Zero Milestone In Japan Travel Guide

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.