What may just feel like an enormous train station is actually one of the most historical buildings and stations in Japan. Construction of Tokyo Station began in 1908 and took six years to finish, being completed in 1914 and standing three stories high. Originally, the front entrance was only used by the Imperial family, while the other domes served as regular exits and entrances.
One year later, in 1915, the Tokyo Station Hotel was opened. Since its opening, except when it was closed from 2006-2012 for restoration, the hotel has been fully booked. While this station survived the Great Kanto Earthquake, it became a victim of the Second World War. Due to the many air raids, the dome roofs, outer walls, and the entire third floor were severely damaged.
Emergency repairs were made, but the design differed from the original. Once Tokyo Station was declared an important cultural property in 2003, it took another three years before reconstruction and renovation began to restore its original design and beauty. Today, Tokyo Station is one of the busiest train stations, hosting 14 platforms and recording one of the highest attendance rates. It has also become much more than a train station, featuring galleries, shops, a hotel, themed stores, restaurants, and more. Spending time in Tokyo Station is not rare, as it is an attraction in and of itself.
Things to Do In and Around Tokyo Station
Tokyo Character Street
Found in the Yaesu North exit of Tokyo Station, Tokyo Character Street is home to various shops dedicated to specific characters, shows, or TV channels. There is a guide at the entrance indicating which characters’ shops you can find if you’re looking for something specific, or you can feel free to wander through. Among the vast collection of shops is a Pokémon store, Hello Kitty, Studio Ghibli, TV Asahi (the station that shows Doraemon), a TBS store, Miffy, and much more. Whether you’re just window shopping, buying souvenirs, or simply admiring the shops, Tokyo Character Street is a great row of stores in Tokyo Station to visit.
Address: 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅一番街 B1
Hours: 10:00 AM- 8:30 PM
Tokyo International Forum
This beautiful building, located just outside Tokyo Station, is a multipurpose complex used for conventions, art centres, and conferences. It features restaurants, an art museum, shops, and a plant-filled plaza. There is much to admire about the building itself and all the activities it offers. You can check the event guide to see if anything is happening during your visit, or you can explore the building, visit the art museum, shop, and dine. There is even a glass building inside the forum worth seeing. Be sure to check the event calendar for upcoming concerts, markets, musicals, or fashion shows.
Address: 5-1 Marunouchi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Hours: 7:00 AM- 11:30 PM
Tokyo Station Gallery
Established in Tokyo Station in 1988, this art museum is home to modern art and railway information. The museum is notable for its brick walls, which are the original walls of the station. The gallery features unique exhibits, beautiful art, extensive history, and a plethora of information on the art and Tokyo Station. There is also a shop in the gallery offering unique and original works. With rotating exhibits, it is a great place to visit multiple times to enjoy the atmosphere and the artwork.
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Hours: Tuesday- Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM, Closed Monday
Tickets: Adults- 1,400 yen, High School and University Students- 1,200 yen, Junior High School Students and younger- Free
KITTE Marunouchi
This large complex includes shops, restaurants, a museum, the former Tokyo Central Post Office, and a rooftop garden. The JP Tower Museum INTERMEDIATHEQUE displays scientific findings and research material from the University of Tokyo. The Postmaster’s room showcases historical materials. The rooftop garden offers an amazing view of Tokyo and Tokyo Station. With numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, you can spend a lot of time exploring this building. Recommended spots include Tokyo City I Cafe, Hacoa Direct Store (wooden designs), Bao Bao (bags and women’s fashion), and more.
Address: 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Shops and KITTE Granche 11:00 AM- 9:00 PM, Restaurants and Cafes 11:00 AM- 11:00 PM, Closes 1 hour earlier on Sundays
Imperial Palace Garden
These gardens, open to the public, are part of the Palace grounds. The original moats, walls, entrance gates, and some guardhouses are still intact. The remains of the castle tower are also in the garden on top of a large hill. Additionally, there is a small Japanese-style garden within the grounds. The garden offers many sights and is a beautiful space to walk around and admire year-round, with different seasonal flowers to enjoy.
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Hours: Tuesday- Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM, Closed Monday and Friday
Tokyo Ramen Street
Tokyo Ramen Street brings together various types of ramen, ensuring you never get the same kind twice and never get bored. Each shop adds its unique twist to traditional ramen, whether by changing the noodles, broth, toppings, or other ingredients. The street consists of eight different ramen shops with easy-to-order options, long waits, and delicious food. This strip of ramen is a must-visit in Tokyo Station for ramen lovers.
