Tokyo Station is a major railway station located in the Marunouchi business district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It stands near the Imperial Palace grounds and the Ginza commercial district. Here are some key points about Tokyo Station and the surrounding Marunouchi area:

Historical Significance

– During the **Edo Period (1603-1868)**, Marunouchi (literally “within the enclosure”) was situated within the outer moats of **Edo Castle**. It housed the residences of powerful feudal lords.
– Today, Marunouchi is home to the headquarters of many influential Japanese companies, particularly from the financial sector.

Tokyo Station Building

– The station building on the **Marunouchi side** is a **prominent red brick structure** dating back to **1914**. It was renovated in **2012** to its pre-war appearance.
– Besides travel services, it offers a **hotel**, **restaurants**, and an **art gallery**.
– The **Yaesu Side** of the station is more modern and features the **Gran Roof**, a bright, massive roof above the station entrances flanked by skyscrapers.

Tokyo Station City Complex

– The result of extensive redevelopment efforts, the **”Tokyo Station City”** complex includes shopping and dining facilities within the station.
– Notable buildings include:
– **Marunouchi Building (Marubiru)**: Opened in **2002**, it houses shops and restaurants on the lower floors and offers nice restaurants with city views on the top two floors.
– **Shin Marunouchi Building (Shin Marubiru)**: Opened in **2007**, it features over **150 shops** on its lower five floors and about **40 restaurants** on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors. The 7th floor has a publicly accessible balcony.
– **Kitte**: Opened in **2013**, Kitte (Japanese for “postal stamp”) is a shopping and dining complex located next to Tokyo Station²⁵.

Marunouchi Area

– Bordered on the east by Tokyo Station, Marunouchi is a bustling business district.
– It has undergone a major facelift, with older office buildings replaced by new skyscrapers housing offices, shops, and restaurants.
– The district now draws an increased number of non-business visitors and tourists.
– **Marunouchi Brick Square** offers picturesque strolls and historic charm.

In summary, Tokyo Station and Marunouchi epitomize the contrasts between traditional and modern Japan. Soaring skyscrapers coexist with the quiet Imperial Gardens, and the station’s striking facade conceals sleek bullet trains, pop culture shopping, and intriguing culinary options⁷.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/5/2024
(1) Tokyo Station. http://www.tokyostationcity.com/en/information/.
(2) Tokyo Station and Marunouchi – Tokyo Travel – japan-guide.com. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3037.html.
(3) Imperial Palace & Tokyo Station | Tokyo | Kanto – Travel Japan. https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/tokyo/tokyo-station-and-marunouchi/.
(4) . https://bing.com/search?q=Tokyo+Station+and+Marunouchi.
(5) Tokyo Central Railway Station. https://www.gransta.jp/.
(6) Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station. https://www.tokyometro.jp/station/shinjuku/index.html.
(7) Marunouchi Line: Map, Stations & Tickets – tokyo-park.net. https://tokyo-park.net/marunouchi-line/.
(8) Tokyo Station & Marunouchi area travel guide. https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/central-tokyo/tokyo-station-and-marunouchi/index.html.

Marunouchi, located in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, offers a delightful blend of culinary experiences and cultural attractions. Let’s explore some excellent restaurants and museums in the area:

Restaurants in Marunouchi

Enjoy your dining experiences in Marunouchi!

Museums in Marunouchi

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

– Located in Ginza / Tokyo Nihonbashi.
– Explore architectural buildings and art exhibits here. Don’t miss the nearby restaurants and cafés⁷.

JP Tower Museum Intermediatheque

– Also in Ginza / Tokyo Nihonbashi.
– Enjoy unique exhibits with excellent descriptions⁷.

Mitsuo Aida Museum

– Another gem in Ginza / Tokyo Nihonbashi.
– Discover art exhibits, including poetry (though the English translations are commentary only)⁷.

Idemitsu Museum

– Located near Tokyo Station.
– Combine your visit with a stop at Tokyo Station and Marunouchi buildings⁷.

These museums offer diverse experiences, from art to history. Enjoy your exploration of Marunouchi! 🎨🏛️

Source : conversation avec Bing, 10/04/2024
(1) Shunsai Shuraku Toramasa. https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130103/13279479/.
(2) KHAN KEBAB BIRYANI. https://www.ekiten.jp/shop_44411664/.
(3) 無国籍ごはん マガリ. https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1310/A131003/13258939/.
(4) THE 10 BEST Museums You’ll Want to Visit in Marunouchi (2024) – Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g14129528-Activities-c49-Marunouchi_Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html.
(5) . https://bing.com/search?q=excellent+restaurants+and+two+museums+in+Marunouchi.
(6) THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Marunouchi (Updated April 2024) – Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g14129528-Marunouchi_Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html.
(7) The 10 Best Restaurants In Marunouchi Tokyo – Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/the-10-best-restaurants-in-marunouchi-tokyo.
(8) THE 10 BEST Museums You’ll Want to Visit in Marunouchi (2024) – Tripadvisor. https://bing.com/search?q=museums+in+Marunouchi.
(9) Musée d’Edo-Tokyo. https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/.
(10) Shitamachi Customs Museum & Exhibit Hall. https://www.taitogeibun.net/shitamachi/.