Old Red Brick Substation – Tokyo’s Industrial Ghost in Shinagawa
Standing quietly between glass towers and concrete blocks, the old red brick substation looks like a misplaced memory. Its arched windows and rough masonry recall a time when power stations looked like train stations — and electricity was still a marvel. Tucked just northeast of Oimachi station, this Meiji-era remnant offers a rare glimpse of Tokyo’s industrial past.
⚙️ The Ōimachi Substation, Born in 1915
This structure was officially known as the Ōimachi Substation (大井町変電所). It was completed in 1915 (Taishō 4) when the train service (Keihin Electric Railway, current Keihin Tohoku Line) began between Tokyo Station and Takashimacho Station. Its red brick exterior and European-style design reflect the aesthetics of Meiji and Taishō-era infrastructure. Remarkably, while many such buildings have been demolished, this one still stands — now under the care of JR East Transport Service’s Yamanote Office.
Although no longer in operation, the old red brick substation remains a valuable example of early 20th-century electrical engineering and urban design. It has even been preserved as a historic relic amid Shinagawa’s modern redevelopment.
🏭 Brick, Rust, and Elegance
The substation is modest in size but rich in detail. Brick archways frame steel doors. Iron fittings hint at long-gone machinery. A faded plaque whispers that this wasn’t just a utility box — it was part of Tokyo’s modernization story. Now surrounded by high-rises and art spaces, the building feels like a museum exhibit without walls.
Currently, it appears to be used by JR East Transportation Services Yamate Office JR東日本運輸サービス 山手事業所 according to Google maps.
In August 2023, JR East held a public event at the Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center, where various activities such as demonstrations of work, career experiences, ride experiences on cleaning vehicles, and opening of employee cafeterias were organized. This suggests that the building is still actively used and maintained.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///informal.torch.instruction |
| latitude longitude | 35.61132086247321 139.73538621751325 |
| Nearest station(s) | Oimachi |
| Nearest public conveniences | Futsukaichi Park |
Show me a sign.
Can’t find one.
Withervee says…
It’s a red brick building that you cannot visit. It is not the other red brick building that was on that that site – the “Imperial Carriage Depot” – that you definitely cannot visit. It’s not there anymore. That was a long red brick building located on the southwest side of the vast JR East’s Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center next to the Shinagawa Ward Office. The ‘Imperial Carriage’ refers to vehicles such as automobiles and trains used by the Imperial Family, specifically those ridden by the Emperor and Empress. That red brick building was demolished in 2023.
It’s a red brick building that is 100 years old and has survived many earthquakes. It’s remarkable in that there aren’t that many red brick buildings in Tokyo. I suppose it’s exotic in that sense.
On the footpath to the east of the building there are three chairs. Have a seat and look at the trains and the substation.
As far as toilets are concerned your best bet is to go to nearby Futsukaichi Park or to Ito-Yokado it its open. If not, nearby Oimachi station.
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ❌
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ✔️
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Industrial romantics
- Tokyo historians
- Meiji nostalgia buffs
- Fans of red
- Fans of brick
- Fans of substations
Further reading
Sumitomo Real Estate “Town Archives” – Shinagawa (Japanese)
While you’re there…
Do a bit of shopping in Oimachi and say hello to Oi district.
