Japan's first railway ran from Shinbashi, Tokyo, to Yokohama in 1872, and was extended to Osaka and Kobe, 500 kilometers west of Tokyo, in 1889. Two major cities in Japan were connected by rail in the second half of the 19th century. In 1896, the plan to extend this rail to Ueno, 6 kilometers north of Shinbashi, was decided. Going with this plan, Tokyo Station was also decided to be built. Putting great importance on the Emperor's convenience, this was built right in front of the Imperial Palace. The main entrance in the middle of this building as shown in the picture was just for the Imperial family. Right after being largely damaged by the air raid in 1945, this was temporarily repaired. But, it had taken another 65 years to be completely restored. In 2012, this finally regained the original stately form. Original form of this building was three-storied though, the temporary repair work was done as a two-story building.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久
