Relocated in July 1945, Keiō Shinjuku Station and Shōsen Shinjuku Ekimae Station closed. Today, we stand where history whispers. This is the site of the former Shōsen Shinjuku Ekimae Station. Do you notice anything unusual? It was renamed from Teishajō-mae Station in 1937.
Let’s delve into the story of Shinjuku Station, a transport hub. Shinjuku Station opened in 1885. It began as a humble stop on the Akabane-Shinagawa line. That line is now part of the Yamanote Line. At that time Shinjuku was a quiet community. The station didn’t see heavy traffic initially.
The opening of the Chūō Line in 1889 boosted traffic. The Keiō Line in 1915 and the Odakyū Line in 1923 further increased its importance. Shinjuku Station became a vital connecting hub. It linked central and eastern Tokyo with western areas.
In 2018 an average of 3.59 million people used Shinjuku Station daily. Guinness World Records recognizes it as the world’s busiest railway station. The JR East station and adjacent private railways have 35 platforms. There are also underground and above-ground arcades plus numerous hallways. In total 53 platforms are accessible without going outside. The complex has over 200 exits. Finding your way can be an adventure.
Urban planner Kensaburo Kondo designed a major revamp in 1933. His plan included a large public square on the west side. It was completed in 1941. Kondo’s plan was influenced by the current layout.
The Seibu Shinjuku Line extended to Seibu Shinjuku Station in 1952. The plan was to redevelop the east side of Shinjuku Station. Seibu later abandoned its plan due to space limitations.
A freight train incident occurred in 1967. It involved jet fuel and stoked political controversy. Shinjuku Station became a site for student protests in 1968 and 1969. These protests marked a peak in civil unrest in postwar Japan. In May and June 1969 antiwar groups led weekly singalongs. Thousands gathered creating a “liberated zone”. In July riot police cleared the plaza.
There have been plans to connect Shinjuku to the Shinkansen network. The 1973 Shinkansen Basic Plan designates it as the southern terminus of the Jōetsu Shinkansen line.
In 1995 the Aum Shinrikyo cult attempted a chemical terrorist attack. It was thwarted by staff.
Station numbering was introduced to the Odakyu terminal in 2014. Shinjuku was assigned station number OH01. A major expansion of the JR terminal was completed in April 2016. It added an office tower a bus terminal a taxi terminal shops and restaurants.
Station numbering was introduced to the JR East platforms in 2016. Shinjuku was assigned codes for various lines. JR East also assigned the station the code “SJK”.
In 2020 the east-west free passageway opened. It shortened the time to pass between exits. A major redevelopment began in July 2021 and continues until 2047.
When the Keiō Line extended to Shinjuku in 1915 its terminal was east of the JR station. It was first named Shinjuku-Oiwake Station. The station moved in 1927 and was renamed several times. In July 1945 the terminal relocated to its current location. Keiō Shinjuku Station and Shōsen Shinjuku Ekimae Station closed.
Today the Keiō Shinjuku Sanchōme Building and Keiō Shinjuku Oiwake Building occupy the site of the former Keiō Shinjuku Station. The story of Shōsen Shinjuku Ekimae Station is a testament to Tokyo’s ever-evolving urban landscape. It reminds us that even in a city of constant change echoes of the past remain. They wait to be discovered by those who know where to look.