Address: 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅一番街 B1
Hours: 10:30 AM- 11:00 PM
Yaesu Shopping Mall
This shopping mall, linked to Tokyo Station, is one of Japan’s largest underground malls. With about 180 shops, it offers a wide variety of items, from clothes and sake to hobby items, home goods, services, restaurants, cafes, and more. Whether you want to spend a whole afternoon here or just kill some time before your train, browsing these shops is perfect. The mall is accessible from the Yaesu side of the station and is within walking distance of multiple lines, including Ginza, Tozai, Toei Asakusa, and Marunouchi.
Address: 2 Chome-1 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0028
Hours: 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
This beautiful and classic art museum is a symbol of late 19th-century Japan and a staple in the Marunouchi District. The museum focuses on modern art representing Japan’s history, specifically the late 19th century. It aims to attract a diverse audience by combining modern and historical art in rotating exhibits. The museum also hosts various activities such as thematic exhibitions, educational programs, events, and collaborations with other museums and institutions. With something new and unique to see, it is a great place to visit when coming out of Tokyo Station.
Address: 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Hours: 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Fridays 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM, Second Wednesday of every month 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM, Final week of Exhibitions Monday- Friday 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM, Closed Monday (Unless final week of the exhibition)
Tickets: Varies depending on the exhibition
Wadakura Fountain Park
For a relaxing and slower-paced activity compared to shopping and walking through Tokyo Station, visit the beautiful Wadakura Fountain Park. This park, reconstructed in 1995 to celebrate the marriage of the Crown Prince and Princess, was originally built in 1961 to commemorate the wedding of the Emperor and Empress. The park features a large fountain with jets that shoot up to 8.5 meters and are illuminated at night, a vast greenery, native trees, and a restaurant. With its beautiful scenery and calming atmosphere, it is a great place to relax and rejuvenate after spending time in the hectic Tokyo Station.
Address: 3-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0002
Hours: Open 24 hours
Maruzen
For book lovers, Maruzen’s main branch is a must-visit. It offers a vast collection of books across various genres and types, including political magazines, sci-fi novels, memoirs, historical dramas, and more. The store also keeps up with English translations of books. Maruzen has books new and old in different languages, styles, and genres. On the top floor of the store, there is a cafe, art gallery, and exhibition with rotating showings, making it a relaxing place to spend some time.
Address: 〒100-8203 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−6−4 1階～4階 丸の内オアゾ
Hours: 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Best Eats In and Around Tokyo Station
Okonomiyaki Kiji
Going to an Okonomiyaki shop is a must when you visit Japan, as it offers the unique experience of making your own food. This particular restaurant brings the taste of Osaka to Tokyo. You don’t have to travel all the way to Osaka to enjoy their delicious okonomiyaki because they have established a restaurant right outside the bustling Tokyo Station. After getting off the train, stop by and savour an amazing taste of Osaka.
Address: 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 2 Chome−7−3 東京ビルTOKIA B１F
Hours: Monday- Friday 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday 11:00 AM- 9:30 PM
Nemuro Hanamaru
Another staple experience in Japan is conveyor belt sushi. Nemuro Hanamaru, located right outside Tokyo Station in the KITTE Marunouchi building, offers this fun dining experience along with delicious sushi made from fresh ingredients. With great prices and fresh Nemuro fish, this restaurant is perfect for sushi lovers seeking a fun and tasty meal near Tokyo Station.
Address: 〒100-7005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 2 Chome, 7番2号 5F JPタワ
Hours: 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Yonezawagyu Oki
Inside Tokyo Station, Yonezawagyu Oki offers some of the best meats in Japan. Known for its premium wagyu beef, Yonezawa is one of the three famous types of wagyu in Japan. This melt-in-your-mouth beef can be enjoyed in various forms, including steak, hot pot, and innovative Yonezawa beef sushi. The beef truly speaks for itself in any dish.
Address: 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 グランスタ八重北 B1
Hours: 11:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Tendon Kaneko Hannosuke
Located just outside Tokyo Station, this tempura restaurant often sees long waits, sometimes up to three hours during peak times. However, the typical wait is around 45 minutes due to the limited seating. Despite the wait, it is worth it for one of the best tempura rice bowls in Tokyo. The only item on the menu is the Edomae Tendon, an Edo-style tempura rice bowl, which can be customised with additional toppings.
Address: 1 Chome-11-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022
Hours: Monday- Friday 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Restaurant Sant Pau
This Michelin-star restaurant serves Catalonian cuisine, a unique style combining seafood and mountain food with interesting combinations of meat and vegetables. Their surprising dishes have earned them multiple Michelin stars, making them renowned in Spain and now Japan. Although it is pricier than average, the food and atmosphere are worth it.
Address: 2 Chome-16-15 Hirakawachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0093
Hours: 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM; 6:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Ippei
If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch before or after your train ride at Tokyo Station, Ippei is the place for you. With affordable and fast options, this spot offers a recommended Oden set lunch, featuring their speciality daikon radish, fishcakes, and dashi. They also recommend their assorted sashimi. The menu includes various side dishes and alcoholic drinks, making it a great spot for a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.
