Tokyo

Tokyo Station is both the architectural centrepiece and the transit backbone of Japan's capital. The Marunouchi facade - a handsome red-brick building completed in 1914 and meticulously restored in 2012 - stands as one of the most recognisable structures in the country. Behind it, beneath it and around it runs one of the most complex transit hubs in the world, connecting Tokyo Metro, JR East Shinkansen services, and suburban rail lines that reach every corner of the Kanto region.

For travellers, Tokyo Station matters most as the departure point for Japan's Shinkansen bullet train network. Trains leave from here to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Sendai, Sapporo and beyond. But the station is also a destination in itself - the underground concourse alone holds over 150 shops and restaurants, and the surrounding Marunouchi district is one of the most prestigious business addresses in Asia.

Station Overview

Tokyo Station opened in 1914 and today serves as the terminus for the Tokaido, Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku and other Shinkansen routes. Tokyo Metro operates two lines here - the Marunouchi Line and the Chiyoda Line - from underground platforms below the JR complex. Fares on Tokyo Metro are distance-based; tap your Suica or Pasmo to enter and exit. The station has two main sides: Marunouchi (west, iconic red-brick facade) and Yaesu (east, more modern).

Lines and Connectivity

The Marunouchi Line (red) connects Tokyo Station directly west to Shinjuku and east to Otemachi, Ginza and Ikebukuro on its loop. It is among the most useful metro lines for central Tokyo navigation. The Chiyoda Line (green) runs north-east through Otemachi, Yushima and Ayase toward Toride in Ibaraki Prefecture, and south-west toward Omotesando and Yoyogi-koen. For Shinkansen, all major routes depart from the JR platforms on the upper levels - follow signs clearly marked throughout the complex.

Station Layout and Facilities

Tokyo Station is an underground metro station with connections to JR platforms above and around it. The underground concourse contains Tokyo Station City - a vast retail and dining complex with ramen, sushi, eclair, souvenir shops and convenience stores accessible 07:00 to 22:00. Coin lockers are available in multiple sizes near most exits. ATMs, toilets, Wi-Fi, information counters and a tourist information centre are all on site. The Marunouchi Exit (west) leads to the red-brick plaza and the Marunouchi business district. The Yaesu Exit (east) leads to bus terminals and the newer commercial area.

Travel Tips

• The Marunouchi red-brick facade is best photographed in early morning light before the tour groups arrive - aim for 07:00 to 08:30.
• Ramen Street in the Yaesu basement level offers eight different regional ramen styles under one roof - a good late-night option.
• Buy Shinkansen tickets in advance at the JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) or online via the JR Pass exchange counter if using a rail pass.
• The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a 10-minute walk west and free to enter - worth combining with a visit to this area.
• Tokyo Station is connected underground to Otemachi Station - useful for transferring to the Tozai, Hanzomon and Mita lines without going outside.

Nearby Attractions

Imperial Palace East Gardens - 10 min walk. The publicly accessible part of the Imperial Palace grounds, with traditional Japanese garden design, moat views and historical ruins. Free entry.

Marunouchi District - 2 min walk. Tokyo's premier business district, lined with high-end restaurants and the Marunouchi Building. Pleasant for a walk, especially on weekday lunchtimes.

Nihonbashi - 10 min walk east. Japan's historic zero milestone bridge and home to Mitsukoshi, Japan's oldest department store. Worth a short detour.

Ginza - 15 min walk south. Tokyo's luxury shopping boulevard, reachable on foot through the Marunouchi area or directly by Marunouchi Line.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Tokyo Metro runs from approximately 05:00 to midnight at Tokyo Station. The Marunouchi and Chiyoda lines operate frequent daytime services. Morning rush (08:00–09:30) and evening rush (17:30–19:30) bring the heaviest metro platform crowds. The underground shopping complex keeps its own hours (typically 07:00–22:00 or 23:00 depending on the outlet). Weekend mornings are notably quieter and a good time to photograph the Marunouchi facade without crowds.