Head out on a self-guided tour of this bustling business district to experience the reality of life in the Japanese capital.

Kyōbashi is a compact business district in Tokyo. This is not a particularly tourist-oriented area, which means it is a great place to simply go for a walk and enjoy some people-watching as the locals go about their business. Bring your camera with you to capture photos of the busy streets during the day or the bright lights after dark.

The district is named after the bridge that once ran through the neighborhood, connecting the area with Ginza. Visit today, however, and you won’t find a bridge here. The neighborhood suffered great damage during World War II, with the bridge destroyed and the river filled with ash. When the city was rebuilt afterward, the bridge and the river no longer existed.

Even earlier, in the 18th century, Kyōbashi was a cultural hotspot. This was the city’s theater district for many years. Today the area has more businesspeople than actors, but you will still find theaters, museums and small art galleries dotted around the streets.

Start your exploration of Kyōbashi at the Tokyo Chuo City Tourist Information Center. This is a great place to pick up information about the neighborhood’s highlights. One of the most interesting attractions is the National Film Archive of Japan, just a 5-minute walk away. View an exhibition here or attend one of the regular screenings.

Another popular sight nearby is Tokyo Character Street, which lies slightly northwest of the neighborhood. This colorful basement mall features dozens of stores packed with items based on anime and cartoon characters.

Discover the small, independent galleries and other arts establishments as you wander. For a higher density of places to shop, walk just a few minutes to reach the famous Ginza shopping district. The buzzing Tsukiji Fish Market is also within easy walking distance of Kyōbashi’s streets.

Reach Kyōbashi by taking the subway to the Kyōbashi station. Several other stations, including Yurakucho, Ginza-itchōme and Hatchobori, are also nearby.