Address: 〒103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 3 Chome−4−10 スターツ八重洲中央ビル 地下１階
Hours: Monday- Friday 11:15 AM- 1:30 PM; 5:00 PM- 10:30 PM, Saturday 4:00 PM- 9:00 PM, Closed Sunday
Gyoza Stand Oolong
Located inside Tokyo Station, this dumpling shop offers delicious dumplings made by a Michelin-star chef and their signature oolong ale beer. The dumplings, made with Spanish Iberico Pork and shoulder loin, are a flavourful combination that will leave you wanting more. While they offer more than just gyoza, the dumplings are a staple of the restaurant and a popular choice.
Address: 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 グランスタ東京 B1F
Hours: Monday- Saturday 10:00 AM- 10:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM- 9:30 PM
Sapporo Dominica
This restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal of soup curry. Choose your curry, spice level, meat, seafood, and vegetables, along with the amount of rice. It is a simple and refreshing meal guaranteed to fill you up and satisfy. Combining vegetables and curry in this unique way makes for a delightful dining experience near Tokyo Station.
Address: 〒104-0031 Tokyo, Chuo City, Kyobashi, 3 Chome−4−1 TM銀座ビル
Hours: Monday- Friday 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM; 5:30 PM- 9:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 11:00 AM- 9:00 PM
AWKitchen Tokyo
Standing for Akira Watanabe’s Kitchen, this Italian restaurant prides itself on fresh vegetables and handmade pasta. Signature dishes include the “Bagna Cauda from the Farm” and the “Trofie arrabbiata.” With an assortment of pasta dishes and a lunchtime dessert buffet, this upscale restaurant offers a variety of delicious, handcrafted dishes. If you’re looking for an elegant yet reasonably priced dining experience, this Italian spot near Tokyo Station is perfect.
Address: 〒100-6505 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−5−1 新丸の内ビルディング 5
Hours: 11:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Dean and Deluca
This cafe, located right outside Tokyo Station, is a casual and trendy spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or satisfying a sweet tooth. Dean and Deluca offer a comfortable and fashionable atmosphere with seasonal drinks, standard coffee, tea, and soda cordial drinks. Whether you’re taking an early train and need some coffee or just exploring the Tokyo Station area, this cafe has great options for everyone.
Address: 1F, 千代田区 丸の内 １丁目 ４−５ 三菱UFJ信託銀行本店ビル, Tokyo 100-0005
Hours: Monday- Friday 7:00 AM- 9:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Hitachino Brewing Lab
Try the craft beer in Tokyo Station that has won awards and is known worldwide. Select a speciality or seasonal beer, and they will pair it perfectly with food. At this bar, you can even try brewing your own beer with the assistance of professional brewers, selecting ingredients to create a brew tailored to your taste. It’s a fun and educational experience, combining delicious beer, good food, and personal brewing.
Address: 1 Chome-9-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Hours: Monday- Saturday 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Cotton Club
If you’re looking for a bar with a different vibe, then this jazzy club is for you. A little more upscale, with high-class music and great drinks, this bar is a replica of the Cotton Club from New York during the Prohibition era. There’s live music, great energy, and a nostalgic feel. The menu is just right, aspiring to create a memorable and exciting club that people will want to return to. If you’re a fan of jazz or looking for a classier bar to enjoy food and drinks, stop by the Cotton Club near Tokyo Station.
Address: 〒100-6402 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 2 Chome−7−3, TOKIA, 2F 東京ビル
Hours: Monday- Friday 5:00 PM- 10:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 3:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Recommended Accommodations In and Around Tokyo Station
The Tokyo Station Hotel (4 Stars)
It would be a disservice to skip over the iconic Tokyo Station Hotel when discussing hotels near Tokyo Station. Renovated to replicate the original, this hotel exudes classic beauty and luxury, adorned with European and Japanese-inspired decor. Despite its historical significance, the hotel ensures guest comfort with free Wi-Fi, iPod loading docks, TVs, and high-quality bedding in all rooms, with suites available for an enhanced experience.
The hotel boasts a buffet style with over 100 food options, multiple restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, a spa, a carbonated hot spring, a fitness lounge, and more. With rich culture and history, this hotel is an amazing place to stay. Accessible through the Marunouchi South gate, it is only a three-minute walk from the Marunouchi subway line.
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan
Check prices/availability: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/tokyo-station.html
Marunouchi Hotel (4 Stars)
In this classic hotel right outside Tokyo Station, you can stay in a room overlooking the station. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a TV, an air purifier, and an electric kettle. The hotel has a modern feel with a fitness centre, business room, and spa. Guaranteed to provide a comfortable stay, it offers easy access to the luxuries of Tokyo Station without staying directly within it.
