Tokyo Station

Landmark

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Landmark

N/A

0 reviews

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry English Staff Restaurant Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

Red brick station from 1914, restored in 2012. Ramen Street in the basement, Character Street for shopping. The Marunouchi side at night is the money shot.

Tokyo Station is far more than a transit hub — it is one of Japan's most beautiful architectural landmarks. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo and opened in 1914, the Marunouchi red brick building draws on European Renaissance style with its ornate domes and detailed brickwork. After extensive wartime damage, the station was faithfully restored to its original three-story grandeur in 2012, complete with the spectacular octagonal dome ceilings. The underground floors house Tokyo Station First Avenue and the Character Street shopping area, while Tokyo Ramen Street in the basement gathers some of Japan's best ramen shops. The station also features the Tokyo Station Hotel, a luxury property built into the historic building itself. The Marunouchi side plaza offers one of Tokyo's most photographed views—the night illumination is worth seeing.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Tokyo

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: Tokyo Ramen Street with top ramen shops; Character Street for themed snacks; Gransta underground mall with bento, sweets, and souvenirs; Tokyo Station Hotel restaurants

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Where's the best photo spot for the red brick facade?

From the Marunouchi side, walk straight out the central exit and stand at the Marunouchi Plaza fountain (200m away) for a full-frame view of the facade and central dome. For a slightly elevated angle, head to the KITTE building's 7F Roof Garden (free, until 23:00) directly across — the bird's-eye view of the station roofs and Imperial Palace gardens is the classic shot. Best lighting: just after sunset (45–60 min after), when the building is illuminated against the deep blue sky.

What's Tokyo Ramen Street?

An underground ramen alley in Tokyo Station's First Avenue (Yaesu side, B1F), gathering 8 of Japan's most famous ramen shops in a single corridor: Rokurinsha (rich tsukemen), Ippudo (Hakata tonkotsu), Junk Garage (mazesoba), and others. Each branch is a faithful smaller version of the original shop. Open 7:30–23:00. Lunch queues 11:30–13:30 reach 30–60 minutes; visit 14:30 or after 21:00 for shortest waits. ¥900–1,400/bowl.

How long are layovers at Tokyo Station?

Allow 15–20 minutes minimum between Shinkansen and JR Yamanote/local trains (the Shinkansen platforms are upstairs, central). For Shinkansen-to-Shinkansen transfers (Tokaido to Tohoku for example), allow 10 minutes — both share central Yaesu side platforms. Subway to Shinkansen: 20–25 minutes (the Marunouchi Subway is on the opposite end). Always check the station map (English signage everywhere); platforms 1–8 are JR, 9–18 are local trains, 14–19 are Shinkansen.

Is Tokyo Station worth visiting on its own?

Yes, especially for architecture and shopping fans. Plan 90–120 minutes: 30 minutes for the Marunouchi facade and inside the dome (free), 30–60 minutes browsing the Gransta underground food halls and bento shops, 30 minutes at Tokyo Ramen Street. Bonus: the free Tokyo Station Gallery (¥1,000 with exhibition fee) inside the building shows Japanese contemporary art. The KITTE building, Marunouchi shopping district, and Imperial Palace East Gardens are all within 5–10 minute walks for a half-day Marunouchi route.