Wedensday’s Ward – Chuo

Chuo Ward is home to over 100 thousand residents in a 10.1 square kilometer area of central Tokyo.  It is the second smallest ward in Tokyo and the second least populated ward.  Like neighboring Chiyoda Ward, Chuo ward offers visitors and residents a lot of things to do and see despite its small area.

A Brief History

Chuo City, as it stands today, was founded as a ward of Tokyo in 1947 but it’s history dates back to the 1600’s when a powerful Shogun began planning to establish Tokyo, then Edo, as the capital of Japan.   Despite being ravaged by fire in 1657 and again in 1872, the area has been a commercial hub of Tokyo since it’s founding more that 400 years ago.

Nine subway lines run under and through Chou city.  A total of 29 stations allow convenient access to the areas sights and events.

The Sights

Make some time to stroll through the Ginza district where high fashion meets neon lights and modern architecture in the midst of the ancient capital city of Japan.

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market which plays a vital role in the distribution of perishable foods to Tokyo citizens and is famous for it’s early morning tuna auctions. While you are in the area, be sure to dine at Sushizanmai, where the sushi is can’t get much fresher!

Book a rickshaw tour of the Nihonbashi area to learn more about one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods and the starting point for the five major routes heading out of Tokyo during the Edo period.

Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple is an impressive Buddhist temple.  Built in 1931, with Indian architectural elements the temple houses beautiful Buddhist altars and artifacts. Visit the restaurants of Tsukishima to taste okonomiyaki and monjayaki, two very traditional Japanese foods that are served in over fifty area restaurants along Nishinaka Dori (Tsukishima area map).

Cruise the Sumida River and pass under eight of the bridges that are located in Chuo city and included in the city’s “Top 18 Chuo City Views”.  Alternatively, you could stroll along the Sumida River Terrace and take in the Kachidoki Bridge, one of Japan’s only bascule bridges.

Located in an annex beside the Bank of Japan headquarters building in Nihonbashi, the Currency Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Japanese currency.

The Chuo City Tourism Association is a great resource for area maps and additional information on things to do and see in the city.

Events

Take in the view from the recently built Harumi Passenger Ship terminal or attend the Tokyo Port Festival each May.

The Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival is scheduled for the second Saturday each August.

Attend the Tokyo Nihonbashi Parade on the last Sunday each October.

Take in a classical Kabuki performance at the Kabuki theater in Ginza.

Visit the Chuo City Event Guide to find more great events in Chou Ward.

Fun Facts & Trivia

More than half of the area that makes up Chuo Ward today was reclaimed from the sandy delta that once stood at the foot of the Sumida river.  In fact the translation of Tsukiji, the name of one of the districts in Chuo City, is “built up land” and is a direct reference to the fact the this area was reclaimed from the ocean.

The city tree is the willow and the flower is the azalea.

Image Credit: Flickr, Honqwanji, Ginza at night, Tokyo Bay Great Fireworks Festival 第21回 & Personal Collection, Sushi