Kyoto Station, an architectural masterpiece...

I was early meeting the walkabout tour today so spent 2 hours exploring the Kyoto Station, Japan's second largest that includes a shopping mall (The Cube), Isetan department store, government offices & more. It was designed by architect Hiroshi Hara and opened in 1997, Kyoto's 1200th anniversary. The 15 Storey building is glass and steel, very futiristic - I felt like I was in 2080 or somewhere way in the ahead years. Considering Kyoto isn't a very 'out there' city in terms of massive skyscrapers and innovative architecture and with many cultural hertitage sites, the arrival of the uber modern station inspired other high rise developments like the Kyocera building - they say the city's landscape has never quite been the same since. I, for one, am totally in awe of the Kyoto Station. I am sure people saw me gawking and grinning like a daft person. The pics tell all....

The Happy Terrace on the topmost level ...

And those admiring the bamboo surrounded terrace garden...

The observation deck...

...Where you'll find a calm space to have your sushi in peace...

So if you're doing the bullet train whilst in Japan, make sure you stop at Kyoto, if only to stare at what surrounds you...

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