Tokyo Station: The Heart of Japan’s Railway Network Is More Than What You Think

Japan's storied rail network is renowned worldwide for its punctuality, safety, and innovations in train technology—this is the country that developed the Shinkansen, or bullet train, after all.

While the trains rightly get the plaudits they deserve, many of Japan’s stations—over 8,500 across the country—also stand on their own within rail folklore. Shimbashi in the central districts of Tokyo has the title of Japan’s oldest station, while the legendary Shinjuku terminal is widely known as the busiest station in the world in terms of passenger volume.

But the one that I find the most interesting is Tokyo. Sure, it is the place where the nation’s Shinkansen network begins (which is cool in itself, don’t get me wrong), but there is much more to this station than meets the eye, with a rich history that many are none the wiser to!

Tokyo Station: My First Journey Through Japan's Storied Railway Hub

I remember the first time I had come to Tokyo station back in 2017. It was also the first time I had ever come to Japan, and as the train lover that I am, this station was obviously high on my list of places to check out. I can still recall the bricks that made up the station building on the Marunouchi side standing high into the bright summer sky, welcoming its passengers. 

It was majestic, to say the least, and as I took my initial steps through the station, I could not help but wonder about its long history. Turns out, it all started with a pair of German engineers and a vision from one of Japan’s most influential architects.

Uncovering the Lesser-Known Stories of Tokyo Station’s Architectural Roots

The early scheme of the station was initially given to German engineers Hermann Rumshottel and Franz Baltzer, but in 1903, the responsibility was transferred to Kingo Tatsuno, the man who had designed the Bank of Japan headquarters and pioneered Japanese modern architecture.

Bank of Japan Head Office designed by Kingo Tatsuno!

Following the initial designs by Balzer, Tatsuno added his own touch to the plans, and after several design changes and suspensions due to Japan’s war with Russia, the project was approved, and construction began in 1908, opening for business in 1914.

When I stepped inside the Marunouchi South Exit, I could immediately appreciate the vision Tatsuno had, as I was greeted by a beautifully designed ceiling, complemented by marble floors that offer a soft reflection of the lights above. 

But the most interesting part about this segment of the station is the ticket machines. If you are in the know, there is a little spot marked on the floor nearby. This is where Takashi Hara, Japan’s first Christian Prime Minister, was assassinated in 1921 by a railroad switchman as he was heading to board his train to Kyoto. 

This wasn’t the only time Tokyo station saw political violence though, as nine years later, Prime Minister Osachi Hamaguchi was shot in an attempted assassination in 1930. He survived the attack but died a year later from his wounds. If you head to the Central Passage, you can find a commemorative plaque and the spot of this assassination attempt.

Resilience in the Face of Disaster: Tokyo Station Through Earthquakes and War

Moving away from politics, prior to the Hamaguchi shooting, 1923 saw the Great Kanto earthquake, a devastating natural disaster that destroyed the city of Tokyo due to the ensuing fires. Only a handful of buildings were left standing, one of which was Tokyo Station, and it became a key evacuation site. 

The same cannot be said in 1945, however, as the air raids in the Second World War destroyed most of the roof and the entire third floor on the Marunouchi side, but thankfully, the station was rebuilt a year later, though the restored building had angular roofs instead of the original domes, with the third floor not being rebuilt at all.

60 years later, the station underwent a five-year renovation process that was completed in 2012 and saw the historic 98-year-old façade on the Marunouchi side of the station being restored to its pre-war condition.

Meanwhile, the opposite side of the station, the Yaesu side, wasn’t able to be rebuilt at all after the war, with new, modern structures taking its place, along with a large Daimaru department store that opened in 1954, which is still open for business to this day.

Tokyo Station Today: Where Modern Japan and History Come Together

As you can see, Tokyo station has quite the history, and that’s not even noting the fact that the iconic Shinkansen began its maiden journey to Osaka here on the 1st of October, 1964. There have even been special services called Omeshi Ressha, which are reserved for the sole use of the Emperor and Empress, that have used Tokyo as its departing station.

However, this has been less common in modern times as air travel has become the preferred travel method of the Imperial Family. Despite this, the luxurious Tokyo Station Hotel, built as part of the station complex, still has a special waiting room for them should they ever take rail transportation around the country.

So while Tokyo station may not be the bustling commuter hub compared to its counterparts throughout the city, Kingo Tatsuno’s decadent architecture and the station’s colourful history make it one of Japan’s most interesting buildings. 

Today, it is not just a transit point but a cultural and entertainment landmark.

The station and the area surrounding it consistently host events, and a variety of dining options that reflect Japan's rich culinary heritage can be found on the lower floors, including Ramen street.

The station's unique blend of historical grandeur and modern functionality makes it a destination in its own right—a place where travelers can experience the pulse of Tokyo while appreciating the legacy of one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, making it the perfect place for people to start their journey through the land of the rising sun.

Experience the history and modernity of Tokyo Station firsthand. Reach out to Untold Japan for curated travel tips and nearby stays to make the most of your visit!