food

Tokyo restaurant sandwiched between two active train tracks

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By Krista Rogers, RocketNews24

Earlier this year, we shared news about a restaurant in Tokyo where you can dine between the train tracks of the busy Chuo Line. One of our Japanese-language reporters finally got the chance to visit the location for himself, and we’d like to share his thoughts about getting up close and personal with some trains.

Cafe & Bar N3331 is the name of the restaurant where you can experience the thrill of enjoying a meal while watching passing trains from the city’s closest vantage point. Functioning as a cafe by day and a bar by night, it was built directly on top of the platform of former Manseibashi Station, which was in active use between 1912-1943. The restaurant is also part of the new mAAch shopping center located between Ochanomizu Station and Kanda Station on the JR Chuo Line, and is only a five-minute walk from Akihabara Station.

When our reporter arrived at the cafe, the server took his order at the entrance before he went to find a seat. The establishment is long, narrow, and is indeed sandwiched between two rails of the JR Chuo Line, giving diners the sensation of actually relaxing on a train station platform.

The seating area is composed of two parts–a main cafe area with nothing but window-walls and an outdoor open-air terrace area. Both areas offer unparalleled views of passing trains while you feel as if you’re waiting for a train yourself. However, unlike a typical daily commute when you’re pressed for time, this place offers you the chance to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the platform with food and drinks.

Now let’s move along to everyone’s favorite topic–food. Our Japanese reporter visited N3331 at approximately 3 p.m., and though the restaurant has a full menu of food and drinks, he took the server’s suggestion and ordered the daily cake set, which is only offered between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. On this particular day the daily special was a moist, delectable sweet potato cake. The scrumptious cake set goes for 700 yen.

Upon learning that alcohol was served during the day, he also promptly ordered a beer. After all, what better way to celebrate getting up close and personal with some trains than with a cold one? Hitachino Nest Amber Ale costs 800 yen.

In fact, just as he was enjoying a sip of his amber ale, he suddenly heard the unmistakable sound of a train approaching. He quickly jumped up to stand near the glass and was amazed to see the train cars zooming by at such a short distance, close enough to see many of the passengers’ faces clearly.

So what’s the bottom line? Our reporter comments that everything about his trip to N3331 was fantastic, from the food and drinks to the experience of watching passing trains up-close. He would also love to visit the restaurant later at night, since the ambiance of the bar is probably a completely different experience.

Restaurant information N3331 Address: 1-25-4 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo-to 東京都千代田区神田須田町1-25-4 Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (last order: 10:30 p.m.), Sunday & holidays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (last order: 8:30 p.m.) Website

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Eight Unique Japanese Karaoke Experiences for When You’re Tired of the Same Old Song and Dance -- The “doya-gao” phenomenon and where you’re most likely to see it -- Who’s afraid of the big Four-O? Not this Kitty!

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2 Comments
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This place used to be a railway museum ages ago wasn't it? Those were different times...at least what I think about Akihabara, did you know they used to sell electronic appliances instead of cartoons for adults?

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Can get enough of a buzz off alcohol without the trains.

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