Zero Milestone: The Heart of Japan's Distances
Discover the Zero Milestone in Tokyo's Nihonbashi: the historic origin of Japan's roads and distances, blending tradition with modern city life.
Located in the bustling Chuo City, the Zero Milestone is more than just a point on a map; it represents the origin of the nation's extensive road network. Originally, the Nihonbashi Bridge, first built in 1603, served as the starting point for the five major roads of the Edo period. These routes, including the Tokaido and Nakasendo, connected Edo (now Tokyo) to other important cities like Kyoto. The current stone bridge, dating back to 1911, is a Renaissance-style structure. In 1972, the original Zero Milestone was moved to a nearby square for preservation, and a memorial plaque was placed in its stead on the bridge. The calligraphy on the plaque is the work of Eisaku Sato, a former Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Today, signs on national highways indicating distances to Tokyo refer to this Zero Milestone in Nihonbashi. Despite the construction of an overhead expressway for the 1964 Summer Olympics, which somewhat obscures the bridge's beauty, efforts are underway to revitalize the area and restore the view of Mount Fuji from the bridge. Visitors can also enjoy a cruise down the river to experience the historical waterways of the Edo period.
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the contrast between the historical milestone and Tokyo's modern skyline.
- Explore nearby shops and restaurants to immerse yourself in the local culture and flavors.
A brief summary to Zero Milestone In Japan
- 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, 1 Chome Nihonbashimuromachi, Tokyo, 103-0022, JP
Getting There
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Subway
From Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Line (red line) towards Ikebukuro. After one stop, get off at Otemachi Station, and use Exit B6. Walk straight towards Nihonbashi for about 10 minutes until you reach the intersection at Nihonbashi Muromachi. The Zero Milestone is located at 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022. Subway fare is approximately ¥170-200.
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Bus
From Shinjuku Station, go to the West Exit bus terminal and take the Toei Bus #B01 bound for Nihonbashi. It's a direct route that takes about 30 minutes. Get off at the Nihonbashi Muromachi stop, and walk towards 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi. The Zero Milestone will be a short walk away. Bus fare is approximately ¥210.
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Walking
If you are near the Nihonbashi area, walk to the Nihonbashi Bridge and head towards the east side. Continue walking for about 5 minutes until you reach 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022. The Zero Milestone is in the vicinity. No cost for walking.
