Where was the first station in Tokyo?
The history of rail transport in Japan began in the late Edo period (1853 – 1867).
The first line for steam locomotives was completed between Shimbashi Station in Tokyo and Yokohama Station in Kanagawa prefecture in 1872.
It is said that the one-way trip took about 50 minutes and there were 9 round trips daily at that time.
From 1872 to 1914 the original Shimbashi Station was located where the current Shiodome Station now stands. After 1914, the station name of Shimbashi was changed to Shiodome, and then Karasumori Station had its name changed to Shimbashi Station.
Shiodome Stationused to be a freight depot from 1914 to 1986.
As rail freight transportation declined, the freight depot was abolished.
Old Shimbashi Station
You can still see short sections of the old tracks, and also the elegant Shimbashi Station has been restored to its original condition and registered as a historic landmark.
If you would like to use Shimbashi Station on the JR Line, then go to the Ginza exit, and if you are planning to take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, go to Exit A2. It takes about 3 or 4 minutes on foot. After you go out of the exit, just keep going until you reach the Shiodome City Center and the Panasonic building which are tall buildings on your right.
Old Shimbashi Station is located between the Panasonic building and Shiodome City Center.
Place Information: Old Shimbashi Station / Railway History Exhibition Room
Website: https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/shinbashi/english/index.html
