Tokyo Station: The Historic Red-Brick Marunouchi Building and Its Charm
“Tokyo Station” is Japan’s major transportation hub and is also known as an iconic Tokyo landmark.
Opened in 1914, the red-brick Marunouchi Station Building—designed by architect Kingo Tatsuno (Tatsuno Kingo)—is a magnificent structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
After being damaged during World War II, the station building was faithfully restored to its original appearance in 2012, and it remains the bustling “front door” of Tokyo today.
With its beautiful exterior and the diverse shopping, dining, and sightseeing options around the station, it’s more than just a transit point—it’s a destination you can truly enjoy.
How to Get to Tokyo Station and Essential Visitor Info
Tokyo Station is a massive terminal served by JR East (Yamanote Line, Chūō Line, Keihin-Tōhoku Line, Sōbu Rapid Line, and more), JR Central (Tōkaidō Shinkansen), JR East Shinkansen lines (Tōhoku, Jōetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen), and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
From Narita Airport, it’s about 1 hour via the Narita Express; from Haneda Airport, a limousine bus typically takes about 30–50 minutes.
As the starting station for Shinkansen routes that connect across Japan, it’s also ideal as a base for travel.
Around the station are the Marunouchi area (west side) and the Yaesu area (east side), each offering its own distinct mix of shopping and business districts.
Top Things to Do at Tokyo Station
Red-Brick Station Building and Marunouchi Plaza Night Illumination
The “Marunouchi Station Building” is a beautiful red-brick structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
This three-story steel-and-brick building designed by Kingo Tatsuno stretches on a grand scale of about 335 meters from north to south.
At night it is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
From dusk into the evening, you can take in the entire façade from the well-maintained Marunouchi Station Plaza and enjoy the station’s blend of history and modern cityscape.
Tokyo Station Gallery
The “Tokyo Station Gallery,” located inside Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi North Exit area, is a distinctive exhibition space that incorporates the original red-brick walls from the station’s early days.
It hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year, focusing mainly on modern and contemporary art.
Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition.
It’s an unmissable spot for architecture and art lovers.
Shopping and Dining at Gransta Tokyo and Ecute Tokyo
“Gransta Tokyo” and “Ecute Tokyo” are large-scale shopping and dining areas inside Tokyo Station.
Gransta Tokyo gathers around 180 stores, offering everything from souvenirs and food to fashion—so you’ll find something new each time you visit.
Popular Tokyo souvenirs like Tokyo Banana, Tokyo Campanella, and Press Butter Sand, along with renowned ekiben (station bento) and wagashi (Japanese sweets), are especially popular with travelers.
There are shops both inside and outside the ticket gates, making it easy to shop even during transfers.
Tokyo Ramen Street
“Tokyo Ramen Street,” located within “Tokyo Station First Avenue” in the station’s underground area, is a ramen hotspot where famous shops from across Japan gather.
You can enjoy many styles of ramen, including soy sauce, miso, salt, and tonkotsu.
Lines may form around lunchtime and in the evening, but it’s a popular place to enjoy authentic Japanese ramen.
Opening hours vary by shop.
Shopping at Daimaru Tokyo
Directly connected to the station, “Daimaru Tokyo” is a large 13-story department store with a wide selection of fashion, food, and gifts.
In the basement food hall (depachika), you’ll find Tokyo sweets, deli foods, and traditional wagashi from long-established shops—ideal for souvenir shopping.
From the restaurant floors on the 12th and 13th levels, you can enjoy a meal while taking in views of the Tokyo Station area.
History and Architecture of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
The Marunouchi Station Building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, a leading figure in modern Japanese architecture.
Its distinctive “Tatsuno style” design—red brick accented by bands of white granite—refined European influences into a uniquely Japanese architectural expression.
During the 1945 Tokyo air raids, the north and south domes and the third floor were lost to fire, but a preservation and restoration project that began in 2007 and took about five years brought back the original three-story appearance in 2012.
Inside the building, the classic “Tokyo Station Hotel” also operates; staying there offers the luxurious experience of spending time inside an Important Cultural Property.
Useful Info for Travelers
- Opening hours: Hours vary by shop for station shopping areas, but Gransta Tokyo is commonly 8:00–22:00 (some shops open early morning or late at night).
- Access: JR lines such as the Yamanote Line, Chūō Line, Keihin-Tōhoku Line; Tōkaidō Shinkansen; Tōhoku Shinkansen; Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line; and more
- Best time to visit: Great year-round, but the Marunouchi Illumination from late November to February, along with seasonal year-end and New Year light-ups, is especially popular.
- Facilities: Inside the station you’ll find coin lockers, the multilingual tourist information center “JR East Travel Service Center,” and currency exchange services.
Summary
Tokyo Station is well worth visiting as Tokyo’s gateway where history and modern life coexist.
With its beautiful architecture and excellent food and shopping, it’s an appealing stop not only for travelers but also for anyone passing through—and it’s perfect for enjoying during a break in your journey.
Enjoy your time at Tokyo Station as a place where you can experience Japan’s history and culture.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Tokyo Station.
As the starting point of your Tokyo trip, enjoy a special moment at Tokyo Station—where history and modern city life intersect.
