Japan's Eki Naka Phenomenon

  • Published on : 26/06/2016
  • by : Japan Experience

Inside Japan's Train Stations

Japan's Eki Naka Phenomenon with everything you need including shopping, food/drink, and events. Find out what you can explore with your Japan Rail Pass!

Top notch shopping and souvenirs

The most noticeable transformation of Japanese train stations has been the shopping. Big-name department stores have long been running branches attached directly to large stations. But now, these stations have been taking advantage of their underground areas and long, connected tunnels to transform them into shopping malls!

These days, eki naka shopping malls range from youth-oriented to gourmet food to high-brow brand name. There's something for everyone!

Shinjuku, Shokudo

Shinjuku, Shokudo

©Dick Thomas Johnson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/flicker/,CC BY 2.0,https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/50809402111/

Events

The latest eki naka redesigns and renewals also include open spaces for local/cultural events. As you pass through the station, you may find anything from saké tasting to charity events to farmers markets to art exhibitions and concerts !

A good example of these revamps is Tokyo station, which was recently renovated for its 100th Birthday !

Keep on the lookout for English-language flyers and posters, or look online for information from the local ex-pat crowd.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku

© Dick Thomas Johnson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/flicker/,CC BY 2.0,https://www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/50809518207/

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