オフィシャル
The Beautiful Nightscape of Nihonbashi
This October was unusually warm, with lingering summer heat making it feel far from autumn. However, as November began, the heat subsided, and the air finally started to carry the crispness of fall. Halloween has passed, and while it may feel like winter is still a way off, the city will soon be enveloped in a Christmas atmosphere. As the saying goes, "The autumn sun sets as quickly as a bucket being dropped into a well," indicating that night arrives swiftly. With the early arrival of dusk, the beauty of the night deepens. This time, I’d like to introduce the nightscape of Nihonbashi.
The Nihonbashi Bridge
The Nihonbashi Bridge is known as the starting point of the Five Major Routes of the Edo Period and is the heart of the Nihonbashi district. During the day, it’s bustling with people, full of energy. But at night, foot traffic dwindles, and a calm atmosphere takes over. Despite the constant noise of cars and construction, once behind the camera, these sounds seem to fade away. When I’m unsure of where to shoot, I often find myself heading to Nihonbashi, Kyobashi, or Ginza.
Late at night, on the quiet Nihonbashi Bridge, a few people may appear briefly and then disappear, perhaps when a train arrives at a nearby subway station. Although I typically pass over the Nihonbashi Bridge without much thought, looking at it through the viewfinder reminds me of its true beauty and special significance.
Late at night, a few people may appear briefly and then disappear.
The blue light felt like Prussian blue
The Kirin Statues Seen from Nishigashi Bridge
Around the Muromachi 2-chome Intersection
The Muromachi 2-chome intersection is home to notable landmarks such as Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store, the Mitsui Main Building, and COREDO Muromachi. The nightscape around this intersection becomes even more captivating as the season progresses. In spring, the cherry blossoms of Edo Sakura Street bloom beautifully, while in autumn, the area is illuminated with warm lights that continue to delight passersby until spring. The lighting that highlights the columns of the Mitsui Main Building, the window displays of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, and the lights of COREDO Muromachi all contribute to the vibrant scene.
The Mitsui Main Building, photographed in 2023
Edo Sakura Street, photographed in 2023
COREDO Muromachi located at the Muromachi 2-chome Intersection, photographed in 2023
The Fukutoku Shrine
Fukutoku Shrine, rebuilt in its current form during the 2014 redevelopment of the Nihonbashi area, was once located on the rooftop of a building and largely hidden from public view. Today, it has become an essential landmark in Nihonbashi. During the day, it bustles with people, and on holidays, lines of worshippers form. At night, however, the crowd thins, allowing for a more peaceful visit.
The main building of the Fukutoku Shrine.
Shrine purification basin
Lantern
In conclusion
The Nihonbashi, Kyobashi, and Ginza areas are some of the most vibrant streets in Tokyo, and in the coming season, various illuminations will light up the city, offering stunning night views. The daytime scenes have their own charm, but there is something uniquely captivating about the nightscape when the crowds have thinned. As the city transitions into Christmas mode, it feels like the best time to appreciate the nightscape is just around the corner.