111 years of Tokyo Station

Today, December 18th, is the 111th anniversary of the completion of Tokyo Station. The station was completed on this day in 1914. It is also known as Tokyo Station Day. However, the station didn't open until two days after completion, December 20th, 1914.

In 1889, a plan was drafted to connect Shimbashi Station and Ueno Station with an elevated railway and build a central station in the middle of the line. However, the plans were suspended due to a lack of funds and the Russo-Japanese War. Finally, in 1908 construction began. The station was completed after six and a half years and a cost of 2.8 million yen, and thus "Tokyo Station" was born. It directly faces the Imperial Palace and a VIP entrance, reserved for the Imperial Family, was located in the center of the Marunouchi exit.

The station building was designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo (1854-1919) with contribution from others. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2003. Tokyo Station is also certified as one of the "100 Best Stations of Kanto."