Hokkaido Shinkansen Opening Event

March 26 marks the debut of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, the first high-speed rail link between Tokyo and Japan's northernmost main island. Although a disappointingly partial line for now – the shinkansen only goes as far as Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station (in the middle of nowhere), from where you'll need to transfer to another train – its opening will of course be accompanied by overflowing media attention. That's more than reason enough for shops and restaurants at Tokyo Station to feature Hokkaido's many seafood delicacies with special menus, sales and appearances of some seriously mouth-watering station bentos.