When you visit Tokyo Station, make sure to explore the surrounding area too! Here’s a summary of 13 spots in Marunouchi.

When you visit Tokyo Station, make sure to explore the surrounding area too! Here’s a summary of 13 spots in Marunouchi.

When you arrive at Tokyo Station, why not take a stroll over to Marunouchi, where stylish restaurants and cafes are gathered? Tokyo Station is a large terminal that sees a constant flow of people every day. Marunouchi, as the center of Japan's finance and economy, is not only a business district but also a popular spot for adult dates. In this article, we’ll thoroughly introduce the attractions and gourmet offerings of the ever-evolving Marunouchi!

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When you visit Tokyo Station, make sure to explore the surrounding area too! Here’s a summary of 13 spots in Marunouchi.

1. Tokyo Station Red Brick Building

As a representative station of Japan, "Tokyo Station" sees many people disembarking. When you exit through the Marunouchi South Exit or Marunouchi North Exit and turn around, you can get a close view of the retro and impressive "Tokyo Station Red Brick Building." The nighttime illumination is stunningly beautiful.

And not only is the exterior magnificent, but be sure not to overlook the interior as well. Looking up at the ceiling, you’ll find eight zodiac reliefs adorning the octagonal dome—be sure to check them out with your own eyes.

Additionally, don’t miss the "Tokyo Station Hotel," which opened with the station’s renovation in 2012. Located inside the Marunouchi side of the station, the hotel offers direct access to Tokyo Station and some rooms have views of the Imperial Palace from the windows. Its prime location for sightseeing and luxurious interior make it an appealing choice.

2. JP Tower

Standing tall in Marunouchi, the 40-story skyscraper known as "JP Tower" is a recommended spot that houses shops, restaurants, and a tourist information center. It is conveniently located just outside the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station, making it easily accessible.

♦KITTE

"KITTE" is a popular commercial facility developed by Japan Post. It occupies the basement level through the sixth floor of the JP Tower. Upon entering the building, you’ll be greeted by a spacious and bright atrium that extends up to the fifth floor. It features not only cafes and restaurants but also shops selling fashion and miscellaneous goods, making it a casual stop for both tourists and office workers after work.

If you’re feeling hungry, head down to the basement level. You’ll find a floor filled with carefully selected delicious items from across the country. From bento to sweets, you can discover treats that are not typically available.

A highlight is the rooftop garden on the sixth floor, known as the KITTE Garden. With green lawns and wooden deck walkways, it serves as an oasis in the city. Additionally, it offers a hidden viewpoint where you can see the red brick station of Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and the skyscrapers of Marunouchi. The illuminated Tokyo Station is particularly romantic! It’s popular not only for sightseeing but also as a date spot. Be sure to stop by the rooftop when you visit KITTE.

♦ Tokyo Central Post Office

Located on the first floor of JP Tower, the "Tokyo Central Post Office" provides a photogenic contrast with the historic building as a backdrop. Inside, it doesn’t differ much from a regular post office, but it offers a variety of goods and commemorative stamps, making it a great place to find souvenirs. The postal counter is open on holidays, making it very convenient for sending souvenirs or packages while sightseeing.

3. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

The "Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum" is a popular tourist spot that has restored the first office building in Marunouchi, the Mitsubishi Ichigokan, into a museum. It is located roughly halfway between Tokyo Station and Yurakucho Station, making it accessible from either station. Surrounded by tall buildings, its prominent red brick retro exterior stands out.

You can enjoy artworks primarily from the late 19th century when this building was constructed, and various exhibitions are held depending on the season.
The next exhibition will be as follows:
[Dates] November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025
[Title] "Absence" – Toulouse-Lautrec and Sophie Calle

4. Marunouchi Brick Square

In Marunouchi, where office buildings line the streets, you'll find "Marunouchi Brick Square," filled with stylish shops and cafes. A highlight is the central courtyard. The red brick buildings and well-maintained greenery will make you feel as if you are in Europe. During lunchtime, this courtyard becomes a popular place for people to dine and read, serving as a relaxing retreat.

Surrounding the courtyard are trendy cafes, and the terrace seating is always in high demand. Among the many shops and restaurants, the store "Echiré Maison du Beurre," which uses premium French butter in its pastries and breads, is particularly popular. Some of their sweets are so sought after that you need to line up to buy them. If you visit, be sure to give them a try!

