Culture
Exploring the Refurbished Tokyo Station (2012)
Christopher McLeanWith it's newly refurbished iconic red brick building, Tokyo's rebuilt JR station could be argued to be the face of Tokyo Proper.
With over 3,000 trains passing through every day, Tokyo Station is the busiest station in Japan. It is the fifth-busiest in terms of passengers and even serves as a hub for many regional commuter lines and the Tokyo Metro network. The station covers so much area in fact that it is divided into the Marunouchi and Yaesu sides.
The red brick exterior has survived since its original opening in 1914 and has become a recognizable symbol of Tokyo itself. The plans for the elevated railway line were drawn up in 1889, and since it’s opening, Tokyo Station has seen much history pass by.
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These two dome entrances on the west Marunouchi side feature part original plaster, reinforced and restored alongside relief work completed in the 2012 renovation. Also look out for the eight eagles underneath the dome, and eight Zodiac animals in the surrounding artwork.
Designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, the brick exterior of Tokyo Station was a restrained celebration of the Russo-Japanese War’s costly victory. It has survived bombings from 1945 and seen the assassination of two Japanese prime ministers.
The Tōkaidō (Osaka), Tōhoku (Shin-Aomori), Jōetsu(Niigata) and Nagano Shinkansen bullet train as well as the Hikari and Kodama bullet trains can be found at Tokyo Station. Capable of getting you across Japan in just a few hours. They are truly an engineering feat and something that everyone should experience at least once.
The GRANSTA in one of Tokyo's biggest underground shopping malls. Featuring a now total of 153 store fronts, there is truly no shortage of goods for you to explore. GRANSTA is where any traveler could find anything they could ever need and is one of Tokyo Stations' most convenient features.
Founded in 1988, Tokyo Station Art Gallery is a break away from the chaos. Surrounded by the original brick used to build the station, you will find various historical artworks on display. There are also periodic exhibitions that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
First Avenue Tokyo Station is located in JR Tokyo Station just outside the ticket gates. Here you will find a variety of shops consisting of character shops, souvenir shops and the Tokyo Ramen Street. Due to all that you can find and its convenient location next to the station, there are always a crowd of shoppers eager to see what they can find.
Tokyo Station is a main station on the Yamanote Line and easily reached from many lines. For the main brick exterior facade head for the Marunouchi Exit.
With it's newly refurbished iconic red brick building, Tokyo's rebuilt JR station could be argued to be the face of Tokyo Proper.
Tokyo Station, the main train terminal and also a major bus terminal, transporting people to other cities in Japan, is more than just a station. Shops, restaurants, museums, and the Imperial Palace, are just a few places of the many in and around the station that are worth visiting.
Tokyo Station, having just recently finished its exterior remodeling of its Marounuchi side, is the hub of most travel here in Tokyo.
Tokyo Station Celebrates 100 Years! To commemorate the 1914 opening, a series of festive events will take place and special limited editions of sweets, bento lunch boxes and memorabilia are available for purchase inside the station.
Tokyo Station at Night: One million busy people pass by and through this beautiful, dreamy station every day.
Tokyo Station's evening traffic action is a beautiful view and a time-lapse video of the same is as below.
The photo story explores various aspects of the newly renovated Tokyo Station - from its traditional western architectural style to packs of busy commuters.
The reconstruction of Tokyo Station is not just for its appearence, for the original style has much historical significance behind it.
Tokyo Station is a train station in Marunouchi located just next to the Imperial Palace and Ginza.
Tokyo Ramen Street located inside Tokyo Station houses seven distinctive ramen shops including tsukemen, miso ramen, maze soba and soy sauce ramen.
Tokyo Okashi Land lives up to its namesake with several concept stores for Japanese confectioners and snack makers; such as Glico and Morinaga. You can also buy freshly-made products at the Calbee and Glico stores. Not only can you shop here, but you can see them make sweets first hand.
When you feel like you've had enough Tokyo's outdoors the indoor streets of Tokyo Station city will welcome you.
![Gundam Café - Tokyo Station [Closed]](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30710-154394/360x240!/tokyo-gundam-cafe-tokyo-station-154394.jpg "Gundam Café - Tokyo Station [Closed]")
Do you love anime? Do you love Gundam, specifically? Do you like food that is dedicated to the aesthetic value of the appearance? Do you have a bit of time in Tokyo Station, but don’t want to go out just in case you do not have enough time to run back and catch the train? If any of the aforementioned applies to you, you will enjoy a nice afternoon snack at the Gundam Café located right in Tokyo Station.
The best way to travel around Japan is using the JR rail system, and with the pass you can save a lot of money.
Soranoiro Nippon is one of the restaurants located at Tokyo Ramen Street (Tokyo Station). The restaurant serves up a variety of ramen types, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those who eat gluten-free.
