Hibiya Park, established in 1903, is Tokyo's first Western-style park. Located in the Chiyoda district, it spans about 16 hectares. The park was designed by Fukuzawa Momosuke. Hibiya Park is famous for its large open-air concert hall, the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, and its seasonal flower displays. The park also houses the Hibiya Library and Museum, which provides cultural and historical insights.
Ginza, located in the Chuo ward, is one of Tokyo's most famous shopping districts. The name "Ginza" is derived from the silver coin mint established there in the 17th century. Ginza Wako is an iconic building with a clock tower that dates back to 1932. Another notable site is the Kabuki-za, a theater dedicated to the traditional Japanese performing art of Kabuki. Ginza is also known for its upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Ginza Six shopping complex.
The Chuo ward itself is one of the central wards of Tokyo, containing both Hibiya Park and Ginza. Chuo translates to "Central Ward," and it is indeed at the heart of Tokyo's business and commercial activities. The ward is famous for the Tsukiji Fish Market, which, although it relocated its wholesale operations to Toyosu, still retains a vibrant outer market. The ward's origins date back to the Edo period when it served as the commercial hub of Tokyo, then known as Edo.
An interesting fact about Hibiya Park is that it was once a feudal lord's estate during the Edo period. The park's design incorporates a mix of Western and Japanese elements, reflecting Japan's modernization efforts during the Meiji era. The park also features the Shisei Kaikan, a building used for various events and exhibitions.
Ginza's streets are closed to vehicular traffic on weekends, becoming a pedestrian paradise known as "Hokoten" (short for Hokosha Tengoku or "Pedestrian Heaven"). This practice started in the 1970s and has become a beloved tradition. Additionally, Ginza was the first place in Japan to have electric street lights, installed in 1894.
The Chuo ward is home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Nihonbashi bridge, which is considered the starting point of Japan's five major roads during the Edo period. The bridge is a symbol of Japan's historical and cultural heritage, with its original structure dating back to 1603. The current version, made of stone, was completed in 1911 and is now a designated cultural asset.
Overall, Hibiya Park, Ginza, and Chuo ward are rich in history and culture, offering a blend of traditional and modern experiences in the heart of Tokyo.