Platinum Fish Cafe

Platinum Fish is a Cafe/Restaurant that occupies the platform of the long closed Manseibashi Station on the JR Chuo Line.

Don’t come here for the food, come here to get one of the most unique views of Tokyo’s train system as Chuo Line trains whizz by within a a meter or two of your seat. Because of the cafe’s elevated position next to the Kanda River, you also get a clear view to the north of the Sobu Line trains exiting Akihabara Station and the Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku Line trains crisscrossing to the east.

Although they bill themselves as a fish restaurant, the kitchen is tiny and it’s really just a cafe—with a very limited drinks menu. The options for coffee are just “Hot” and “Iced”, so no espresso while you watch the trains. For ¥440 you can get a hot cup of darjeeling, earl grey or chamomile tea to enjoy while the Chuo Line zooms past.

There are a few rules for taking pictures of the trains. First, you’re not allowed to set up a tripod. Secondly, you can’t use your flash. Also, note that the terrace area is uncovered, so you won’t be able to sit out there on a rainy day.

To get to the cafe, look for the access stairs on the west side of Maach Ecute.

by Greg Lane