Shimbashi & Shiodome

Shimbashi started as the oldest railway station in downtown Tokyo. It was opened on October 10th, 1872. Just to give you a time reference that was about 7 years after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. This area is now known as a salary man’s hangout. The term salary man refers to male office workers usually in their 30s-50s. Work usually starts at 9am and goes until… well when ever the boss leaves. This can be as early as 7pm or much later. After work (in the office at least) co-workers go out to restaurants/bars and continue working. I am told that a lot of work decisions are not made in the office but at these restaurants and bars. Due to the closeness of the subways, train lines, and the large amount of small and cheaper restaurants and bars, Shimbashi is a haven for this time of activity.

Shiodome is right next to Shimbashi. Once a railway terminal, Shiodome has recently been transformed into one of Tokyo's most modern areas. It is the area where we spent most of our first 2 weeks in Tokyo and where Anne works. It is now home to several restaurants and hotels.