Culture and History of Shimbashi

Shimbashi holds a special place in Japanese railway history. In 1872, Japan's first formal railway opened between the original Shimbashi terminus, located roughly 350 metres east of today's JR station in what is now Shiodome, and Yokohama. The original station was lost after the Great Kanto Earthquake and subsequent changes, but archaeological work during the redevelopment of Shiodome uncovered station and platform remains, part of which received national historic-site protection. The Old Shimbashi Station Railway History Exhibition Hall opened at 1-5-3 Higashi-Shimbashi in 2003 and displays the reconstructed station exterior, foundation remains and excavated artifacts; Minato City information lists admission as free. The steam locomotive at the current station's SL Plaza also reinforces the area's railway identity. Nearby cultural venues include Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art and the Advertising Museum Tokyo, adding art, design and advertising history to the district's cultural landscape.