For many people taking a train can be stressful, especially in rush hour when most people can’t wait to get off. However, trains have become such a part of daily life in Tokyo, that hungry diners just can’t get enough of them.
In Japan, perhaps more than in any other country in the world, trains are essential for transporting masses of commuters around its crowded cities on a daily basis. While commuters may not be fond of the crowded conditions they face, trains are undeniably part of Japanese culture.
And the train-inspired Tokyo curry house "Niagara" is one example of the city’s fondness for locomotives. By the time steam engines were outdated, owner Naito Hirotoshi had started buying and collecting train parts, and he subsequently decided to combine this hobby with his passion for cooking. And he likes to be called "the station master".
"In the mid-sixties diesel engines and electric trains started to appear and old steam engines were being phased out. As they were being scrapped, many parts became available and I was able to buy them." Naito Hirotoshi, Owner of Niagara Restaurant said.
What distinguishes Niagara from other rail-themed establishments is the way food is delivered: by a small train.
"I think trains are a part of the Japanese culture. We have a railway system that covers the whole country and even though we use aeroplanes and cars a lot the vast majority of Japanese citizens use trains. Because of this I think trains are very close to Japanese people’s hearts". Naito Hirotoshi said.
fondness for locomotives.
In Tokyo’s upscale district of Ginza, a more sophisticated train-themed bar has been open for almost ten years. Bar Ginza Panorama attracts mainly business people, many of whom are involved in the railway business.
With a collection of over one hundred model trains, the bar has four tracks on which trains are rotated depending on a theme decided by bar manager Tomoyuki Hattori.
"We have over one hundred model trains ranging from old ones to new ones. We have bullet trains, old steam engines, freight trains and express trains. We have customers who work at railway companies as station masters, train drivers and conductors. We also have customers who actually work for companies that make real trains." Tomoyuki Hattori, Manager of Bar Ginza Panorama said.
For many customers, the toy trains bring back fond memories, and may inspire future journeys.
