Introduction
This time, We'll introduce the Manseibashi station that existed in Akihabara in the old days. This station is no longer in use, but it's open to the public, so anyone can enter for free. Today, let's visit Manseibashi station with Iroha. And when you visit Akihabara, please stop by for a visit.
Story
This is Akihabara! The whole area is covered with anime and game signs. Akihabara is also known for Japanese anime.
It's true that Akihabara is famous as the birthplace of otaku culture, especially anime. But actually, that's not the only thing you can see in Akihabara.
Really? In America, though, Akihabara has a strong image of being an anime town.
Akihabara wasn't originally an anime town.
Over a hundred years ago, Akihabara was a thriving fruit and vegetable market because of its easy accessibility.
After World War II, the black market began to open, and it developed into an electrical district where wireless devices and electronic components were sold. From there, it became a town of consumer electronics, computers, games and animation.
Heh. Akihabara has changed with the times to meet the needs of the world.
From the beginning, I thought of Akihabara as a town of anime and otaku culture.
Yes, it's only recently that the town has started to be called an anime town. I mentioned earlier that Akihabara is easy accessibility .
Yeah. That's still true today, isn't it? There are a lot of trains running through Akihabara Station, and it's very close to Tokyo Station.
Actually, we used to use Manseibashi station instead of Akihabara station at that time. Nowadays, though, it's called a Not Used station.
Manseibashi station? Not Used station?
Yes. It was a heavily used station at the time. But it's not used anymore.
How did such a big station get lost?
In 1923, there was a huge earthquake called the Great Kanto Earthquake, and Manseibashi Station was burned to the ground. It was restored, but the Akihabara station was opened and the demand for Manseibashi station was gone.
Heh. Is that station still around? If there's anything like the site, I'd love to see it!
Yes, there is! It's close to Akihabara station, so let's go for it!
Yes!
This is the place where the Manseibashi station used to be. It was named Manseibashi Station because it's next to this Manseibashi Bridge.
Manseibashi station was along this river. The building is made of red bricks, which gives me a sense of history.
Yes, it was built in 1872. Actually, there's a mystery behind the bridge.
Mystery?
Yeah. Look at the end of the bridge. You see that little room?
I can see. What's in that little room?
Actually, it's a mystery to us. I heard that a Tokyo Metropolitan Government official went to check it out, but I heard that there was nothing in the room. That's why the purpose of the room is still unclear.
That's a very exciting story.
That's right! There are many theories, but the most popular one is that there was a public restroom there.
So, let's go into this Manseibashi station next.
Okay. This is another lovely old building. I especially like this far-reaching arch.
You can get to the platform at Manseibashi station from here. It's free and open to the public, so you don't have to have money to get in.
I love that it's free and open to the public. I can't wait to see it every time I'm in Akihabara.
Yes! Whenever I come to Akihabara, I come here. It's especially fantastic when I come at night, and there are a few young couples here too. I'd love to come here one day with my boyfriend!
Do you have a boyfriend, Iroha?
No, not yet...
L, Let's get to the train platform.
Ha haaaa!
The walls here have been preserved in their original state.
This is where the platform used to be at Manseibashi Station. It's no longer in use, so it's now a botanical garden.
The platform is looking fancy.
But some of it has been preserved the way it used to be.
For example, I heard that the building materials used in this Manseibashi station and this sign have been here for a long time.
Most of them were destroyed by fire in the Great Kanto Earthquake, so we can't feel the atmosphere of those days.
I see. Hmmm, I would have liked to see the Manseibashi station in those days. It's a pity that we can't see it anymore.
That's not true.
In fact, you can see it underneath this Manseibashi station, which is a commercial facility.
Let's go there.
What's meaning?
Just follow me!
Oh, Okay!
This is a commercial center. There are many kinds of shops and restaurants.
Oh! It's an arching tunnel that goes all the way to the distance! This is an interesting build!
That's right! They're forcing the building that was originally there to become a commercial building. It has an interesting layout. If you go through here, you can see the old Manseibashi station.
OK! I believe you.
But still, there are a lot of interesting shops. It's fun to look at them.
There is also a café shop, so you can use it as a resting place when you get tired of Akihabara.
And this is the old Manseibashi station!!
Oh, wait! What is this! There's a small town!
It's called a diorama, and it's a recreation of the old Manseibashi area.
Heh! It must have been quite a magnificent building.
But that? This building looks like something, doesn't it?
Yes! Nice work. This looks like Tokyo Station.
Are you saying that it was designed with the Tokyo Station in mind?
No, it's not. Actually, the Manseibashi station was built before Tokyo Station. So, Tokyo Station was designed with the Manseibashi station in mind.
I see. Manseibashi station is greater than Tokyo Station!
I don't think so...
Ah! The color of the diorama has changed!
It's true! It's getting late.
I never get tired of watching it. I can't stop watching it.
Summary
Manseibashi
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