Looking around Kabutocho once more, one can see through its many historical sites and existing buildings how it has supported Japan’s economic development as a financial and securities district. A plaque reading “Birthplace of Japanese Banking” is affixed to the exterior wall of the current Mizuho Bank Kabutocho Branch, indicating that Japan’s first bank, the First National Bank, was founded here by Eiichi Shibusawa. Shibusawa Eiichi’s residence was also located in Kabutocho, but it was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake. The building constructed on its former site is the “Nissho-kan.” Owned by Heiwa Real Estate, known as the “landlord of Kabutocho,” and housing its headquarters, this building was constructed in 1943 (Showa 3). It has undergone multiple renovations and remains in use today. Additionally, the auspicious stone “Sado Red Stone,” which Shibusawa Eiichi placed at his Kabutocho residence to pray for Japan’s economic prosperity, is now displayed in the atrium of “KABUTO ONE,” Kabutocho’s new landmark. Exploring Kabutocho’s streets might be best started by visiting these historical spots.

The historical assets of Kabutocho, which has supported Japan’s economic development as a financial and securities district. The appeal of newly developed facilities as hubs for interaction. And the multitude of distinctive restaurants. Perhaps it is this overlapping of layers, both temporal and cultural, that captivates visitors to this neighborhood. For instance, after savoring the signature dice-cut steak at Bambolina—a Western-style restaurant where traders once requested, “We don’t even have time to cut our steak, so please serve it pre-cut”—you might then head to the newly opened Heiwa Doburoku Kabutocho Brewery, established by a Wakayama sake brewery, to sample freshly made doburoku. Such multi-layered pleasures are unique to Kabutocho. I hope everyone will follow their own unique layered path and savor it to the fullest.