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Graceful retro architecture restored to its original state after a century.
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.
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)
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)
Some reviews are AI-translated.
When visiting Tokyo, you absolutely shouldn’t miss this historic and charming landmark—the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Building! My hotel was near Tokyo Station, so every morning when I went out and every evening when I returned, I could enjoy the station’s beauty at different times of day. I really never got tired of looking at it.
This century-old red-brick building has regained its elegant, classical appearance after restoration. It looks stately and refined during the day. At night, warm yellow lights illuminate the entire building, making the red-brick exterior even more captivating against the night sky. Together with the spacious plaza in front, it feels like stepping into a movie scene. It’s so romantic that you can’t help but stop and admire it.
Tokyo Station isn’t just a major transportation hub; it’s also a paradise for shopping, food, and souvenirs! Inside the station are shopping areas such as GRANSTA Tokyo, offering everything from popular sweets and specialty snacks to all kinds of souvenirs. There’s so much to see, eat, and buy that it’s easy to go overboard shopping. I even thought it was more exciting than the airport duty-free shops (laughs).
The station is divided into the Marunouchi side near the Imperial Palace and the Yaesu side near Nihonbashi. Knowing the entrances, exits, and connecting passages on both sides makes shopping and catching trains much more convenient.
Admire the century-old architecture during the day, enjoy the dazzling night view in the evening, and stock up on Japanese souvenirs while you’re there. Tokyo Station is definitely worth setting aside time to explore!
At night, Tokyo Station displays a blend of classical and modern beauty that is completely different from the daytime. Here are some key points for nighttime photography and viewing:
📸 Best free nighttime viewpoints
If you want to capture a panoramic view of the station, these three free spots are the top choices:
KITTE Rooftop Garden (6F): Located in the former Tokyo Central Post Office building, it offers an excellent close-up view of the red-brick building at the station’s south entrance. You can also see the busy sight of multiple Shinkansen trains arriving and departing.
Shin-Marunouchi Building (7F) Terrace: This outdoor terrace directly overlooks Tokyo Station and the plaza in front of it, creating a very romantic atmosphere.
Marunouchi Building (5F) Observation Deck: Its moderate height makes it suitable for photographing the station entrance straight on.
💡 Lighting and lights-out times
Weekday lighting: The nighttime illumination of the station’s red-brick exterior usually continues until 21:00. It is best to arrive before the lights are turned off so you don’t end up photographing complete darkness.
Seasonal: During winter, nearby Marunouchi Naka-dori hosts the Marunouchi Illumination, with the entire street covered in champagne-gold LED lights, creating a very Christmas-like atmosphere.
🚶 Recommended walking route
Marunouchi Station Plaza: This is the classic spot for photographing the station’s symmetrical beauty. If it has just rained, puddles on the ground reflect the red-brick station and the high-rise buildings behind it, creating another popular photography angle.
Wadakura Fountain Park: About a 10-minute walk from the station toward the Imperial Palace, this is where you can photograph a dreamy night view of the surrounding modern office buildings reflected in the water.
Tokyo Station itself is a place worth taking some time to appreciate. The station building on the Marunouchi side is the familiar classical red-brick building. It opened in 1914 and features the “Tatsuno style” designed by Kingo Tatsuno. The current Marunouchi Station building is also an important historic structure that has been preserved after restoration. If you like classical architecture, take a good look at the exterior details when passing through the station, and you’ll find quite a few things worth seeing.
Compared with Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station is somewhat easier to navigate, but the entire station is still very large, especially since the different exits, underground passages, and transfer areas are quite far apart. Just walking from the Yaesu side to another transfer area took me at least five or six minutes. If you’re planning to transfer at Tokyo Station and it’s your first time there, you really should allow extra time to get around and find your way inside the station.
The area around the Yaesu South Exit is a major boarding area for highway buses, including the AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT to Narita Airport. There are also boarding points nearby for other local and long-distance buses. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, Tokyo Station is not only a major transfer station for the Shinkansen and JR lines, but also an important transportation hub for getting to the airport and other cities.
Tokyo Station's deep red brick exterior is especially striking, with a strong Western classical style that creates an interesting contrast with the surrounding modern high-rises. The station building combines red brick and white stone, and its symmetrical facade and intricate domes give the entire station an elegant appearance. Up close, you can really appreciate the charm of this historic building. The overall view from the Marunouchi side is especially worth seeing, and the rooflines and architectural details are great for photos. The last time I visited a client, I had the chance to see Tokyo Station from high above, and it was unforgettable. Besides the impressive architecture, Tokyo Station is also a major destination for souvenirs. If you're short on time, buying everything here at once is also a good option.
Tokyo Station blends historic and modern styles, with its elegant and impressive red-brick station building. It’s a major transportation hub in Tokyo. Inside, there are plenty of dining options, souvenir shops, and stores, making it convenient whether you’re taking photos, shopping, or transferring trains. It’s a must-visit landmark when traveling in Tokyo.
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