Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi side is one of the city’s most striking architectural sights: a magnificent red-brick Renaissance-style building originally opened in 1914 and beautifully restored to its original form, with elegant domes and a stately facade that lights up handsomely at night. Far more than a place to catch a train, the station is a vast destination in itself, with an enormous underground world of shopping streets and restaurants — including ‘Tokyo Character Street’ (with shops for popular anime and TV characters), ‘Tokyo Ramen Street’ (gathering famous ramen shops), sweets streets and countless eateries. Above ground, it anchors the polished Marunouchi district, a showcase of upscale architecture, boutiques, cafés and the tree-lined Naka-dori avenue, with the Imperial Palace gardens a short walk away. Whether you’re passing through, shopping, eating or admiring the architecture, Tokyo Station and Marunouchi are a rewarding stop in the heart of the city.

🗓️ At a Glance
Location Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Hours Shops/restaurants ~10:00–22:00
Admission Free (pay for food/shopping)
Time needed 1–2 hours
Best time Year-round; facade lit at night

What to See

  • The restored red-brick Marunouchi station building.
  • Underground Character Street and Ramen Street.
  • The polished Marunouchi shopping and dining district.
  • The tree-lined Naka-dori and nearby palace gardens.

Combine Your Visit

Getting There

  • By train: Tokyo Station (Marunouchi exits).
  • On foot: in the Marunouchi district of Chiyoda.

Tips

View the illuminated red-brick facade at night from the Marunouchi side plaza for the best photos, and explore the underground Character Street and Ramen Street for shopping and a meal. It’s easy to get lost in the huge station, so allow extra time, and combine a visit with the Imperial Palace gardens a short walk away.