Tokyo Station, nestled in Chiyoda Ward, is a bustling hub just a stone’s throw away from the Imperial Palace. With 28 train platforms, the station services eight local train lines, seven Shinkansen lines, a Metro Line, and numerous bus stops. Spanning 182,000 sqm, Tokyo Station caters to over 450,000 daily passengers, less than Shinjuku Station, where approximately 500,000 people use the station.
Notably, known worldwide, Tokyo Station shares a bond with five ‘sister stations’ USA’s Grand Central Terminal, Germany’s Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, China’s Beijing Railway Station, the Netherlands’ Amsterdam Centraal Station, and Taiwan’s Hsinchu Station.
Table of Contents
1) Historical Architecture:
Nestled in Tokyo’s vibrant heart lies the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, a glorious tribute to historical architecture. This iconic structure, completed in 1914, was designed by the visionary architect Kingo Tatsuno combines Western and Japanese aesthetics and stands as a constant reminder of the city’s rich heritage.
The exterior’s red-brick grandeur unfolds into an equally impressive interior, replete with high ceilings and intricate detailing. More than just a working station, it’s an Important Cultural Property of Japan, bearing witness to over a century of Tokyo’s history through wars, natural calamities, and modernization.
For history buffs, architecture lovers, or curious travelers, the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building offers a fascinating journey through time. Its architecture, historical significance, and cultural value make it an unmissable gem amidst Tokyo’s bustling metropolis, symbolizing the city’s indomitable spirit and the timeless allure of historical architecture.
2)Train Lines:
Tokyo Station hosts three kinds of Lines, the JR Local Train Line, Shinkansen Line, and Metro Line.
A) Local Train Line:
Tokaido Main, Ueno–Tokyo, Keihin–Tohoku, Yamanote, Chuo Main (Rapid service), Sobu Main (Rapid and Limited Express), Yokosuka (Limited Express), Keiyo.
B) Shinkansen Line:
Tōhoku, Yamagata, Akita, Jōetsu, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Tokaido.
C) Metro Line:
Marunouchi, Tozai, Hanzōmon, Chiyoda, and Mita Lines.
Note that Tokyo Station has multiple similarly numbered platforms, so take special care if you’re using Keiyo, Narita Express, Sobu, Yokosuka, or Chuo lines.
3) Know Platforms:
Tokyo Station has multiple platforms 1, 2, 3, and 4, all together 28 platforms. Therefore, always double-check the platform number and your train line.
1-13 are Local Train Line platforms, and 14-23 are Shinkansen Line platforms.
Platforms 14-19 specifically serve the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen trains. If you’re traveling to western Japan destinations like Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima, these are the platforms you’ll use.
20-23 platforms serve the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains.
Travelers heading to ski resorts in Yuzawa, Niigata, or Kami-Kochi, Nagano, will use these platforms. However, please note there’s no direct Shinkansen to Kyushu, so a transfer is needed during the journey.
4) Bus services:
Several bus services are available in various directions, including Mt Fuji, Kyoto, and Narita Airport.
a)JR Bus Expressway Terminal:
This terminal operates Express Buses or Highway Buses near the Yaesu South Gate for long-haul trips to locations like Osaka and Kyoto. It also offers day and night airport services to Haneda and Narita Airports.
b)Sightseeing Bus Stops:
Several Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours have stops at the Marunouchi side of the station. Sky Bus and Hato Bus are two well-known tour providers, though currently, Sky Bus is not accepting reservations, and Hato Bus is only accepting reservations on its Japanese website.
c) Local Bus Stops:
There are numerous local bus stops throughout Tokyo Station, especially on the Marunouchi side, which mostly cater to short-distance city routes.
5) Information Center:
Despite its historical significance, Tokyo Station is equipped with modern facilities. Restrooms, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and coin lockers are abundant inside and outside the ticket gates. ATMs and currency exchange machines are also located outside the ticket gates.
The JR East Travel Service Center is a useful resource for foreign visitors, offering ticket purchases, seat reservations, and general tourist information, which is located just outside the Marunouchi North Gate Exit to your right when you exit the ticket gate.
Do not get confused this center with another one meant for domestic tourists. The foreign visitor center is next to Tokyo Station Gallery, recognizable by an ‘i’ (Information) symbol on the door. Nearby, you can also find a small office providing luggage storage/delivery services.
