A Corner Landmark on Hongo-dori
The Echiso Building (エチソウビル) is a merchant's own building of the late Taisho period (1919 to 1926) in Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on February 27, 2023 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a three-storey reinforced concrete building of 236 square metres, altered around 1932 and in 1986 and 2002; registration number 13-0471.
A Merchant's Building on a Corner of Hongo-dori
The Echiso Building stands on a corner of Hongo-dori and was built as the own premises of Echiso Shoten, a dealer in thread (Agency for Cultural Affairs). In the early Showa period the existing west part was taken in and extended into a three-storey concrete building with a rooftop tower, its southeast corner raised a step higher.
Its front is decorated with dentils along the top and arches over the windows (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape, as a building that closes the view along the street and shapes the look of the block.
What to Look For
Look for the raised southeast corner, the dentils along the top and the arches over the windows (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
No official information on access to the interior was found. The building can be seen from Hongo-dori.
Q&A
- When was the Echiso Building built?
- In the late Taisho period, extended around 1932 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Whose building is the Echiso Building?
- The own premises of Echiso Shoten, a thread dealer.
- What should I look for at the Echiso Building?
- The raised corner, dentils and window arches.
- Where is the Echiso Building?
- On a corner of Hongo-dori in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.
- When was the Echiso Building registered?
- On February 27, 2023 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Echiso Building (エチソウビル) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-306-1 Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2023/02/27 (Reiwa 5) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, 3 storeys, 236 m² |
| Owner | Echiso Shoten Limited Partnership |
| Public Access | No official information on interior access |
References
- Echiso Building (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00014455
Last verified: 2026.10.16