【One-Station Walk】Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Otemachi Station to Mitsukoshimae Station | Strolling through spots with ties to the Hakone Ekiden and remnants of Edo culture

As a walking enthusiast, I took a "mini trip" walking from Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Otemachi Station, discovering wonderful places along the way. This time I encountered spots related to the Hakone Ekiden, including the plaques of the winning schools and the "Kizuna" statue at the finish line! I also stopped by the starting point of Japan’s roads, "Japan National Road Monument."

I arrived at Otemachi Station!

The start is Otemachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. When it comes to Otemachi, there is a strong impression of it being the center of Japan’s economy, where many corporate headquarters are located. What kinds of encounters await us on this one-station walk? Let’s get started!

QB Premium - Domestic No. 1 Store

I discovered an elegant barber shop within the bustling Otemachi station. Upon closer inspection, I found that it was a new format called "QB Premium" run by "QB House," which is known for its affordable haircuts. The haircut price is 2000 yen, a bit higher than QB House, but they offer a "finishing styling" service after the cut.

Shōmonzuka

After about a 3-minute walk from Otemachi Station, I arrived at "Shōmonzuka." This stone monument was built to offer prayers for the head of Taira no Masakado, but it is also known as a "god of contests" (there are various theories), making it a power spot that attracts many worshippers hoping for good fortune. On the day I visited, I also spotted a few company employees who seemed to be visiting during their breaks.

The statue of "Kizuna" at the finish line of the Hakone Ekiden / Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters

As I continued through the buildings of Otemachi, I reached the Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters. This place is also famous for being the finish line of the major New Year's event, the "Hakone Ekiden." If you proceed to the right side of the west main entrance of the Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters, you will find the statue of "Kizuna."

The bronze statue built next to the finish line of the Hakone Ekiden expresses the moment a runner joyfully crosses the finish tape.

Next to the statue of "Kizuna," there was also a plaque engraved with the names of all the winning schools over the years. I wonder which university will grab the glory next year...? As a fan of the Hakone Ekiden, I’m really looking forward to it!

The Otemachi area has many train viewing spots!

The Yamanote Line passes by!

In the distance, the "Shinkansen Hayabusa" passes by!

While walking towards Mitsukoshimae Station, I could see the local trains and Shinkansen passing by. This area close to Tokyo Station has many spots where you can see trains in action. My son, who joined me on this one-station stroll, was very excited by the sight! When our favorite trains, the "Yamanote Line" and the "Hayabusa," passed, he waved his hand and enjoyed the moment.

Tokiwa Bridge Gate

Constructed in 1629 (the 6th year of the Kan’ei era) by daimyos from Dewa and Mutsu. The gate is positioned as one of the five main gates connecting Edo Castle to the Oshu road, and it is said to have been regarded as a military important gate as it leads to the main gate, Otemon, of the inner keep of Edo Castle.