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Statues of Kirin
These bronze Kirin have wings, but mythical Kirin were NEVER supposed to fly! Back in 1911, sculptor Osao Watanabe broke all the rules when he added those giant wings because he wanted Tokyo to soar like a dragon from this very spot. You're standing at Japan's mile zero - every single road distance in the entire country is measured from right here under your feet! These magical beasts guard the only stone bridge in central Tokyo that survived getting rebuilt TEN whole times after fires. Each Kirin weighs as much as a small elephant and combines a deer's body, dragon's face, and bull's tail into one incredible creature. The sculptor mixed Japanese mythology with Western design to create something totally unique - these are the only winged Kirin statues in all of Japan! Look closely at those bronze scales catching the light - they're protecting the heart of Tokyo just like they have for over a century.
Did You Know?
- The Statues of Kirin on Nihonbashi Bridge mark the traditional center of Japan and serve as the official 'kilometer zero' point for the country's national highway network—meaning all distances in Japan are measured from this very spot, making it a unique intersection of history, geography, and daily life.
- The Kirin statues are a rare artistic departure from tradition: while the mythical Kirin is usually wingless, sculptor Osao Watanabe added wings to these bronze figures as a symbol of Tokyo’s soaring ambitions and innovation, blending Japanese mythology with a bold vision for the city’s future.
- At night, the statues are illuminated by lanterns, creating a magical glow that brings the mythical creatures to life—this makes the site especially popular for photographers and families seeking a memorable, visually stunning experience after dark, though visitors should be prepared for occasional crowds and the chance that some lanterns may be out of order.