5. Marunouchi Illumination

Alongside Omotesando and Roppongi, the "Marunouchi Illumination" adds to the festive atmosphere of Tokyo during the Christmas season. Many people may have seen the illuminated trees lining Marunouchi Nakadori. The illumination along this thoroughfare, which stretches in a straight line from Yurakucho to Otemachi, features champagne gold lights that perfectly suit the sophisticated atmosphere of the area, making it ideal for dates.

In addition, the illumination on Gyoko-dori leading from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace, known as "Tokyo Michi Terrace," and the white Christmas tree at KITTE are also wonderful sights. If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure to enjoy the Christmas spirit in Marunouchi this year. Please note that traffic control may be in effect due to congestion on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so plan accordingly.

6. GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI

"GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI" is a commercial facility that extends from the adjacent ticket gates into the underground of Tokyo Station.

It offers exclusive souvenirs, including cream packaged with illustrations of the Marunouchi Station building and towels featuring the word "TOKYO." Be sure to take your time choosing souvenirs for your trip. Of course, the gourmet offerings are also abundant, featuring delicious bento like "Tokyo Marunouchi Station's Three-Story Bento" from Tonkatsu Maisen and the popular "Nginiri" from Tsukiji Takewaka, which are exclusive to Tokyo Station.

Additionally, there’s a variety of themed cosmetic shops! You’ll find a rich selection from popular cosmetics to Japanese brands that are likely to delight foreign tourists.

7. Daimaru Tokyo Store

The long-established department store "Daimaru Tokyo Store" is located within the "GranTokyo North Tower," directly connected to the Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station. Although it's an established store, it continues to provide new products, making it a popular shopping destination. The busiest area in the store is the food section known as "Hoppe town." The first floor features a wide array of delicious sweets, making it always bustling with people looking for souvenirs or gifts for their return home.

If you head to the basement, you’ll be greeted by mouth watering aromas. You can buy bento at the station, but it’s also a treat to enjoy the unique bento you can only find here while traveling on the Shinkansen. It’s not just for tourists; locals living in the Tokyo area also have a wide selection of bento and side dishes to choose from.

8. Marunouchi Nakadori

"Marunouchi Nakadori" is a representative tourist spot in the Marunouchi area. As you enter the street, a stylish atmosphere immediately envelops you. The green street trees lining the cobblestone roads create a sensation as if you're in a foreign land. Along the street, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and upscale shops, bustling with people enjoying window shopping or lunch and coffee on the terraces. It’s also a short walk from Tokyo Station to Yurakucho, making it a perfect area to explore while sightseeing.

9. Marunouchi Building

Commonly known as "Maru-Biru," the "Marunouchi Building" is directly connected to Tokyo Station. It houses many shops popular among stylish Marunouchi office workers, offering everything from fashion and accessories to cafes and restaurants. Restaurants located on the 35th and 36th floors provide stunning views of the Marunouchi skyline. The nighttime scenery is especially beautiful, making it a great date spot. Dining while overlooking Marunouchi offers a touch of elegance amidst your sightseeing.

10. Shin-Marunouchi Building

Connected to the Marunouchi Building via an underground passage, the "Shin-Marunouchi Building," also known as "Shin-Marubiru," features a variety of stylish shops, making it a great place for shopping while sightseeing. The 7th floor, named "Marunouchi House," boasts a terrace filled with greenery, nestled among office buildings. If you grab takeout from the 7th floor, you can enjoy your meal on this terrace, making it a nice spot to relax during your sightseeing breaks.

11. Tokyo Station Gallery

Did you know there’s an art museum inside the red brick building of Tokyo Station? Located just in front of the Marunouchi North Exit ticket gate, this museum preserves old red bricks and chandeliers, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Tokyo Station. Its motto is "A small yet authentic art museum," so you might encounter remarkable works during your visit. There’s also a rare museum shop accessible only to visitors, so be sure to check it out.

12. Tokyo Station Ichibangai

"Tokyo Station Ichibangai" is directly connected to the Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station. It is lined with a multitude of shops and restaurants, making it a bustling spot for tourists. Here are some particularly popular spots within Ichibangai.

