Tokyo Station: Shopping and Dining at th｜THE GATE｜Japan Travel Magazine: Find Tourism & Travel Info

Many know Tokyo as one of the biggest cities in the world, and the metropolis does not disappoint when proving so. To support the 9 million (and counting) people living in the city, more than 20 transportation lines, ranging from metro to shinkansen bullet train lines, spread throughout the city. In particular, Tokyo Station is home to metro, train and shinkansen lines, and has over 400,000 daily users. Not only is Tokyo Station significant as a central hub of Japanese transportation, but its burnt red brick exterior also acts as a representative icon of the city. The station also functions as a miniature town, with restaurants, shopping areas and even sightseeing spots.

History

Westernization and Modernization

After the Meiji Restoration in late 1880s, Japan began rapidly westernizing and modernizing. Tokyo was no exception, and the new Meiji government did not favor the Edo style architecture of the capital. The Meiji government’s established a new goal of turning Tokyo into a more westernized city that was worthy of its title as the capital.

The new government saw setting up an efficient transportation system as the number one priority for the capital city. A metro line connecting two major areas of Tokyo, Ueno and Shimbashi, was constructed, and a station in between the two was made as well. This new station, originally named the Central Station, is the beginning of Tokyo Station.

Central Station, designed by renowned architect Tatsuno Kingo, bore a stylish red brick exterior with white granite stones. The station took six and a half years to complete, and was renamed Tokyo Station after its completion in 1914. As the station stood in the capital of Japan and was expected to play a significant role in Japan’s upcoming transport system, the new name was deemed appropriate.

Catastrophes and the Booming Economy

The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 destroyed almost all of Tokyo, but Tokyo Station miraculously remained perfectly in tact. Many survivors used the station as a shelter and put up posters in search of their loved ones.

Although Tokyo Station managed to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake, it was damaged during World War II. The Tokyo Air Raids destroyed parts of the station, including the iconic dome roof. Despite the devastation, the trains and the station operated during the war. Although reconstruction took place right away, the iconic dome roof could not be recreated due to financial factors.

In 1964, as post-war Japan was going through its rapid economic growth period, Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympic games. In same year, the Tokaido Shinkansen opened, making transportation between the Kanto and Kansai regions faster than ever. With the underground Tokyo Station opening in 1972, Tokyo Station showed its growth in full force.

Tokyo Station Today

Decades later, in 2003, Tokyo Station was named a National Important Cultural Property. Four years later, the long awaited reconstruction of the dome roof started and finally completed in 2012. Along with the dome roof, the interior of the station was largely upgraded, with the construction of shopping malls and leisure facilities. Tokyo Station celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014, and continues its legacy as one of the most iconic stations in the country.

Sights to see at Tokyo Station

Must-see sights if you are visiting Tokyo Station!

Tokyo Station City - 東京ステーションシティ

In order to construct Tokyo Station into a facility well suited with the capital metropolis Tokyo, the Tokyo Station City re-construction plan began. The four areas around the station, Marunouchi, Nihombashi, Yaesu and Ekinaka (inside the station), went under construction to develop Tokyo Station into one of the most innovate, unique stations in the world.

Marunouchi Building Area

Marunouchi Central Square

Marunouchi, one of the busiest business districts in Japan, is rich in history. The red brick exterior of Tokyo Station was built to recreate the classic early Tokyo atmosphere of the area. Marunouchi Central Square in front of the station is currently under development, and plans to provide a spacious, green area. Within the building are a hotel, fitness gym, art gallery and shopping malls.

Marunouchi Square at Night

Marunouchi Station Building

The reconstruction of the Marunouchi Station Building played the central role of the Tokyo Station City plan. Although widely popular amongst citizens during the time, the original building built in 1914 was destroyed in the Second World War. Under financial circumstances the building could not be reconstructed, although many longed for the reconstruction of the building.

The dome from the inside

In 2007, the restoration of the brick exterior building finally began. Instead of rebuilding it in its exact original form, the new building was planned and made in a way that mixed traditional and new styles of architecture and technology. The dome roof is particularly impressive, standing at 35 meters high. From inside and out, the dome roof bears an extraordinary presence.

Nihombashi Gate Area

Sapia Tower

The Nihombashi Gate area is built around the Sapia Tower. The name of the tower comes from “sapiens”, meaning intelligence in Latin. The building is actually a hub for research on the latest technologies, and spreads information throughout Japan.

