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We've compiled the best of the best in Nihonbashi - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Founded elsewhere in 1806, but now located in this sleek, modern grey cube just off Chuo-dori in Nihonbashi, Haibara specializes in gorgeous notebooks, letter sets, fans, and traditional washi paper. Among the examples of the latter, look for gampi, an artisanal paper known for its delicate appearance yet high durability.
Founded in 1673 as a dry-goods store, Mitsukoshi later played one of the leading roles in introducing Western merchandise to Japan. It has retained its image of quality and excellence, with a particularly strong representation of Western fashion designers. The store also stocks fine traditional Japanese goods and, in the basement, has excellent deli counters and prepared foods—if the weather is good, take your bento to the rooftop garden. With its own subway stop, bronze lions at the entrance, and an atrium sculpture of the Japanese goddess Magokoro, this flagship store merits a visit even if you're not planning on buying anything.
This shop, which was opened in 1653, has one of the largest washi showrooms in the city and its own gallery of antique papers and calligraphy. It also offers a variety of cultural classes each day (see the website for times), including a washi paper workshop for ¥800.
Housed in three sleek buildings, simply named 1, 2 and 3, this fashionable complex combines restaurants, artisanal food purveyors, craft stores, boutiques, and cultural facilities such as a tea ceremony center. The complex is across the road from the Mandarin Oriental hotel. There's also a smaller Coredo (Coredo Nihonbashi) a short distance away on the other side Nihonbashi Bridge.
Workers shape and hone blades in one corner of this shop, which carries cutlery, pocketknives, saws, and more. Scissors with handles in the shape of Japanese cranes are among the many unique gift items sold here, and custom-made knives are available, too.
The Japanese are resourceful in their uses of products from the sea. Nori, the paper-thin dried seaweed used to wrap maki sushi and onigiri (rice balls), is the specialty here. If you plan to bring some home with you, buy unroasted nori and toast it yourself at home; the flavor will be far better than that of the pre-roasted sheets.
