Tokyo Station isn't just a station, it's a symbol of Japan. It's also like a small city, packed with shops, restaurants and art galleries. The iconic red and white brick design of the original station building was inspired by Amsterdam's Central Station. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, a representative architect of Japan’s Meiji era, Tokyo Station was completed in 1914, which now serves as the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. Sadly, it was damaged during World War II but was restored to its former splendour thanks to a major renovation project finished in 2012. The elegant Neo-Baroque inspired ceilings under the large domes are one of the highlights, their warm yellows and unusual eagle and zodiac designs giving the space a grand feeling. Beneath the station are dozens of underground passages, shopping streets, dining areas, art museums and more. One could spend a whole afternoon exploring "Tokyo Station City" without ever coming out above ground. Gourmands will want to check out the offerings at Ramen Street including the famous Rokunrinsha’s tsukemen, Kurobei Yokocho, and Kitchen Street. Besides its impressive value as a sightseeing spot, Tokyo Station is also an important hub that isn’t only served by major JR Lines such as Yamanote and Chuo but also is a major station for several shinkansen bullet trains. About 3,000 trains arrive and depart at Tokyo Station on a single day. Arriving on our first day to purchase all of our train tickets from Tokyo to Nikko, Nara and including the bullet train to Kyoto, we all decided to take a self guided food tour through the warren of Izakaya, yakitori, ramen, bento box and sushi restaurants, in search of an "oichi" lunch for our first meal in Tokyo after a 12-hour flight from London.
Japanese Himono Izakaya in Tokyo Station which specializes in grilled sun dried fish
The bustling interior of Himono Izakaya
Handsome Sake wall beside our table
Cold frosty Ashai Beer on hot humid 36°F afternoon in Tokyo
Mackerel Sashimi from Tsukiji Market
Silky Tofu with marinated diced cucumber
Braised beef in broth with sweet mustard
Miso Soup
Bowl of Steamed Rice
Thick and juicy Ubame oak charcoal grilled dried Hansuke Mackerel from Tsukiji Market
Kaarage: Japanese Fried Chicken
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