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Zero Milestone: The Heart of Japan's Roads

Discover the Zero Milestone in Tokyo, the historical heart of Japan's road network, connecting the past and present of this vibrant metropolis.

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The Zero Milestone in Tokyo marks the starting point for measuring all road distances in Japan. Located in Nihonbashi, Chuo City, it symbolizes the country's historical and modern transportation network, reflecting Tokyo's evolution from a small village to a major metropolis.

A brief summary to Zero Milestone In Japan

  • 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, 1 Chome Nihonbashimuromachi, Tokyo, 103-0022, JP
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Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the contrast between the historical milestone and the modern Tokyo skyline.
  • Explore nearby attractions and eateries in the Nihonbashi area to make the most of your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the Nihonbashi area, walking to the Zero Milestone is straightforward. Head towards the east side of Nihonbashi Bridge. Continue walking for about 5 minutes until you reach 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City. The Zero Milestone is located in the vicinity.

  • Public Transport

    From Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Line (red line) towards Ikebukuro. Get off at Otemachi Station, just one stop away. Use Exit B6 and walk towards Nihonbashi for about 10 minutes until you reach the intersection at Nihonbashi Muromachi. The Zero Milestone is at 1 Chome-1 Nihonbashimuromachi. A single subway fare costs approximately ¥100-¥200. Alternatively, take the Toei Bus #B01 from Shinjuku Station (West Exit) bound for Nihonbashi. The direct route takes about 30 minutes. Get off at the Nihonbashi Muromachi stop, a short walk from the Milestone. The bus fare is ¥210. Consider using the Metrolink Nihonbashi, a free shuttle bus connecting Yaesu, Kyobashi, and Nihonbashi districts.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. A short taxi ride from Tokyo Station to the Zero Milestone will take only a few minutes and cost approximately ¥1,200-¥1,600. Note that traffic conditions can affect the final fare.

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Discover more about Zero Milestone In Japan

The Zero Milestone stands as a testament to Tokyo's rich history, marking the origin point for all road distances measured from the capital. Situated in the bustling Nihonbashi district of Chuo City, this historical landmark embodies Japan's journey through time. The Nihonbashi area itself is historically significant, serving as the central hub for transportation and commerce during the Edo period (1603-1868). The original Nihonbashi Bridge, first constructed in 1603, was the starting point for the Edo Five Routes, which connected Tokyo to other major cities like Kyoto. Today, the Zero Milestone continues to serve its function as the reference point for calculating distances throughout Japan. The current Nihonbashi Bridge, built in 1911 in a Renaissance style, is a double-arched stone bridge. The calligraphy on the bridge plaques, which reads “Nihonbashi,” is based on the work of Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the last Shogun of Japan. The original “Zero Milestone of Tokyo City” was moved from the center of the bridge to a nearby square in 1972 for preservation. Visiting the Zero Milestone offers a unique experience, blending historical reverence with the vibrancy of modern Tokyo. The surrounding area features shops and restaurants that showcase local flavors and crafts. While in Nihonbashi, visitors can also take a cruise on the river. Renovation work is underway to bury the elevated expressway that has disfigured the view of the bridge since the 1964 Olympic Games, with an expected completion date of 2040.

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