The design on Japanese banknotes changed in July 2024.
There are places in Minato City associated with the three individuals
whose portraits are featured on the new banknotes.
We encourage you to visit the places and nearby shopping streets
associated with the three individuals featured on the new banknotes.
Places Connected to Kitasato Shibasaburo
Minato City Local History Museum
The Minato City Local History Museum is a facility that was redeveloped from the former Public Health Institute built in 1938 (Showa 13). It’s only a one-minute walk from Shirokanedai Station.
Here, you can learn about the nature, history, and culture of Minato City by interacting with authentic artifacts such as excavated Jomon pottery and whale skeletons, as well as through projection mapping and touch panels.
The museum also has a café and a shop.
Koch-Kitasato Shrine
This shrine was built by Kitasato Shibasaburo to honor his mentor, the world-renowned bacteriologist Robert Koch, after his passing.
Today, both Kitasato Shibasaburo and Koch are enshrined here.
Please also visit the “Kitasato Shibasaburo Memorial Museum” located on the same site.
Shirokane Shopping Street
Established in 1910 (Meiji 43), the street has gone through several name changes over the Showa and Heisei eras, and it is now the "Shirokane Shopping Association.”
In recent years, the street has been actively introducing cashless payments, and now the restaurants and bars in the street are an ideal place for breaks when you are on a walk.
We invite you to visit Shirokane Shopping Street, filled with an old-town atmosphere and warm interactions.
Shirokane Kitasato-dori Shopping Street
Commonly known as Shirokane, this is a shopping street that is easy to like.
The street, marked by Kitasato Institute Hospital and Sacred Heart School, has become a calm, old-fashioned townscape, due to the many retro-style shops that remain.
Every summer, the only Awa Odori dance in Minato City, the “Shirokane Awa Odori,” is held here.
We invite you to visit this shopping street where historic shops coexist with new restaurants featured on TV and in commercials, to enjoy shopping and walking.
Places Connected to Tsuda Umeko
Keio Nakadori Shotengai
This shopping street is located along the alley connecting JR Tamachi Station, Toei Subway Mita Station, and Sakurada Dori (Mita Dori). As Keio University is nearby, it is known as "Keio Nakadori" (Keinaka). With many restaurants also open in the evening, please consider stopping by for relaxation or a meal after a stroll.
Hyugazaka
In the early Edo period, the residence of Mori Hyuganokami from Tokuyama Domain was located on the southern side of this area, though the exact origin of the name is unknown. It was also called Furisodezaka or mistakenly referred to as Hinatazaka. It is said that Tsuda Umeko lived in this area.
Tsunazaka
It is said that the legendary Watanabe no Tsuna, a Heian period warrior famous for slaying the demon at Rashomon, was born nearby. It is said that Tsuda Umeko lived in this vicinity.
Azabujuban Shotengai Promotion Association
Azabujuban has long been a prosperous and vibrant area. The shopping street features over 300 stores, including long-established restaurants from the Edo period and modern cafes and shops, stretching across Azabujuban Odori, Patio Dori, and the Sendai-zaka area. It's within walking distance of popular areas such as Roppongi, Hiroo, and Shirokane. Various events are held throughout the seasons, such as the "Azabujuban Noryo Festival" and the "Tori-no-Ichi Bazaar."
Places Connected to Shibusawa Eiichi
Tokyo Gas Founding Monument
Located at the foot of the S-4 staircase from the South Exit passage of Hamamatsucho Station.
Shibusawa Eiichi pioneered the "gas business" as part of Japan's modern urban infrastructure, establishing it as the first public utility for citizens, and contributed significantly to the founding of Tokyo Gas Co,. Ltd.
Shiba Shinmei Shopping Street
This is a historic shopping street that has been around since the Edo period. Located in an office district, the shopping street features many restaurants, but you can still sense a somewhat nostalgic, old-fashioned atmosphere with establishments like traditional Japanese confectionery shops that have been in business since the Meiji era. Please feel free to visit for a meal or a stroll.
Headquarters of the Japanese Red Cross Society
One of the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies that operate globally, this humanitarian organization has been rescuing those in need since providing aid to the wounded during the Satsuma Rebellion. Shibusawa Eiichi was a supporter of this organization since its inception.
Head Office of the National Printing Bureau, Incorporated Administrative Agency
The National Printing Bureau, an Incorporated Administrative Agency, is responsible for producing items such as Bank of Japan notes (banknotes), official gazettes, and passports.
The information on the new Japanese banknotes appears on the National Printing Bureau’s website.
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