Most subway passengers are probably unaware that during their usual rides on the Chiyoda and Ginza line, disused stations lie forgotten in the darkness.

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Ginza subway line that runs in Tokyo, two long-abandoned stations are being lit up once more. Although passengers will not be able to access the stations themselves, when riding the lines as usual they can get a glimpse into the Tokyo subway stations of the past.

The first station being illuminated is Manseibashi on the Ginza line, beneath Akihabara. This station was only used temporarily between 1930 to 1931 while Kanda station was being completed. Jingumae station on the Chiyoda line was opened in 1938, but scrapped to be replaced by the new Omotesando station in the 1970s. Both are being shown to the public for the first time since closing.

Asahi Shinbun note that signs for cigarette disposal trays can be spotted at the former Jingumae station, harking back to a time when smoking on train platforms was commonplace. There is also a 360 degree view of Manseibashi station on the article. It's fitting that for the 90th anniversary, we get the chance to see something so packed with historical interest.

Looking at the photos of the stations, there is sure to be a strong appeal for horror fans as well as history buffs. This revelation about abandoned stations leaves us questioning, what other relics lie under Tokyo's metropolis?