Continuing my tour of nearby training and coaching locations in Japan, here are my thoughts on two eateries in and around Tokyo: Platinum Fish Cafe and Curry Niagara.
Platinum Fish Cafe
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Located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Platinum Fish Cafe is actually located inside an old decommissioned train station. It has some standard food options, like curries, pasta and cakes, but also drinks named after different train lines. I got the Yamanote (the route goes through Tokyo, Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and other stops), which actually has a double muscadine flavor. Amid this, Love Live! Coffee shops and other places, muscadine grapes seem to be popular.
However, the real appeal of the cafe is the view. Platinum Fish is located between two train tracks and you can see them darting past both sides quite often. For those from NYC or elsewhere in the US, this may seem like the torture you would inflict on your worst enemy. However, in Japan, trains run smoothly and are relatively quiet. It really offers a relaxing experience if you like urban atmosphere and beautiful cityscapes.
Curry Station Niagara
This place has been on my bucket list for years now: a curry restaurant run by a major train enthusiast.
The inside is covered with memorabilia and rail travel paraphernalia, including some Galaxy Express 999 merchandise. Just outside the door are a few gashapon machines with replica train station signs, specially branded for Curry Station Niagara. Nearby is a children’s play area with model trains and other toys.
Most people in line were parents with their train-loving kids and it was absolutely adorable. There’s a road not far from the restaurant, and as one passed, I could hear a child identifying the tracks of a passing train as “Yokohama’s navy blue”—the rail system is actually color coded. As someone with younger relatives, I can see the similarities and wonder if those relatives would become train fans if they lived in Japan.
If you get a seat at the table, a miniature train will deliver your food straight to you. Because the space was very small and there were many children, my group chose to sit at the counter and not deprive the young people of that experience.
The menu is mostly pretty typical, with various toppings like tonkatsu and the like, but there are also some curveballs: spicier options at a premium price, curried spaghetti, etc. I had went with the Hamburg steak curry, this dish did not disappoint. It has a little vibrance, but nothing overwhelming. However, someone with me seemed to have accidentally gotten their curry cold. After the meal, we received commemorative replica train tickets.
General thoughts
I like restaurants run by someone with passion. This includes Platinum and Niagara Fish, but they are relatively common in Japan. While making money is important, these places feel like they’re modestly dedicated to their craft or eager to share something with their customers. I really wish more places like this existed in America, but with real estate prices and rents the way they are, I’m sad it won’t be happening anytime soon. However, one can hope…