Japan's JR Hitachi Station Sits In A Glass Box Overlooking The Sea With Amazing Sunset Views

By Rachel Yohannan on 15 Dec 2022

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

We already know that Japan spares no effort when it comes to decor - not just for their themed cafes and themed hotels, but also their trains. Where else can you find Hello Kitty bullet trains, Pikachu rail transport, and Duffy monorails leading to Disneyland?

But it’s not just the trains that are novel and unique, for there are many train stations that are worthy of mention as well. One of these is JR Hitachi Station in Ibaraki, near Tokyo, which sits in a glass box overlooking stunning sunset views by the sea.

Photo from @kayosekiguchi via Instagram

Hitachi Station sits right by the seaside, and what makes it so special apart from its location is that in lieu of regular concrete walls, it comes with full-length see-through windows - essentially making it a glass box of sorts.

Photo from @inako1117 via Instagram

These floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer an unobstructed view of the ocean, which is especially stunning during sunsets on clear days.

Photo from @shiffoncake via Instagram

There are comfy seats by the best viewing point, so you can kick back and enjoy the view or take a couple of photos while you wait for your train.

Photo from @fuuuuumiw via Instagram

At this rate, you might just forget about the time and miss your train - but who’s complaining? Not us, when there’s a cosy little cafe within the station with the same amazing views.

Photo from @kimura_closing via Instagram

Named SEA BiRDS CAFE, the eatery specialises in coffee, tea, and pancakes, but also serves sweet treats like cake and bento sets.

Photo from @__keitty via Instagram

Photo from @oni_chan2020 via Instagram

You also won’t want to miss out on their crazy “volcano” dessert, an indulgent pile of cake, ice cream, whipped cream, and fruits that’s great for sharing.

Photo from @isym_jasmine via Instagram

The best vantage point is the long table with high stools, as it directly faces the sea below.

Photo from @yancnjp via Instagram

As night falls, the cafe will be illuminated with fairy lights, giving the whole place an extra romantic feel.

Photo from @hagiwarashigeo via Instagram

JR Hitachi station is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, and 1 hour 10 minutes from Hitachi Seaside Park, where a beautiful carpet of flowers that changes colour through the seasons awaits.

Photo from @fun_fun_japan2 via Instagram

Carve out some time in your itinerary to pass by Hitachi Station during your next vacation in Japan, for while most train stations are merely part of a journey, this one is a destination in itself.

Photo from @chunyuenchunyuen via Instagram