A Glass Station Floating on the Sea: The Transparent Charm of Hitachi Station Designed by Kazuyo Sejima

Suddenly, when you hear the phrase "the most beautiful station in Japan," which one comes to mind?

The one we are introducing this time is Hitachi Station in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, designed by architect Kazuyo Sejima, who won the Pritzker Prize, often called the Nobel Prize of architecture.

The moment you step off the train, you will be breathless at the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean spreading out before your eyes. We will explore the charm of Hitachi Station, where you can have such a special experience.

An Open, Glass-Walled Space

The most notable feature of Hitachi Station is, above all, its all-glass design. Once you pass through the ticket gates, a concourse covered in glass walls and ceilings opens up, wrapping you in the sensation of floating between the sky and the sea.

This transparent space symbolizes the style of the architectural unit "SANAA," led by Kazuyo Sejima, and was designed with the themes of "openness" and "fusion with the surrounding environment." It embodies the desire to allow people to feel the beautiful nature of Hitachi even from inside the station.

A Spectacular Cafe Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

On the east side of the station building is "Sea Birds Cafe," which faces the Pacific Ocean. This, too, is entirely glass-walled. From inside the cafe, you can spend a relaxing time while gazing at the unobstructed horizon.

At sunrise, a magical scene unfolds as the sky and sea are dyed orange, and its beauty is exceptional. Many people visit from far away just to see this view.

The World of Architect Kazuyo Sejima

Kazuyo Sejima, who designed Hitachi Station, is an architect who is highly acclaimed worldwide. Her work is characterized by the skillful use of glass and steel to create light, transparent spaces.

Her representative works include the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture and the Louvre-Lens in France (as SANAA), all of which are known for their sophisticated designs that seem to blend into their surroundings.

Hitachi Station is also an architectural work that strongly reflects her philosophy, and it has been highly praised both domestically and internationally, winning the top prize in the station building category at the Brunel Awards, the only international design competition related to railways, in 2014.

Summary

Hitachi Station continues to fascinate many people not only as a transportation hub but also as an architectural work and a spot for spectacular views.

The panorama of the Pacific Ocean spreading out beyond the glass has a special power to make you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. Why not take a little trip on your next day off and visit this "station floating on the sea"? You are sure to find an unforgettable experience waiting for you.

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