Earlier this year I added an audio track to some photos of a wonderfully atmospheric old drinking alleyway. It was an experiment that definitely gave the images something extra, so having made a few recordings in Niigata’s unique Tsutsuishi station several years ago, I decided to re-edit the photos I’d taken, narrow down the selection and post them below with sounds that are arguably as distinctive as the station itself.
First built in 1912, it was originally above ground, but that all changed when the station underwent substantial changes in 1969. Now it’s 40 metres below the surface, and the only way to access the 2 platforms is by navigating several damp tunnels and 290 steps. A trek that users of Tsutsuishi have to make without any aid whatsoever, as there are no lifts or escalators. That said, it’s not exactly what you’d call a busy transit hub. Even back in 2004 the average number of daily commuters was only 68, but by 2019 it was down to just 15 hardy souls.
Also, despite it being a hot day when we visited, the tunnels and stark waiting areas were decidedly chilly, so what the temperatures must be like during the region’s long, bitterly cold winters really doesn’t bear thinking about. And if that wasn’t enough, the air pressure created by passing trains can cause hurricane-like winds — hence the austere looking metal doors.
Finally, in regards the audio, the first track is a reminder to help other passengers should there be any problems — something that’s especially important with the station being unmanned. The second clip indicates that a train is leaving, and the last, rather unnerving sounds, are to alert passengers when a train is arriving.
Sean says
I can’t get enough of this. It looks (and sounds!) like a nuclear shelter not a train station.
Lee says
Yeah, there’s definitely that kind of feel about it, and the sounds and announcements are like nothing I’ve ever heard in a Japanese station.
Dean says
It’s like a video game or horror film set. I love it! 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. Definitely unique, and thoroughly enjoyable to explore.
cdilla says
This is a stunning collection of photographs from most atmospheric location. The sounds are a great addition, pumping up the sense of being there significantly.
The way you have taken and framed that first selection tricks you into seeing it as a horizontal tunnel. I hope no-one see’s it that way in real life. It would be quite a fall.
That poor girl. What a school journey she has. Imagine the return journey after some sport related after school club. (>”Moshi Moshi”. “Mum, I’m going to have to sleep in the station again tonight”. “OK dear. I’ll leave some food at the top with a note asking the next person to bring it down to you.”)
Lee says
Thanks, and very glad to hear that. Even if they convey just a bit of the atmosphere, it makes the addition of audio worthwhile.
I know eh? A very unusual commute to school to say the least, although I suppose if she’s lived there all her life, it’s just normal to her. With trains relatively infrequent, I trust she has her commute well worked out and committed to memory, but with the need to give plenty of time so as not to miss one, she must spend an awful lot of time in those waiting rooms…
Günter says
Spooky but very beautiful. I want to visit someday.
Lee says
It’s definitely worth visiting even if it is off the beaten track a little bit.
Once an Expat says
Why was it put underground?
Lee says
They moved the original line itself away from the sea and shifted it underground, hence the drastic, very dramatic change.
YTSL says
Oh wow, atmospheric audio in addition to atmospheric visuals! :O You’ve outdone yourself here, Lee! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you, that’s very nice to hear. I could only hope that some of what I saw, heard and experienced came through, so really glad to hear it did!
Ronan says
=> “despite it being a hot day when we visited, the tunnels and stark waiting areas were decidedly chilly, so what the temperatures must be like during the region’s long, bitterly cold winters really doesn’t bear thinking about.”
As it is deep underground there would be great temperature inertia, I imagine it would not be significantly colder in winter than summer.
Lee says
Cheers for the info. Hadn’t thought about that. Good that those winter commuters don’t have to contend with baltic conditions as well as everything else.
scruffy says
What a place. Fascinating to look at. I would not be able to make myself go down that stairway. It looks like an endless stairway to nowhere. Then at the bottom is this tiny, bleak waiting area. I’d be gasping for air and terrified. Even the promise of chocolate couldn’t lure me down there! Thanks for going, and for showing.
Lee says
You are very welcome. It really is something else — those waiting room in particular. I’d seen a photo of one of them before, and I’m glad to report that the reality was not a letdown. Quite the opposite in fact. That said, I totally understand why some people would not feel comfortable there. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but at the same time I’m not sure I’d like it anywhere near as much if I was there all alone, which must be the case for many commuters.
Nate L. says
Lee, I’m late to this one but loved it. I used to listen to a podcast (the name now escapes me but it was recorded by an American expat in Nagoya) in which the gentleman would routinely include 2 or 3 minutes of ambient audio of often random areas he visited. Sometimes it was sound of a local festival, sometimes a quiet park, sometimes nighttime activity in a forest or station. I miss it greatly. Any time you feel like sharing random audio from your travels in Japan, you’ll definitely have at least one very keen listener!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Really good to hear.
I’ve only done a few posts with added audio, but been very happy how they’ve come out. Something I’m definitely open to doing more of, just a case of the right situation, and actually remembering to do some recordings. The latter is the biggest factor. All too often it doesn’t occur to me until later, when it’s to late…