Oakwood Premier Tokyo comes from a brand of standout luxury hotel & service apartments right at the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. It is located in the business hub of Marunouchi with JR Tokyo Station in close proximity. This will allow guests and travelers to easily access the city's extensive transport network and visit various landmarks such as Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Shopping District. Boasting 123 luxurious apartments on the upper floors of a multi-serviced complex, each room offers a magnificent view of the city, not to mention all furnished and a fully-equipped kitchen set which is rarely seen in your everyday service apartment. Without doubt, these spacious tranquil retreats are curated to give you the amenities and services of a luxury hotel and a feeling of home. They are good options for both business executives and leisure travelers from one night of a short-stay to a few weeks/months of mid-to-long-term stay.
NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO is conveniently located in the midst of the electric town Akihabara, also known as the capital of manga and anime. In addition, this neighborhood has an abundance of tech shops, maid cafes and a variety of restaurants. With just a 6-minute walk away from Akihabara station, it provides easy access to explore other areas nearby such as Ueno and Asakusa. This hotel embodies the rich cultures of music, art and food. Nohga’s concept of music is derived from Akihabara’s local history, starting as a district of radio and wireless component merchants in the late 1920s. The artistic and luxurious space throughout the hotel is achieved by featuring art and amenities designed in collaboration with craftsmen from around Japan. As for the food menu, it’s seasonal fresh ingredients are sourced domestically. The glasses and dinnerware served are collaborations with stores in the surrounding area. All 120 non-smoking guest rooms feature an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, in-room safety box, mini fridge, USB plugs, free Wi-Fi, a high-quality bluetooth speaker and flatscreen TV with original music and film. The lounge area and a compact 24-hour gym can be found near the reception on the second floor. Services include laundry (from 2,750JPY) and a 24-hour front desk with a check-in time of 3PM and check-out time of 11AM. For sightseeing you can rent a Tokyobike for the day (2,000 JPY/day) to explore the vicinity.
Just minutes from Shinagawa Station, the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa is surrounded by lush greenery in the Takanawa area, with rooms offering balcony views of the nearby gardens and the surrounding Tokyo cityscape. This urban resort features convention facilities like the Hiten banquet hall, the international Convention Center Pamir, as well as a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese and Western restaurants.
The Pokémon Café in Nihonbashi, which opened in March 2018, is the latest character café in the popular series of games and series in Tokyo. The café and the adjacent Pokémon Center DX store were opened in 1997 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first store. The bright café, which is furnished in warm wood tones, offers main courses, desserts and drinks - all of which are arranged with a focus on one or more Pokémon and some are suitable and limited to certain topics or seasons. You can also find exclusive merchandise here - from plush toys in chef jackets to bowls and cutlery with Pokémon motifs. They also sell Pikachu Sweets, special sweets and products with the most popular of all Pokémon as a motif. A visit to the Pokémon Café is only possible with a prior reservation, time slots can be selected from one month in advance and also in English via the website. It is located on the 5th floor of the Nihombashi Takashimaya Shopping Center, which is not far from the Tokyo and Nihonbashi stations.
PIZZERIA & BAR NOHGA is an all day dining restaurant interpreting a fusion of “Spanish Italian” cuisine and has a kitchen to table design. There is a casual bar area and restaurant where you can take a peek inside the open kitchen whilst enjoying your meal. Visit the cafe for a range of coffees and teas along with an offering of tapas snacks and seasonal desserts. The cafe also offers an assorted dessert and all-you-can-drink cafe set. Breakfast takes on the art of sharing, where a range of platters are combined with focaccia and your choice of eggs cooked your way. Coming for lunch? Choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads. Each lunch menu is accompanied with homemade soup, iced tea and focaccia. Dinner time offers a range of exquisite tapas and pizzas that can also be shared. Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00, Lunch 11:30 - 14:30, Cafe 14:30 - 18:00, Dinner: 18:00 - 23:00 with last order at 10pm.
Bunny Cafe Moff Rell in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward offers a chance to interact with adorable rabbits. You can make reservations for the cafe by phone, or you can visit and pay at the store before entering. The cafe provides 30- and 60-minute courses, and you can play with or feed the bunnies. If you are unsure about how to treat the rabbits, don't worry! The staff members will kindly explain everything to you. Minimum age is 10 years old.
CD/DVD sales and rentals are on the right and the bookstore is on the left side of the street, about a 5-minute walk from Gotanda Station West Exit. The store stocks a wide selection of video games and comics and everything you could want entertainment-wise.
Tokyo International Forum is a multipurpose Tokyo exhibition center located in the central Marunouchi district of Tokyo. It is a convention and arts center that is equipped with a range of facilities including multiple halls and 34 conference rooms Glass atrium, a large number of shops and restaurants as well as an art museum.The forum is visited by around 23 million people every year and serves as a center for promoting and conveying extensive culture and information. The forum offers a diverse program of events throughout the year, including international conferences, ceremonies, academic meetings, exhibitions, concerts, musicals and fashion shows. People of all ages and from different backgrounds come together here to exchange ideas.
The main building of Japan's central bank, the Bank of Japan in central Nihonbashi was designed by classical architect Kingo Tatsuno (also known for the iconic Tokyo Station) and completed in 1896. As well as the classic stone architecture, visitors can join in-house tours when reserving in advance. The Main Building is an Important Cultural Property and occupies the former site of a gold mint. Learn more about Japan's currency.