The labyrinthine Tokyo rail system can intimidate even the most seasoned subway rider from New York City. However, this famously efficient transportation network is undoubtedly the leading method of getting around Tokyo – and during the colder months, it becomes even more apparent how some of the city’s train stations (that propels several million people a day) have developed into shopping hubs known as ‘ekinaka’ (‘inside the station’) where every modern convenience is at one’s fingertips both inside and outside the turnstiles. The largest and most luxurious have even become their own self-contained microcosms of Tokyo’s sprawling commerce, with a multitude of shops, restaurants, bars and much more. So how does one spend a chilly day indoors, while still hopping all over Tokyo and not missing out on any fun? Here’s how:
A Direct Line to Culinary Delights
Shinagawa Station may only be familiar to some travelers as one of the first stations that welcomes them from both Narita Airport and the recently revitalized Haneda Airport. But don't judge this is just some transitory location due to the unending flow of commuters. This station is chock full of dining options including a surprising outpost of New York's Grand Central Oyster Bar to the ekiben (station bento boxes) of Delica Station, as well as a variety of restaurants and food vendors of ecute Shinagawa. Operated by JR East Railways, this mini-mall is a prime example of the company's contemporary ekinaka concept that is brimming with vendors like craft beer darling Hitachino and Katsu sando specialist Maisen. ecute Ueno at Ueno Station is just as impressive; located in the station 3rd floor, here visitors can dine alongside hungry locals at popular fast-casual chains or even on top-notch sushi at the renowned Tsukiji Uogashi Maguro Ichidai. Don't forget to pick up panda-themed goods (inspired by the nearby Ueno Zoo panda attraction) like panda donuts at Siretoco Factory and panda waffles from Dolcè Felice. Perhaps the most robust option however is Tokyo Station, whose recent renovation that has revamped it into an unparalleled destination that includes Kitchen Streetand First Avenue here one can travel through regional Japanese culinary styles at places like Okinawa Cuisine Ryutan, Tempura Keyaki, Motsuyaki Eiji, and much more. Impossible to ignore is the highly coveted Ramen Street where one can sample regional ramen styles from all over Japan in one fell swoop.
Access to One Stop Shopping, Literally
Tokyo Station is also a great place to kick off a shopping tour. Along its Character Street, visitors can pick up anime, television, design-based gifts – from Pokemon to Peanuts – that will make people back at home jump for joy; for endless treats and sweets, Okashi Land is just down the hall. Shoppers can even take advantage of indoor access to upscale commercial and cultural centers like Daimaru, a longstanding department store, and KITTE, a mall built upon the renovation of the historic site of the former Central Postal Office Building. But in this station's case, it's probably worth exiting the station to check out its original European architecture. Department stores connected to stations are actually forerunners to ekinaka, and some standouts include Ikebukuro Station's East and West Exits, which respectively flow into to classic department stores Seibu and Tobu. Shinjuku Station,whichis no slouch for the tech-inclined shopper, offering direct access to Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera; for those with time for a little exercise and exploration, snaking underground passageways will lead to department stores like Marui. Smaller station malls also impress us in unique ways. The bygone under-the-bridge space of the long-closed Kanda Manseibashi Station, located at the intersection of Kanda and Akihabara, was reclaimed and converted into the charming mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi, which houses retail, restaurants, cafes, and a delightful observation deck known as 2013 Platform. Ryogoku Station has the numerous sumo-centric shops and restaurants of Ryogoku Edo Noren mall along with its centerpiece of an authentic sumo dohyo (ring). However, when it comes to train station shopping, the heaviest hitter may be the newest kid on the block – the east building of Shibuya Scramble Square. Connected to Shibuya Station, this barely a year-old, 47-story symbol of commerce is now the tallest skyscraper in the neighborhood, and houses sought-after global and Japanese brands that across every possible category. This addition to the landscape is truly a sight to behold, especially for its rooftop views of the city, and the perfect way to cap off a multi-station tour.
NEWS FLASH: New Online Livecall Service
Need direct advice for navigating to the many offerings of the city’s most robust train stations? The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Tourist Information Centers division has now launched a live Online Guide that connects users to a representative via voice or chat in real time. Operating during the hours of 9:30am and 6:00pm Japan time (with expanded hours expected to come in the near future), it is currently available in English, Korean, Thai and German. This promises to be an excellent resource during the pandemic to get assistance in creating future itineraries to Tokyo, as doing on the ground research is difficult for now. And best of all, it’s totally free.
For more information on exploring the Tokyo rail system and the new Online Guide, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/
To visit the archives, visit: www.japansolutionusa.com/tokyobeat
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