♦ Ramen Street

Located on the basement level, "Ramen Street" is a gourmet destination where you can enjoy the flavors of eight famous ramen shops from Tokyo. With such a variety of well-established ramen restaurants gathered in one place, you might find it hard to choose where to go. It’s open from morning until night, making it perfect for a tourist lunch or a late-night ramen fix.

If you're craving tsukemen (dipping noodles), "Rokurinsha" is a must-try. This renowned shop, which moved from Osaki due to long lines, serves a rich seafood and pork bone broth that fans adore. For shio (salt) ramen, check out "Hirugao," a specialty shop located along Kan-nana Avenue in Setagaya, known for its light yet flavorful taste. You can also enjoy a variety of other flavors, including miso ramen and tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen.

♦ Tokyo Okashi Land

"Tokyo Okashi Land" is a tourist spot where you can enjoy shops from three representative Japanese confectionery manufacturers: "Calbee," "Ezaki Glico," and "Morinaga." You can watch how candies are made through glass, with children eagerly gathered around. There are exclusive sweets and limited-edition products available, making it a great spot for souvenirs!

From Glico, you can find a long version of their round candy called "Colonne" instead of the usual cut pieces. Calbee offers "Poterico," a popular snack that features their classic "JagaRico" in a warm and fluffy texture. They even have regional varieties of JagaRico.

From Morinaga, you'll find adorable sponge cakes with the imprint of "Kyoro-chan," as well as "DARS Fondant Chocolat," which are delightful for adults. You’ll encounter many sweets that are hard to find elsewhere, making it tempting to buy some for yourself as well as for souvenirs.

♦ Tokyo Character Street

"Tokyo Character Street" is a popular area for kids, just like Tokyo Okashi Land. It features beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Ultraman, Rilakkuma, Miffy, Precure, and Snoopy, among many others! Additionally, you can find shops selling Tomica and Plarail items, including exclusive Tokyo Station merchandise.

The fun isn’t just for children and fans of these characters. Original goods are sold from various TV stations and Shochiku Kabuki, featuring products related to popular dramas and items that evoke the Edo period, appealing to adults as well. Be sure to find your favorite goods as a memento of your visit.

♦ TOKYO Me+

If you're looking to buy souvenirs, "TOKYO Me+ (Tokyo Mitasu)" is highly recommended. It features the famous castella shop "Bunmeido Tokyo," as well as popular sweets like "ARINCO TOKYO STATION," which specializes in egg yolk-free roll cakes, and "Tokyo Rusk," known for its delightful rusk snacks!

You can also find other souvenirs that aren’t sweets, such as items from "Asakusa Imahan" and "Ningyocho Shinodazushi Sohonten." There are exclusive items you can only find here, so be sure to look for your favorites while enjoying your sightseeing.

13. Silver Bell

In Japan, Tokyo Station is one of the largest in terms of area and lines. If you’re meeting someone, where would you wait? Many might say, "Let's meet at the Yaesu Exit!" but once you arrive, you may find yourself wondering, "Where exactly is the Yaesu North Exit or the Yaesu Central Exit?" The station is quite large, split into the Yaesu and Marunouchi areas, and further divided into North, Central, and South exits. The layout can be complicated with both the first and basement levels.

The famous meeting spot at Tokyo Station is the "Silver Bell Meeting Place." It’s a common rendezvous point for many people. Located in the basement of the Yaesu Central Exit, the current fourth-generation Silver Bell is quite large up close. The surrounding area features benches and a plaza where you can take a break, making it a convenient spot to use.

◎ Recommended Tourist Spots in Marunouchi, Tokyo

Marunouchi, within walking distance from Tokyo Station, is more than just an office district. You can enjoy lunch or coffee on the terrace of Marunouchi Nakamura Street, go shopping at nearby spots in the evening, and savor a meal while gazing at the beautifully illuminated Tokyo Station at night—this stylish tourist plan is entirely feasible. Tokyo Station also offers a variety of appealing souvenirs and bento boxes, and there are plenty of hotels centered around the station. As the number of foreign tourists in Tokyo continues to grow, make sure to explore the ever-evolving Marunouchi for yourself!

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