101 things to do in Nihonbashi

1. Start your journey here...

Although somewhat underwhelming in its current appearance, the bridge that gave its name to the entire district is steeped in history as it was once the starting point for the five main routes that connected the capital with the provinces. Nihonbashi Bridge map

2. See ancient art treasures...

So all-powerful is Japan's famous Mitsui family that they have an entire museum dedicated to showcasing their artworks. Where else are you going to store your collection of antiques? Mitsui Memorial Museum map and opening hours

3. Be the trendiest dinner host...

After repeated use, the glossy surface and elegant colour tone of the lacquerware sold here only gets more beautiful. If you order products online you can get them monogrammed for that personal touch. Zohiko map and opening hours

4. Live it up at an oyster bar...

The delicious oysters from Hokkaido's Akkeshi taste even better after a couple of shots of sake – choose from the finest liquors Japan has to offer on your way to culinary nirvana. Kakiba Hokkaido-Akkeshi map and opening hours

5. Shop like a VIP...

This will probably be your first shopping stop since Nihonbashi Station is connected to the complex. If the approximately 50 shops and restaurants don't meet your every need, don't despair – there's another branch just down the road... Coredo Nihonbashi map and opening hours

6. Resist the urge to touch washi paper...

So thin, delicate and pretty is the traditional paper sold at Ozu Washi that it's almost impossible to resist touching. Ozu Washi map and opening hours

7. Fancy yourself a chef...

Kit your kitchen out in every kind of high quality Japanese knife you'll ever need from this cutlery specialist established in 1792. They are always experimenting with new technology and materials, so your knives will be cutting edge. Nihonbashi Kiya map and opening hours

8. Pour green tea over rice and eat it...

Take two Japanese staples, combine them, and what do you get? A dish called ochazuke. And a wonderfully traditional experience all round. Yamamotoyama-kissashitsu Café map and opening hours

9. Watch dolls come to life...

Jusaburo Tsujimura is one of Japan's most famous doll-makers and here you can view his life-like, kimono-wearing creations. Also the best place to go for doll-themed postcards. Jusaburo-kan map and opening hours

10. Splurge on seasonal tastes...

A full 'kaiseki' course, made with only the freshest seasonal ingredients, never comes cheap. The relatively reasonable prices at Hashimoto make it a great option for anyone looking to get immersed in Japanese cuisine. Hashimoto map and opening hours

11. Fold up your bicycle and go...

If you're in the market for a folding bike, including brands like Brompton, Birdy, Tyrell and Carryme, here's where to get it. For the seriously laidback, they also sell recumbent trikes. Loro map and opening hours

12. Save these treats for an occasion...

Bean paste-filled dorayaki (pancakes) are the main attraction at this tiny sweet shop, with what seems like an endless stream of customers calling in to stock up. Usagiya map and opening hours

13. Slurp a bowl of kama-age udon...

No need to catch a shinkansen to get a taste of Osaka-style kama-age udon and specialities as you can get both at this restaurant, which serves as the Tokyo branch of the much-loved restaurant from the Namba district. Kamatakeryu Udon map and opening hours

14. Revel in nostalgia...

There's a distinctive retro Showa atmosphere at this izakaya that features Japanese music from the '70s and '80s. Table charge is ¥500 and covers all-you-can-eat dagashi (cheap snacks), and the rest is pay as you eat and drink. The Suitengu branch is also just four minutes' walk from here. Ningyocho Dagashi Bar map and opening hours

15. Eat sushi with your fingers...

Sit at the counter of this old-style sushi shop and get served directly by the friendly chef – no chopsticks required. If you're on a budget, lunch is cheaper than dinner. Kizushi map and opening hours

16. Seek out extraordinary lacquerware...

For sake cups and coasters that refract light to create pretty hues, and chopsticks that have been designed to help you pick up even the most slippery of foods. Kobayashi Horindo map and opening hours

17. Lock lips with a coffee soft serve...

They've been making coffee and a unique Mocha Soft Serve™ (yes, they had their soft serve trademarked!) using their own specially roasted beans since 1948. Suffice to say they're tried, tested and ever-loved. Mikado Coffee map and opening hours

18. Rev up on rice...

Not only will their giant-sized rice crackers keep you going through the afternoon slump, you can also stop for a minute and watch how they get made as the workshop is just behind the counter. Sokaya map and opening hours

19. Ride the waterways...

See the city from a different perspective during an hour-long boat tour from Nihonbashi to the Sumida River, which served as a main route for goods transportation during the Edo period. Note that they only offer service in Japanese. Nihonbashi Boarding Deck map

20. Eat gold...

While we can't tell you that eating gold leaf has any nutritional benefit, it certainly does make everything look exceptional. Even rusks get the gold treatment here, as do handbags, earrings and cosmetics. Hakuza Nihonbashi map and opening hours

21. Have an elegant shopping experience...

Japan's oldest surviving department store chain, dating back to 1673, boasts multiple floors of luxury shopping plus a rooftop 'Chelsea Garden' featuring seasonal plants and flowers. Note the lion statues guarding the entrance – they were inspired by the lions of Trafalgar Square in London. Mitsukoshi map and opening hours

22. See young artists' crafts...

The art enthusiasts who run this store and gallery encourage the growth of emerging designers by offering them space to exhibit anything from metalworks to ceramics and textiles. Hinata-note map and opening hours

23. Tickle your throat with rarities...

This upscale whisky bar stays open until 4am on Friday nights, and the fact it has no entrance or table fee makes its reasonable prices even more attractive. Bar Tsurukame map and opening hours

24. Bite into a crunchy cracker...

Pick up a pretty pack of traditional rice snacks at this stylish store that offers various flavours including brown sugar, seasame, honey, matcha, soy sauce and more. Nihonbashi Nishikihorin Honten map and opening hours

25. Get good grooming...

You may never have thought you'd hear yourself say, 'I really need a good pair of tweezers,' but when you see these shiny specimens, you might surprise yourself. Plus you can't argue with craftmanship handed down since 1783. Ubukeya map and opening hours