The station has other tourist information and luggage storage facilities, but the ones mentioned above provide the best services for foreign visitors.
In addition, there’s a passage from Marunouchi North Entrance to Yaesu Side. Visitors can go through and visit all tourist attractions using the passage without a ticket.
6)Navigating the Maze:
Tokyo Station’s sheer size and constant bustle can be daunting, but fret not! With these pro tips, you’ll soon navigate Tokyo Station like a seasoned commuter.
a) Explore the East Side:
On the eastern side, you’ll find Yaesu North, Central, and South Gates. The first floor houses the JR Expressway Ticket Office, bus terminals, and the Daimaru department store. Venture down to the basement level and discover the magical Character Street, the delightful Okashii Land, and the delicious Tokyo Ramen Street. This side is more business-oriented, but keep going. There’s a lot to see!
b) Marvel at the West Side:
On the west side, find the Marunouchi North, Central, and South Gates. The JR East Travel Service Center, Tokyo Station Gallery, and the prestigious Tokyo Station Hotel lie here. Step outside to gaze upon the station’s iconic facade. Several shopping malls line the Marunouchi side, and the splendid Imperial Palace is just a stroll away.
c) Sign Color Guide:
Upon arriving at Tokyo Station via a JR line, take a moment on the platform before moving forward. If the crowd is overwhelming, pause at a spot where you won’t obstruct others. You’ll see yellow signs for exits and white ones for station facilities. Choose based on your needs.
Before leaving the station, identify your exit while still on the platform before using the escalator or elevator.
Despite its vastness, crowdedness, and numerous stores, Tokyo Station’s structure is straightforward. The Marunouchi side faces west and the Yaesu side east, each featuring North, Central, and South Exits. Look for station maps to understand your location.
Tourist Attraction:
Tokyo Station is one of Tokyo’s most famous tourist attractions. So, dive into the mesmerizing labyrinth of Tokyo Station’s underground market, an awe-inspiring subterranean city within a city. Larger than a few fold the visible expanse of Tokyo Station, this sprawling market is a hidden treasure, a bustling hub of culinary delights, unique boutiques, and bustling crowds.
Imagine rows of shops as far as the eye can see, nestled beneath the city’s surface, offering a unique, dazzling perspective on Tokyo’s culture. Until you’ve wandered its sprawling passageways, you’ve only scratched the surface of what Tokyo Station truly offers.
Here’s a complete tourist attraction guide of Tokyo Station:
7. Shopping Experience:
a)Gransta Shopping Mall:
The Gransta Shopping Mall, nestled beneath Tokyo Station, is a variety and flavor treasure trove. This underground gem houses a kaleidoscope of shops, offering everything from fashionable clothing to delightful souvenirs, ensuring visitors find something they like. Its vibrant retail landscape caters to all tastes, making it a must-visit for shoppers.
But Gransta is not just about shopping; it’s a gastronomic journey. Many food outlets await, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international favorites. The intoxicating aroma of delicious food invites even the most focused shopper to pause and savor. For every fashion lover, food enthusiast, or souvenir collector, Gransta Shopping Mall offers an enticing blend of shopping and dining, promising an experience that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
b)Daimaru Tokyo:
Bask in the luxury of high-end shopping at Daimaru Tokyo Department Store. Located on the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, this department store trove of the finest goods, from fashion to home decor.
Take advantage of the food floor and Depachika, where a culinary dream awaits, offering sushi, bento, pastries, and more. Shopping at Daimaru Tokyo is more than retail therapy—a delightful journey of indulgence and gourmet exploration.
One of the most famous spots of the mall is Character Street. The street is a vibrant, indoor shopping alley that brings Japan’s iconic pop culture to life. Dive into the colorful world of character-themed merchandise, from adorable Hello Kitty to the ever-popular Pokemon. The array of apparel, toys, accessories, and stationery promises fun and nostalgia, making it more than a shopping destination—it’s an immersive experience in your favorite characters’ world.
8. Dining Options:
a)Tokyo Ramen Street:
Immerse yourself in a flavorful adventure at Tokyo Ramen Street. Nestled within the complex maze of Tokyo Station, this food alley unites some of the city’s best ramen eateries under one roof.
