Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building

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.