Shimbashi Ekimae Building No.1 & No.2 – The Living Heart of Tokyo’s “Salaryman” Culture

Right next to Shimbashi Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest business hubs, stand two buildings that hold a unique charm from another era — Shimbashi Ekimae Building No.1 and No.2. Built in the late 1960s, these twin buildings may look modest from the outside, but inside they hide a vibrant maze of restaurants, bars, small offices, and shops that perfectly capture the spirit of Tokyo’s postwar economic boom and the city’s famous “salaryman” culture.

Shimbashi is often called the birthplace of Japan’s office worker, or salaryman. It was one of the first districts to modernize after World War II, and quickly became the center of business life. The Ekimae Buildings were constructed to serve as convenient office spaces and social hubs for the workers who flooded into the area. Over half a century later, they remain almost unchanged — giving visitors a rare glimpse into everyday Tokyo life as it once was.

When you step into Building No.1, it feels like entering a time capsule. The narrow corridors are lined with tiny eateries serving Japanese comfort food — ramen, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), curry rice, soba noodles, and izakaya dishes. Many of these establishments have been run by the same families for decades. You’ll often see groups of businessmen gathering after work, raising glasses of beer and calling out “Kanpai!” (Cheers!) in loud, happy voices.

Building No.2, connected by a short underground passage, has a slightly quieter but equally nostalgic atmosphere. Here you’ll find more small bars, sushi counters, snack bars, secondhand shops, and even traditional massage parlors. Some of the tiny bars have only five or six seats, giving you the chance to talk directly with the owner and local regulars — a rare and intimate experience in the middle of central Tokyo.

What makes these buildings truly special is their authenticity. Unlike the polished shopping malls or modern food courts of newer business districts, the Shimbashi Ekimae Buildings preserve the look and feel of 1970s Tokyo. The ceilings are low, the signs are handwritten, and the smell of grilled seafood and soy sauce fills the air. For many Tokyoites, this place feels nostalgic — a reminder of their youth and the days when Japan’s economy was rapidly growing. For visitors, it offers a window into a side of Tokyo that is warm, human, and delightfully unrefined.

Despite their age, the buildings are still full of life. During lunch hours, office workers line up outside the popular restaurants for quick and affordable meals. In the evenings, the same places transform into lively bars where laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses echo through the hallways. Foreign visitors are warmly welcomed — though many menus are written in Japanese, most shop owners are friendly and happy to recommend their best dishes with gestures and smiles.

The location is extremely convenient: the buildings are directly connected to Shimbashi Station, which serves the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. It’s only one stop from Ginza and within walking distance of the Shiodome area, where modern skyscrapers contrast beautifully with the nostalgic charm of Shimbashi Ekimae’s retro alleys.

Recently, photographers, artists, and tourists have rediscovered these buildings as symbols of Showa retro culture — a style that celebrates the warmth and simplicity of Japan’s mid-20th century. Some bars now display vintage posters and old records, creating an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with creativity.

Visiting the Shimbashi Ekimae Buildings is not just about food or shopping — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of Tokyo’s working-class history. It’s a place where Japan’s past and present meet, where the hardworking spirit of the “salaryman” still lives on in every corner.

If you want to experience a truly local Tokyo evening, skip the fancy restaurants and dive into these underground alleys. Order a glass of sake, talk with the locals, and enjoy the energy that fills the air. Shimbashi Ekimae Building No.1 and No.2 may not appear in glossy travel brochures, but they represent something far more real — the everyday life, laughter, and resilience that have built modern Tokyo.