The hotel features three restaurants with different cuisines: Japanese, French, and teppanyaki, along with a specialist cigar bar. It is a one-minute walk from the Marunouchi exit of Tokyo Station, a one-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station, and a two-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line.
Address: 1-6-3, Marunouchi , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo,100-0005, Japan
Check prices/availability: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/marunouchi-hotel.html https://www.agoda.com/marunouchi-hotel-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=1844104
Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station (3 Stars)
This homey hotel offers comfortable rooms for families, friends, or solo travellers. Amenities include a nursing room, breakfast buffet for only 500 yen, and a free welcome drink. The hotel provides vending machines, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and auto check-in/out machines.
Karaksa ensures a welcoming stay and is conveniently located near Tokyo Station, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Hamarikyu Gardens. It is just a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
Address: 1-5-3 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0028, Japan
Check prices/availability: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/karakusahoterudong-jing-sutesiyon.html https://www.agoda.com/karaksa-hotel-tokyo-station/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=1844104
Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo (3 Stars)
This hotel provides a classic experience with a focus on hospitality. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, a fridge, a pyjama set, bathroom toiletries, and more. Additional amenities such as foot massagers, bath stools, yoga mats, bed guards, and humidifiers are available for rent.
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet and an on-site restaurant specialising in Japanese cuisine. It is a four-minute walk from the JR lines at Tokyo Station, 10 minutes from the Marunouchi line, one minute from Nihonbashi Station and Otemachi Station, and a five-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station.
Address: 1 Chome-3-22 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0028
Shangri-La Tokyo (5 Stars)
For an upscale stay in Tokyo, this luxury hotel next to Tokyo Station offers panoramic views of Tokyo and a calm, relaxing environment. Amenities include a spa, health fitness centre, three restaurants, a bar, and room service. Additional services include a lobby lounge, taxi/limo service, and pocket Wi-Fi.
Shangri-La ensures a welcoming and appreciative stay. Its prime location offers easy access to Asakusa, Ginza, and the Imperial Palace, with a quick train ride to Disneyland. It is a one-minute walk from the Nihonbashi exit at Tokyo Station, a two-minute walk from the Yaesu North exit, and a two-minute walk from Otemachi Station.
Address: MARUNOUCHI TRUST TOWER MAIN, 1 Chome-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8283
Check prices/availability: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shangri-la-tokyo.en-gb.html?aid=356980&label=gog235jc-1DCAsodUIQc2hhbmdyaS1sYS10b2t5b0gzWANodYgBAZgBCbgBB8gBDdgBA-gBAYgCAagCA7gC3KitnwbAAgHSAiQwYjVlMWQwNC1hYjM4LTQyMjEtOGMzYi0xZDQxNTQyN2FiOGPYAgTgAgE&sid=c26e44bc182d33b313e5f4b2e9d2ed5f&dist=0&keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&type=total& https://www.expedia.co.jp/en/Tokyo-Hotels-Shangri-La-Tokyo.h2434355.Hotel-Information
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kyobashi (3 Stars)
This hotel focuses on providing a comfortable experience without unnecessary frills. Rooms are simply designed and equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, an air purifier, an electric kettle, a mini-fridge, and bathroom amenities. The lobby offers complimentary green tea, black tea, coffee, lotion, facial wash, and more.
The breakfast buffet is Japanese-Western, and the restaurant serves French-Italian cuisine for the rest of the day. Located closer to Ginza and the Tsukiji Fish Market, it is still near Tokyo Station. It is an eight-minute walk from the Yaesu exit at Tokyo Station, a two-minute walk from Kyobashi Station, one minute from Takaracho Station, and eight minutes from Hatchobori Station.
Address: 2 Chome-11-1 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031
Check prices/availability: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/sotetsu-fresa-inn-tokyokyobashi.ja.html https://www.agoda.com/sotetsu-fresa-inn-tokyo-kyobashi/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=1844104
Exploring Tokyo Station and Surrounding Areas
Whether you’re at Tokyo Station to catch a train or to sightsee, this three-story station offers a plethora of attractions and activities. Within the station, you can explore its rich history and intricate design, go shopping, dine at a variety of restaurants, or simply marvel at the architectural beauty. The blend of traditional and modern elements makes Tokyo Station an engaging destination in its own right.
The area surrounding Tokyo Station is equally fascinating. From historical sites and art museums to beautiful gardens and trendy shops, there is something for everyone. The neighbourhoods around the station provide a glimpse into Tokyo’s diverse culture and vibrant city life. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, Tokyo Station and its surroundings offer a unique and memorable experience.
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