Saitama-Shintoshin Station さいたま新都心駅

Urban station, sweeping canopy

Saitama-Shintoshin Station connects the Keihin-Tohoku, Utsunomiya, and Takasaki train lines. The station's concourse designed by Edward Suzuki Architects, has a sweeping, rounded canopy that evokes clouds and waves. This is a nod to historic Hikawa Shrine with its Yakumo crest. The station is easy to navigate, and the elevated concourse leads to the Shintoshin business district on the west side and Cocoon City shopping complex on the east side. I've visited twice in the last six months, and each time, plunked away at the street piano on the concourse. The piano has a bright sound that rings off the curved roof.