Bank of Japan Main Building

The Bank of Japan, as Japan's central bank, issues banknotes. Completed in 1896, the main building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, a master of modern architecture who also worked on the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. The building, which did not collapse even during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, is noted for its seismic resistance. The classical-style building, featuring a stone-brick construction with a central dome and a singular pillar, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan as one of the country's representative modern architectural works.

At the Bank of Japan Head Office, guided tours are available to view this valuable main building. Visitors can see the old business hall, the underground vault, and the exhibition rooms on the first and second floors (advance reservation required).

The tour is a 60-minute course, conducted three times a day (four times on Tuesdays), and reservations can be made online starting 90 days before the desired visit date. If time permits, it is also recommended to visit the adjacent Currency Museum (free of charge).