Recently renovated, the 103 years old Tokyo Station is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Tokyo. It is less know that the Neo-Baroque design of the station wasn’t the first option of its architect, Tatsuno Kingo.

The first project was a combination of Western-style architecture with elements of traditional Japanese architecture such as chidorihafu and karahafu roofs and kurumayose entrances, all made to harmonize with the nearby Imperial palace. However, the Emperor Meiji suggested that a full Western-style design would be more appropriate for a train station, so the architect inspired its plans from the central station of Amsterdam.

Tokyo Station, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Marunouchi skyscrapers