Where Railways Meet Curry ── A One-of-a-Kind Diner

Yutenji “Curry Station Niagara”

Just a few minutes’ walk from Yutenji Station, tucked into a quiet residential street, stands Curry Station Niagara. Since its opening in 1963, this legendary curry spot has been loved for over half a century by locals and railway fans alike.

Yutenji’s famous railway-themed diner “Curry Station Niagara.”
Even the exterior makes a bold impression, decorated with real railroad crossing signals and signs like a mini railway museum.
Instead of food samples, the display case features the massive front of the D51780 steam locomotive (nicknamed Degoichi). (Sorry, the reflection makes it a little hard to see…)
A place where both train enthusiasts and first-timers instantly feel they’ve stepped into another world.
They even have the “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket office sign. Where did they get this rare gem?!

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All Aboard! Entering Niagara’s World

It was a weekend, so we waited about 10 minutes before getting in. The moment you step inside, it feels like another dimension.

The restaurant is packed with railway memorabilia collected over decades by the founder, affectionately called the “Stationmaster.” From autographs and train parts to retro signs, the walls and ceilings feel like a small railway museum overflowing with history and nostalgia.

We bought tickets for a “Shinkansen Curry” and a “Pork Cutlet Curry (Spicy)” from the vending machine.

When handing over your ticket, you receive an original “Niagara to Galaxy” pass, complete with ticket punch, before being guided to your platform — in our case, Track 2.

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A Space Overflowing with Railway Romance

Inside you’ll find the nose of a 0 Series Shinkansen, original train seats, and even hanging straps. It’s so authentic you feel like you’ve wandered into a station.

The walls also feature autographs from celebrities, including a handwritten signature from Galaxy Express 999 creator Leiji Matsumoto.

Suddenly, an announcement rings out:
“On Track 3, Pork Cutlet Curry is arriving! Tracks 1 and 2, this train will pass through!”

Then you hear the chug-chug-chug of a locomotive, and a model train rushes by right in front of you.

Soon after, our Track 2 delivery arrived. A mini SL locomotive pulled up, steam sound effects hissing, with our curry carefully placed on the second car. After we picked it up, the train reversed and rolled away.

You can also try on real station caps and Red Cap hats displayed in the shop. Snap a photo with your Shinkansen Curry, and it feels like you’ve just taken a short trip.

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Departing! Niagara’s Curry Time

Shinkansen Curry

This kid-friendly curry comes served in a Shinkansen-shaped dish. Mild and easy to eat, it includes a juice set. It’s a dish that brings smiles not only to kids but adults too. Regular curry also comes in mild, so children can enjoy cutlet curry or cheese curry without worry.

Pork Cutlet Curry

You can choose your spice level from “Local (Mild),” “Express (Medium),” or “Limited Express (Spicy).” Following the staff’s advice, I went for Spicy — they said it was still easy to eat. (There’s also “Super Express (Extra Spicy),” but it was sold out that day.)

And the staff were right! It had just the right kick, paired perfectly with crispy, freshly fried cutlet. The rice was cooked to perfection, and before I knew it, my plate was spotless. It’s the kind of dish that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying — you can immediately understand why it’s been loved for so long. Next time, I’m definitely trying the Cheese Curry!

The aroma of curry, the train delivery performance, the railway-themed interior — everything combined to make it feel like enjoying curry on a journey.

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The Legacy of the Stationmaster

Curry Station Niagara was the creation of Hirotoshi Naito, fondly known as the “Stationmaster.” Inspired by wartime memories of his mother’s curry and the trains he saw at stations, he began collecting railway memorabilia from factories and national railway sales while working in restaurants. His passion gave birth to the concept of “a curry shop where you can experience railway ambience.”

Photos in the shop tell the story of how much he was loved by many. Though he sadly passed away in 2017, his vision and spirit live on, carried forward by the staff who continue to welcome visitors with warmth.

From Showa to Reiwa, Niagara remains a special curry restaurant where railway romance meets comfort food.

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RAW JAPAN Comment

Niagara isn’t just a place to eat curry. From its exterior to its dining room to the way food is delivered, everything is steeped in “railway romance.” It’s a place where both kids and adults can rediscover their inner child, savoring a plate of curry while fully immersed in the world of trains.

Carrying on the spirit of its late Stationmaster, Niagara continues to run strong. Whether you’re a hardcore train enthusiast or not, it’s a unique “mini trip” you can only experience in Yutenji.

Shop Name	Curry Station Niagara
Opening Hours	11:00–17:00
Closed	Mondays (If Monday is a holiday, open that day and closed the following business day)
Address	1-21-2 Yutenji, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0052 Google Map
Official Site	Curry Station Niagara Official Website