JR Mitaka Station

Among the hundreds, maybe even thousands of local train stations in Japan, this one is different and unique. Why? Read on.
Going towards Tokyo, from here you can catch three different lines: JR Chuo (orange) line, which starts much further out down the line; JR Chuo-​Sobu line (yellow) which starts here and runs through downtown but stays above ground for the entire route; and the Tokyo Metro Tozai subway (silver/​blue) line, which also runs through downtown Tokyo but goes underground after Nakano station and resurfaces around Kayabacho on the east side before crossing the Sumida river.
You’ll often see the boarding platforms quite full during rush hour as many transfer here to a local line or to get a seat on either the Sobu or Tozai lines.
One very unique feature of this station is it houses a number of shops and restaurants INSIDE the ticket gates. In other words, you’ll either have to be going somewhere or coming back in order to access these shops within privileges of your train fare. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy an admission ticket which is good for getting in, but you cannot ride any trains. (Cost of admission as of November 2014 is ¥140, the same cost as riding the distance of one station going in either direction.)
The station underwent a major remodeling within the past few years, and although the tracks and platforms have not changes, much attention was given to making the shopping facilities modern and attractive for commuters. You’ll find a good representation of goods and services from specialty foods, restaurants, a barber, a bookstore and many more. Ironically, many of these services are also offered OUTSIDE the ticket gates in the SAME building complex, abet on a more limited scale.
On both sides of the station, there is also a good selection of shops, restaurants and drinking establishments to further tempt commuters.
Within the rating, high marks for cleanliness (including restrooms), clear signage, and an attractive interior. Right outside the main gate are ample ticket machines and a JR East Travel Service Center to accommodate your train and travel needs. Even trips within Japan and overseas can be arranged in this modernized service center.
One last mention is Mitaka is considered a major station, so all special express trains, inbound towards Tokyo and outbound towards Tachikawa, Hachioji and beyond, stop here. This means there is no worry about lower frequency of trains running and stopping here on weekends and holidays (unlike a select number of other stations between here and Shinjuku especially).
Extra point: the direct shuttle bus to/​from the Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Museum runs from bus stop #9 on the south side of the station at about ten minute intervals while the museum is open. Round-​trip bus tickets are available at the bus stop.