**, a master court sculptor of the late Italian Renaissance (Mannerist period).
* **Origin of the statue:** This statue is an **official, finely crafted, full-scale replica** modeled after Bologna’s classic bronze Mercury statue created in **1598**, which is now housed in the Bargello Museum in Florence, Italy.
* **Year installed:** In **1923 (Taisho 12)**, when construction and renovation of the Mitsukoshi Main Building was completed, the department store placed this iconic Western god of commerce above the front entrance. Together with the bronze lion statues on either side of the entrance, it became a classic landmark guarding Nihombashi Mitsukoshi.
Tottori Sand Dunes

Located on the Sea of Japan side of Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture, the Tottori Sand Dunes stretch 16 km from east to west and 2.4 km from north to south, making them one of the largest dune systems in Japan. These dunes, designated as a special protected area and a Natural Monument of Japan, are a major tourist attraction representing Tottori Prefecture.
- Tottori
- Nature Spots
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When visiting Tottori, the Tottori Sand Dunes are a must. Located within the San'in Kaigan Geopark, the dunes stretch 2.4 kilometers from north to south and 16 kilometers from east to west, making them Japan's largest coastal sand dunes.
The beautiful wind patterns formed by the Sea of Japan winds and the dune sand are mesmerizing.
Like a staircase leading to the sky! Takahama Cafe, designed by Kengo Kuma at the Tottori Sand Dunes
Takahama Cafe was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Tottori Sand Dunes Kaikan. The building is angled at 17 degrees and resembles a wooden staircase leading to the sky. It also embodies master architect Kengo Kuma's three concepts of “negative architecture,” “stacking,” and “blending with the environment.” Locally sourced cedar was used and combined with earthquake- and fire-resistant cross-laminated timber (CLT) and reinforced concrete construction.
And from the small hill known as “Horse's Back,” you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Sea of Japan.