Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building

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Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building

Graceful retro architecture restored to its original state after a century.

4.43 7

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The construction of Japan’s front gate, Tokyo Station, began in March, 1908 and it was opened in December, 1914. Kingo Tatsuno, the pioneer of modern architecture in Japan, designed it. The steel-framed, brick Marunouchi Station building was burned on the roof and interior in the 1945 air raid. After the War, it was restored up to the 2nd floor and in use for over 60 years. In 2003, it was designated as a national important cultural property.

In 2012, while preserving the remaining building as much as possible, the lost 3rd floor was restored to its original state and the basement was equipped with extensive seismic isolation.

The north and south domes are over 30m (98 ft)-tall, and their 1st and 2nd floors were redesigned with modern functions, while preserving the classic restored parts. The 3rd and 4th floors and the ceiling were restored to the 1914 state with eight amazing zodiacs and eagle engraving.

Highlights

  • Elegant train station restored to the original 1914 state.
  • Intricate details such as engravings were restored to reflect the original design.
  • One of the two functioning train stations designated as national important cultural property besides Mojiko Station.

Photos

  • Beautifully restored Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi building
(Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

    Beautifully restored Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi building (Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

  • Looking up at the interior of the ceiling and north/south domes restored to the original design 
(Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

    Looking up at the interior of the ceiling and north/south domes restored to the original design (Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

  • Within the domes’ eight corners, the zodiacs corresponding to the directions are painted
(Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

    Within the domes’ eight corners, the zodiacs corresponding to the directions are painted (Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

  • Below the domes’ eight corners, eight valiant eagles are attached. 2.1m (7 ft) from wing to wing
(Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

    Below the domes’ eight corners, eight valiant eagles are attached. 2.1m (7 ft) from wing to wing (Photo by General Corporate Tokyo Station City Management Council)

Reviews

7

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    The exterior looks really classic, but inside it's super modern and high-tech. I love the contrast!

    The red brick exterior and domed design totally make it look like a classic European train station. Seeing it for the first time was honestly a bit breathtaking!

    The beautiful domed ceiling paintings and the intricate decorative details are truly impressive.

  • The building's exterior has significant historical and artistic value.

  • The exterior of Tokyo Station, built in 1914, has over a hundred years of history. Unlike other stations in Japan, it's a beautiful red brick building in the Renaissance style. The station looks especially stunning at night, and the surrounding area is really lively too.

Details

Name in Japanese
東京駅丸の内駅舎
Postal Code
100-0005
Address
1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
Depend on facilities
Hours
Depend on facilities
Closed
Open every day
Admission
Free
Directions
JR Tokyo Station on the Marunouchi side
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)