Ningyocho
人形町
Things to Do in and Around Ningyocho
Ningyocho is a historic downtown area located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. It flourished with puppet theater performances during the Edo period, and it came to be known as 'Ningyocho' due to this legacy.
Today, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the downtown area with long-established Japanese confectionery shops, tempura restaurants, and soba noodle shops lining the streets. Additionally, there are plenty of tourist spots such as the famous Suitengu Shrine and Amazake Yokocho.
Where is Ningyocho?
Ningyocho is a historic area located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, spreading to the east side of the Nihonbashi area. Known as a merchant town since the Edo period, it is adjacent to areas such as Nihonbashi, Kayabacho, and Suitengumae.
Located in the center of Tokyo, it is about a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station and close to Ginza. The area is centered around Ningyocho Station, where the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line intersect, making it highly accessible.
Geographically, it is situated on the west side of the Sumida River, with easy access to major Tokyo areas such as Hamacho and Ryogoku to the east, Akihabara to the north, Nihonbashi to the west, and Tsukiji and Tsukishima to the south. While retaining the remnants of the town layout from the Edo period, it also features modern urban functions, making it an important area for both business and tourism.
Getting Around
The nearest station is Ningyocho Station where the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Toei Asakusa Line intersect. This station allows for smooth transfers between subway lines and provides easy access from major areas of Tokyo.
It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station and about a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station , making it relatively close even when using JR lines. Additionally, several routes of the Toei Bus pass through, and you can use the "Ningyocho" bus stop.
The Ningyocho area is relatively compact, making it convenient to explore on foot. With many narrow alleys and historic streets, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the town while strolling. Rental bicycle services are also available, suitable for accessing nearby areas such as Nihonbashi and Tsukiji. Taxis frequently pass by, so you won't have trouble finding transportation.
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About Ningyocho
"Motoyoshiwara" as History
Ningyocho was the location of the officially sanctioned red-light district "Yoshiwara" for about ten years from the early Edo period, from Keicho 12 (1607) to Genna 3 (1617). This first Yoshiwara later came to be known as "Motoyoshiwara."
At the command of Tokugawa Ieyasu, it was established to gather and manage the brothels that were scattered throughout the city in one place. At that time, Yoshiwara was located in what is now Ningyocho 1-chome to 2-chome in Nihonbashi and was called Fukiyacho.
In Genna 3 (1617), a great fire prompted the relocation of Yoshiwara to the northern part of Asakusa (now Senzoku, Taito Ward). This new location was called "Shin-Yoshiwara" and continued until the Meiji period.
Currently, Ningyocho retains several historical sites and place names as remnants of Motoyoshiwara. For example, the place name Koamicho is said to derive from the fact that prostitutes were called "Koami" at that time. Also, Koami Shrine is a shrine that has continued since the Motoyoshiwara era and was a place of worship for the prostitutes.
From the mid-Edo period onwards, theaters and puppet joruri theaters began to line the area where Motoyoshiwara once stood, and the place name changed from "Fukiyacho" to "Ningyocho." In this way, Ningyocho transformed from a red-light district to a town of entertainment, but the structure of the alleys and town layout still retain traces of the Motoyoshiwara era.
Even today, some streets in Ningyocho retain narrow alleys and buildings with lattice doors reminiscent of the former red-light district, attracting the interest of history-loving tourists. Additionally, town walking tours by local history enthusiasts are held, and efforts are being made to convey the history of Motoyoshiwara.
Ningyocho
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