Tokyo Station impressions: The wonders of Tokyo Station

TYOSTA
TYOSTA
Avatar of Linda Hohnholz
Written by Linda Hohnholz

For visitors to Japan, the completeness of the facilities found within this humble railway station always comes as quite a surprise.

For visitors to Japan, the completeness of the facilities found within this humble railway station always comes as quite a surprise. Without rushing about, and without leaving the station, people here can satisfy their shopping and entertainment needs. In Japanese, this type of intra-station shopping/entertainment venue is referred to as an “ekinaka.” Today, we will give everyone an introduction to the wonders of one of Tokyo’s most heavily trafficked railway stations – Tokyo Station – which is located in Tokyo’s central Marunouchi district.

A Symbol of History and Culture

Tokyo Station was founded in 1914 and was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, a famous architect from Japan’s Meiji period. Each year, large numbers of tourists are drawn here to take in its red brick European charm and magnificent architectural style. Having survived the flames of war and continued standing tall for a century, this place has long since ceased to be a mere ordinary transportation hub in the hearts of the people here. More than this, it has become a symbol of Tokyo’s history and culture.

Tokyo Station was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2003. Possessing a history that goes back as far as Tokyo Station, The Tokyo Station Hotel ( http://www.thetokyostationhotel.jp ) was constructed inside the station and opened for business in 1915. Besides being the setting to a great many works of literature, this hotel has also received literary giants such as Yasunari Kawabata and Seicho Matsumoto as guests, and its name is known to everyone in Japan.

Enjoying Excellent Food

Considering how Tokyo Station gathers specialty foods and choice delicacies from all over Japan, it is by no means an exaggeration to call this place a “paradise of delicious food”. There is the century-old Tsukiji Sushi Say( http://www.tokyoinfo.com/shop-665.html ), the highly varied T’s TanTan Vegan Ramen (Noodles) Restaurant( http://www.j-retail.jp/brand/keiyostreet/brand_list/detail.html?id=72 ), and Sendai TanyaGyutan Rikyu(Ox Tongue)( http://www.tokyoinfo.com/shop-660.html ), outside which long lines of customers can be seen every day. The inside of the station features row upon row of gift shops ( http://www.tokyoinfo.com/shopl?c=212 ), and from exquisite Japanese dim sum to adorable Japanese miscellaneous goods, everything one could wish for is present. There is also the uniquely Japaneseekiben ( http://www.tokyoinfo.com/shop-668.html ) (a packed lunch comprising local specialties and sold at stations in great variety), allowing travelers to enjoy authentic food from different regions while traveling on a tight itinerary. The many varieties of desserts here can make a visitor’s mouth water just by looking at them, and they are something that should definitely not be missed. If delicious food is one of the goals of your trip, then you should make sure to enjoy a big meal at Tokyo Station.

A Rail Network Extending in All Directions

Tokyo Station directly connects to many important regions inside Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku and also connects to key attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and Meiji Jingu Shrine. From here, people can travel to and from Narita International Airport via the Narita Express (N’EX) ( http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_oneway.html ) and Haneda Airport via the airport bus. A JPY750 one-day Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass( http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/tokunai_pass.html ) (Tokunai Pass) allows for unlimited rides on local and rapid JR East trains excluding reserved seats within Tokyo’s 23 Special Wards for one calendar day, visitors can greatly reduce their travel expenses. Every day, electric trains painted with all sorts of different colors will leave Tokyo Station for many destinations. Comparable to a rainbow, this is an item of scenery that is beloved by many Japanese people.

Related links: http://www.tokyostationcity.com/en

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...