Secret Stairs at Tokyo Station Dungeon
Tokyo Station stands as one of the busiest transport hubs globally, with a staggering 3,000 trains arriving and departing daily. The sheer scale and complexity of the station can feel overwhelming, akin to navigating a challenging video game dungeon filled with crowds.
Yet, tucked away in one corner is a surprising sanctuary of silence. Venturing further reveals the reason for this unusual tranquility.
A stark reminder greets anyone approaching the stairs to Platforms 1 and 2 on the Chuo Rapid Line.
“There are 91 steps on these stairs. There’s an escalator behind you as well, so please use it.”
Exiting near the Marunouchi South Exit, it’s likely that new visitors will stumble upon this daunting ascent. The station’s planners seem to anticipate the shock of this minor workout and have placed clear signs to caution travelers.
Alongside the first sign, additional notices reinforce the message:
“Notice. There are 91 steps on these stairs. There is also an escalator behind you. Please use it.”
This request, seemingly heartfelt and signed by the Tokyo Station Master, conveys a sense of urgency suggesting that using the escalator may be a prudent choice.
As I often do when faced with such warnings, I chose to ignore the advice and press on with my exploration of the station’s hidden corners.
Taking my time, I began the climb. Oddly enough, the stairwell was devoid of other travelers.
In stark contrast to the bustling Chuo Line, where commuters often jostle for space, the solitude of the stairs felt surreal.
As I turned a corner, ready for the next batch of steps, a realization struck: this might just be one of the quietest areas within all of Tokyo Station.
Numerous landings along the way provided much-needed breaks. The lack of visibility towards the stairwell’s end made the ascent feel somewhat confining.
It was almost reminiscent of an endless pathway in a game like The Exit 8.
Despite the daunting challenge, perseverance led to the reward of light breaking through at the top. The final segment of approximately 50 steps proved to be the most demanding.
Emerging from the stairway, I was met with daylight, reminiscent of a creature venturing out of its burrow.
The relief of reaching my destination without needing to dash for a train was palpable.
Interestingly, the area at the platform’s end was quieter than expected, even for a weekday.
This part of Tokyo Station offers a serene retreat from the surrounding chaos, providing a valuable escape for those seeking a moment of peace.
Nevertheless, there is a physical price for this tranquility. For those who prefer a dignified arrival at the platform without the risk of being out of breath, opting for the lift or escalator is advisable.
After the exertion, it’s entirely possible to feel drowsy on the train ride, especially after navigating such an arduous journey.
If you do find yourself battling sleepiness upon arrival, there’s a spot known for its surprising charm: the “Station of Despair.”
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