Yaesu Area

GranTokyo building

The Yaesu Area is packed with office buildings, like the GranTokyo. The Yaesu GranRoof was built recently, with restaurants and bars inside. The Yaesu Area hopes to serve as an international business center.

Ekinaka Area

The Ekinaka Area points to the interior of the station. The inside of Tokyo Station is endless, with restaurants, fashion boutiques and more. This area is representative of the Tokyo Station City project, and includes an information center, cloakroom and currency exchange area.

Yaesu Granroof

On the Yaesu Gate side of the station is a building with a uniquely shaped roof. This building, the GRANROOF, is a commercial facility designed by German architect Helmut Jahn.

Yaesu Granroof

This glass structure embodies its “glass tower embraced in light” concept. The building is also conscious of the environment, using rainwater for the toilets and natural sources of energy throughout the facility. The building keeps a touch of tradition by using stones from the Edo castle as a part of the design.

Shopping Malls

Inside and outside of the station gate are many shops and restaurants.

Gransta（Inside the gate）

GRANSTA

From the Yaesu Central Exit to the Marunouchi Underground Central gate is Gransta, lying in a cross shape. More than 80 shops, including bento shops and food stands situate in the area. A stop at Gransta is great for grabbing some food before getting on the Shinkansen.

Ekibenya Matsuri（Inside the gate）

Ekibenya Matsuri

Along the central street inside the gate is Ekibenya Matsuri, where you can choose from over 200 different types of bento and ekiben, or station lunch boxes. There are also Tokyo Station limited edition ekiben for travellers to check out. Lanterns and Japanese noren curtains decorate the interior of the street, creating a festival like vibe. Ekibenya Matsuri is open from 5:30 AM for early travellers.

Keiyo Street (Inside the gate)

The area connecting the Keiyo and Musashino Lines is Keiyo Street. Keiyo Street has a great quantity of cafes and restaurants for a quick break or a full meal.

ecute Tokyo(Inside the gate)

ecute

ecute Tokyo aims to create a new Japanese standard by providing a lineup of shops selling unique Japanese souvenirs and snacks.

Gransta Marunouchi (Outside the gate)

GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI

Similar to GRANSTA inside the gate, GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI is a gourmet area outside the gate. Bento shops, restaurants and dessert shops make up the area.

Kurobei Yokocho (Outside the gate)

Kurobei Yokocho

Along the North Free Passage (北自由地下通路) lies Kurobei Yokocho. This restaurant strip covers itself with a black wall, and has a more quiet, relaxed atmosphere. For a calm, cozy lunch or dinner, Kurobei Yokocho provides the perfect space.

First Avenue Tokyo (Outside the gate)

First Avenue Tokyo

At First Avenue Tokyo Station, you can find a restaurant that can satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Ramen Street in particular is popular for providing an impressive lineup of famous ramen shops from all over Tokyo.
Tokyo Okashi Land within First Avenue Tokyo Station is a hit with children. Here you can try freshly made snacks baked right before your eyes. There is also a lineup of famous snack brands here for visitors to try.

Tokyo Character Street

Tokyo Character Street is equipped with official shops of Japanese television channels, animations and comics. People from all around the world gather here to buy official and limited edition goods of their favorite shows and animes.

Events

Tokyo Michi-Terasu (Dec.)

Tokyo Michi-Terasu

During the Christmas season, the Tokyo Station area lights up with illumination lights. There are also special art exhibits in the station. Check out the official website for more details.

Access

Nearest station:
・Tokyo Station 東京駅 (JR Tokaido Line JT01, Joban Line JU01 Keihin Tohoku JK26, Yamanote JY01, Chuo JC01, Yokosuka/Sobu JO19 and Keiyo JE01 Lines and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line M17)

From Shinjuku Station 新宿駅

【Shinjuku Sta.】JR Chuo Line / for Tokyo
→【Tokyo Sta.】

From Narita Airport 成田空港

【Narita Airport Sta.】JR Narita Line / for Tokyo
→【Tokyo Sta.】

From Haneda Airport 羽田空港

【Haneda Airport Sta.】Keikyu Line / for Shinagawa
→【Shinagawa Sta.】JR Keihin Tohoku Line / for Tokyo
→【Tokyo Sta.】

To Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is located in the town of Japan's long economic central, Marunouchi. This station is used as the center of Tokyo's commute route and is loved nationally for the shops and facilities inside and out. You will not be able to take your attention away from the continuously growing Tokyo Station!