Nihonbashi from "Guide to Famous Spots of Edo Vol.1"
Compiled by Saitō Chōshū, Painted by Hasegawa Settan 1834-1836 (Tempō 5 to Tempō 7) Kaga Collection 256

Nihonbashi is at the center of Great Edo and was the starting point for journeys to each province. From the bridge one could have a view of Edo Castle and Mount Fuji and one could have a real sense of Edo as the very heart of Japan. The description states that "people of high and low rank come and go across the bridge without stopping and beneath the bridge there is the unceasing clamor of boats passing each other from dawn until dusk." The parapets of the bridge were adorned with ornament caps. This signified the status of the bridge and the only other bridge that was able to have such ornamentaiton was Kyōbashi.


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