Each shop offers its unique take on the classic noodle dish, offering a rich, steaming bowl of comfort that perfectly embodies the soul of Japanese cuisine. A visit here is more than a meal; it’s an invitation to participate in a culinary tradition revered by locals and tourists alike.
b)Kitchen Street:
Take a stroll along Kitchen Street, another culinary haven that offers an array of dining options that will thrill any food enthusiast. Kitchen Street is a melting pot of global flavors, from authentic sushi bars and tempura stations to Western and Italian restaurants.
This food paradise is an exciting gastronomic journey around the world, all conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo. Besides, it has several food streets including Tokyo Curry Quartet.
c)Ekibenya Matsuri:
Step into the vibrant world of ‘Ekiben’ at Ekibenya Matsuri. Specializing in bento boxes sold at train stations, this shop provides a unique dining experience as diverse as Japan. With regional bento boxes sourced from all corners of the country, Ekibenya Matsuri offers a taste of Japan’s rich culinary landscape, packaged in a convenient, transportable box.
It’s a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the breadth of Japanese cuisine on the go. In addition, if you are not in a hurry, you can go underground and choose some delicious bento boxes you like.
9. Historical & Cultural Interest:
a)Tokyo Station Gallery:
The Tokyo Station Gallery is a beacon of cultural enrichment nestled within the bustling confines of the station. Offering a platform for contemporary and modern art, this gallery serves as a revolving door of creativity, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions that change regularly.
It’s a cultural oasis amidst the urban jungle, allowing visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the boundless expressions of art at the Marunouchi North Entrance.
b) Tokyo Station Hotel:
The Tokyo Station Hotel is more than a place of rest; it’s a testament to Tokyo’s ability to blend its rich history with modern comforts harmoniously. Housed within the original station building, this luxury hotel encapsulates a fascinating journey through time. Its architecture and design pay homage to the elegance of yesteryears while seamlessly incorporating contemporary luxuries.
10) Practical Services:
a)Travel Service Center (View Plaza):
For every traveler’s needs and inquiries, the View Plaza Travel Service Center, also known as View Plaza, is a one-stop shop near the Marunouchi North Exit. From providing valuable travel information to offering practical services such as baggage storage and currency exchange, the center ensures that every tourist’s journey is smooth and hassle-free.
Additionally, the center serves as a rail pass exchange, further simplifying travel for visitors who want to explore more of Japan via its renowned rail system.
b) Post Office:
In practical services, Tokyo Station even houses its own Post Office at the Marunouchi North Exit. Here, you can send letters and parcels anywhere in the world, ensuring that your stories and memories reach your loved ones no matter how far.
Adding a unique touch to your correspondence, the Post Office offers exclusive Tokyo Station-themed stamps and souvenirs – perfect keepsakes to remember your visit or share a piece of Tokyo with friends and family.
11) Nearby Attractions:
a) Imperial Palace:
A stone’s throw away from Tokyo Station lies the majestic Imperial Palace, a glorious symbol of Japan’s ancient monarchy. This regal residence, home to Japan’s Imperial Family, is steeped in history and tradition, and the serene beauty of the surrounding gardens and parks amplifies its grandeur.
With meticulous landscaping that changes with the seasons, it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and a peek into Japan’s rich heritage.
b) Ginza:
If retail therapy is more your speed, a short stroll from the station will lead you to Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district. This upscale locale is a shining beacon of luxury, teeming with high-end boutiques, global flagship stores, and fine-dining establishments.
Ginza Shopping District is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a glittering showcase of the latest fashion trends, cutting-edge technology, and gastronomic delights. A walk through its wide, bustling streets is a journey into Tokyo’s sophisticated, luxurious side.
Navigating through Tokyo Station can be a bit overwhelming due to its size and crowd, but once you get the hang of it, it’s an exciting place to explore. Whether you’re in transit or spending a day exploring the station, Tokyo Station offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Tokyo.
Need a Tour Guide? Don’t worry; Tokyo Station is well equipped with maps and signs to guide your way. However, Tour Guide can be helpful to give you a sneak peek of what to expect. Get ready to ride the lightning-fast Shinkansen and make the most of your journey.