“Mile zero” marker. Did you notice it? It stands as a testament to the start of Japan’s railway system right here at Old Shimbashi Station.
Old Shimbashi Station. It is more than just a building. It is a portal to Japan’s rapid modernization. It marks the beginning of a new era.
This is the story of Japan’s first railway terminus. The original station connected Tokyo and Yokohama. It was a mere 29 kilometers. American architect R. P. Bridgens designed the original two-story timber-frame stone-clad station. It opened in 1872.
In 1914, passenger services moved to Tokyo Station. Shimbashi Station became Shiodome Freight Terminal. The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 caused a fire. This fire destroyed the Old Shimbashi Station building. The remaining structures were demolished by 1934.
After the Shiodome Freight Terminal closed in 1986, the site was redeveloped. Archaeological digs in 1991 uncovered the station’s foundations. The government designated the site as the Old Shimbashi Station Historic Site in 1996.
In 1998, the decision was made to rebuild the station. The East Japan Railway Culture Foundation took on the project. Construction started in 2001 and finished in 2003. The rebuilt station is based on 3-D analysis of old photos. Accurate survey data from the remains helped. The dimensions of the dressed stone were also useful.
The original platform was 150 meters long. Only 35 meters are part of the historic site today. The lower courses of the platform retaining wall were found during excavation.
Researchers found that a spotted tuff called Izu madaraishi was used in the platform. This stone came from the Izu peninsula. Unfortunately, the quarry was long gone. The builders had to use a combination of stones from different sources.
There was little reliable information about the interior design. So, a modern design was chosen. This avoids confusing visitors with a non-authentic classical design.
The new building is built around the remains. Concrete foundations protect the original parts. The new building is 75 cm higher than the original level. The city authorities licensed the reconstruction as a contemporary building. It meets modern architectural standards.
The main structure is reinforced concrete. Stone slices are fixed to the concrete body. Skilled stonemasons and sculptors recreated the window details.
The platform roof was not reconstructed. A modern design was adopted instead. There are observation pits outside the building. Visitors can see the in-ground remains. Utilities are housed in boxes outside the building. This makes it clear that they are not original.
Today, the Old Shimbashi Station houses a Railway History Exhibition Hall. You can see part of the original foundation through a floor window. The exhibition includes relics found during the excavation. Outside, there is a 7-meter track with authentic rails from 1873.
Old Shimbashi Station stands as a symbol. It marks the heart of the redeveloped Shiodome area. It is a reminder of Japan’s first steps into the modern railway age.