It feels like floating on the Pacific Ocean: A glass house café in the “world’s most beautiful train station”

▲ The Sea Birds Café offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. (Photo / Screenshot fromSEA BiRDS CAFEthe fan page)

Reported and photographed by Reporter Li Zi-yi / Ibaraki, Japan

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the world’s most beautiful train station, “Hitachi Station,” was designed by world-renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima. Its transparent glass structure gives the illusion of a glass house floating above the sea. At the part of the station closest to the ocean sits a café called “Sea Birds Café.” Here, you can not only admire the beauty of the architecture and the Pacific Ocean views but also enjoy a tranquil moment with coffee and afternoon tea.

▲The elevated Hitachi Station, built with transparent glass,looks romantic and picturesque against the evening sunset. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Li Zi-yi)

In spring, beyond the vast Pacific Ocean view stretching to the sky outside Hitachi Station, cherry blossoms that have waited out the winter bloom in full splendor. This breathtaking scenery is not only perfect for quiet admiration but has also been incorporated into a local marathon route, known as the “Hitachi Cherry Blossom Road Race.” The 2016 race took place on April 10, with registration open until January 31. Running alongside cherry blossoms and the Pacific Ocean view is an extraordinary experience, attracting running enthusiasts from all over to make a pilgrimage to Hitachi.

▲ The large glass windows inside Hitachi Station make even busy commuters pause to take in the view. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Li Zi-yi)

▲ The scenery during sunset is beautiful, with the orange-hued sky painted like a masterpiece. (Photo / Screenshot fromSEA BiRDS CAFEthe fan page)

Hitachi Station is entirely constructed with transparent glass and is directly connected to the café. This building, designed by Kazuyo Sejima, won the top prize in the “Station Category” of the Brunel Award in 2014, making it a popular attraction in Ibaraki. The interior of Sea Birds Café is small and charming, radiating warmth. Alongside the transparent glass walls are modern-style designer furniture and antique chairs. The café offers two types of meals: lunch and dinner. Its signature dish, the Sea Bird Original Pancake, is actually a soft and fluffy pancake served with scrambled eggs, bacon, and lettuce. For those with a sweet tooth, try the “Volcano Boruke,” which consists of a chocolate brownie paired with ice cream, seasonal fruits, and whipped cream.

▲ The light green chocolate mint drink is refreshingly delicious.

▲ The “Volcano Boruke” features a chocolate brownie with ice cream, seasonal fruits, and whipped cream.