The relatively unassuming (for a stock exchange) building opened its doors to traders in 1988, replacing the old facilities which had been around since the 1930s.
Behind its heavy doors lies an endless number of computers carrying vast amounts of information at incredible speed. The trading floor looks like an ant colony, running smoothly despite the number of people involved.
A floor above them, a small ceremony is taking place: a new company has joined the index and to celebrate its executives are ringing the ceremonial bell five times. As they conclude the ritual and walk away, a group of people start clapping. They are visitors who have come to see how things work here. The TSE offers tours free of charge to anyone who would like to visit, learn about the exchange's history, look around and perhaps try their hand at some simulated trading.
Bilingual guides are there to answer any questions, quiz visitors and volunteer fun facts about the exchange. You can take photos, sit above the trading floor and watch it all happen or join the trading simulation to see if you stand a chance in today's world of high-speed trading.
Near the exit there is a small museum where decades-old bonds and other items relating to the stock exchange's history are exhibited.
As a person who has very little interest in economics or finance, I thought that a visit to the Tokyo Stock Exchange wouldn't benefit me much. Honestly speaking, I still haven't started reading the Financial Times much. But to my surprise nowadays I do try to keep track of the index.
Call the visitors' center for an appointment. The staff there speak English and will help you schedule a visit at a convenient time. You cannot visit without a reservation. Free of charge, though you can purchase souvenirs at the museum shop.
Information
Tokyo Stock Exchange
Address: 2-1 Nihombashi Kabutocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8224
Tel: +81-50 -3377-7254
Website: http://www.jpx.co.jp/english/
Map:
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