Just outside the north exit of JR Nippori Station is a nondescript bridge called Shimogoinden Bridge. It is an overpass that connects train tracks from east to west, and looks like it could be found anywhere, but there is a balcony for observation that protrudes a little in the center of the north side of the bridge. It is famous as a panoramic view spot for trains where railway enthusiasts gather. The place is called the ``Train Museum'', no matter who named it. There are 14 railroad tracks under the bridge, and about 2,500 trains of about 20 different types pass through it every day. JR Shinkansen (Tohoku/Joetsu), Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Joban Line... You can also see Keisei Electric Railway's new Skyliner from the Super Hitachi Limited Express, so it's also a popular photo spot for local moms riding their children on their bicycles. Beyond Shimogoinden Bridge is the starting station of the new unmanned transportation system ``Nippori-Toneri Liner'' operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. There is no driver's seat, so the first car is always occupied by children who love trains.

When walking from Nippori Station to the Sunset Staircase and Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, I passed by the Gogakuinden Bridge. Several parents took their children to watch the various trains passing by. It is a must-visit attraction for children and railway fans. There are about 20 types a day. More than 2,500 trains pass through!

I love this bridge!!! You can see lots of trains from here!!!

Also known as the Train Museum. You can see a variety of things, from trains that come and go on the Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Joban Line, Takasaki Line, and Keisei Main Line, to the Shinkansen of each line. According to the local signboard, as many as 2,500 trains pass by this route each day. You can see various lines and trains from the overpass near Ikebukuro Station, but I think this one, which is right outside Nippori Station, has better access and frequency.

This is a famous spot where you can see the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, etc. in addition to the conventional lines such as the Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Joban Line, and Keisei Line. I sometimes see people who appear to be railway fans or railway enthusiasts with large cameras, and it may be a well-known location for taking pictures. Especially in the mornings on weekdays and on holidays, I see a lot of small children of nursery school and kindergarten age watching the trains with their eyes glued to them, which is so cute and heart-warming. There are also things like stone benches. It's not a place with a lot of traffic, but it's a through-road that leads to Sendagi and Higashi-Nippori, and taxis and delivery trucks pass through it, so be careful if you're bringing small children with you. It is recommended not only for train enthusiasts, but also for terrain enthusiasts as you can see the edge of the Musashino Plateau. If you're feeling hungry, walk towards Yanaka (from the bridge, facing the station, uphill on the right). There are restaurants, bakeries, Renoir, and 7-Eleven within a 1-minute walk, and Yanaka Ginza is just ahead, and Yanaka Ginza is in the opposite direction. There are also McDonald's, Tenya, coffee shops, Italian restaurants, ramen shops, Chinese restaurants, etc. on the Higashi Nippori side (on the left when facing the station, down the slope). Some of the tower apartments include Saizeria. There is also a bakery 🥯🥐 outside the ticket gate of Nippori Station (just to the right after exiting the JR north exit ticket gate). Restrooms are located not only inside the ticket gate, but also on the left after exiting the north exit (at the end of the bridge, towards Yanaka).

It is a place where you can see various railways for free, including the Tohoku/Hokuriku/Joetsu Shinkansen, Utsunomiya/Takasaki Line, Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Joban Line, and Keisei Line. There are surprisingly many people with children and people from many different countries. There are a lot of people, but it's a good place for train lovers. The driver waves to some people, and the children watching are also happy. Since it's right in front of the station, there are restaurants and restrooms nearby, so you can feel safe.

A good place to look at the trains passing

Great place to watch Japanese people in full trainspotting mode. Also good to watch trains

Nice view during golden hour

Great place for Train spotting 👍