Learn About Tokyo Station, the Gateway to Tokyo - Including the Best Nearby Sightseeing Spots! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 02 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Learn About Tokyo Station, the Gateway to Tokyo - Including the Best Nearby Sightseeing Spots!

Tokyo Station serves as the gateway to Japan's capital city, Tokyo, and functions as a central hub for travel within the country. Aside from offering numerous convenient facilities for tourists exploring Japan, the surrounding area boasts a plethora of sightseeing and shopping destinations, such as the Imperial Palace and Ginza. This article delves into Tokyo Station and its neighboring attractions.

See full listings of Yakiniku and Sushi restaurants found in and around Tokyo.

About Tokyo Station, the Gateway to Tokyo

Tokyo Station stands at the heart of Japan's railway network, facilitating around 4,000 daily departures and arrivals, including trains connecting major cities across the country. On average, it accommodates 460,000 passengers per day.

With a sprawling area of 182,000 ㎡, the station serves not only as a colossal terminal but also thrives as a tourist destination. A diverse array of captivating stores from across Japan converge here, offering visitors the opportunity to dine at renowned eateries as well as shop for exclusive Tokyo Station souvenirs. You can also have a variety of cultural experiences at the station, as it houses an art museum, and the plaza on its grounds hosts concerts from time to time.

Tokyo Station is ever expanding its range of services and continually striving to enhance its allure and value, aiming to become more than just a transit point.

Tokyo Station, which was established in 1914, saw its iconic red brick main building devastated by fire during the Tokyo Air Raid of 1945. However, extensive restoration efforts commenced in 2007, culminating in its complete restoration to its original grandeur by 2012. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2003, it entices visitors with its stunning and majestic presence.

Useful Information About Tokyo Station for Visitors to Japan

Tokyo Station boasts a plethora of helpful services, with the following highly recommended:

・JR East Travel Service Center
This service center can be found on either side of the ticket gates at the Marunouchi North Exit. Staff proficient in English, Chinese, and Korean are readily available to assist visitors with services such as ticket arrangements, providing sightseeing information, offering temporary luggage storage and delivery, and facilitating foreign currency exchange.

・JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO
Situated on the first floor of the GranTokyo North Tower near the Yaesu Central Exit, this complex serves as an information hub for visitors to Japan. At the counter, travelers can discuss their plans, obtain sightseeing information about the various regions of Japan, and purchase or exchange tickets such as Japan Rail Passes*, including regular JR train tickets. Additionally, there is a restaurant/café where guests can savor Japanese sake and cuisine, as well as a shop offering souvenirs from across Japan. Foreign currency exchange machines, complimentary Wi-Fi, and power outlets are also available.
*Discounted JR tickets are suitable for train travel throughout Japan.

Sightseeing Spots Around Tokyo Station

・Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
Rejuvenated in 2012 to its original 110-year-old charm, the station building stands out for its stunning architecture, featuring expansive domes on both the north and south sides. Significant sections of the building, including its exterior walls, underwent meticulous restoration, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the intricate details of this historic and renowned structure for years to come. After dusk, the station building is bathed in an enchanting orange glow, transforming it into a captivating sight that differs from its daytime allure.

・The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is the residence of the Emperor. It is accessible from Tokyo Station's Marunouchi North Exit, Marunouchi Central Exit, and Marunouchi South Exit, which are all connected by a single path that takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes on foot. The area is divided into three sections: the East Gardens and the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, which are both open for exploration without needing any prior reservations, and the Imperial Palace grounds, which require advance booking for tours. Spanning approximately 2.3 million square meters, it serves as an urban oasis amidst towering skyscrapers, cherished by both Tokyo residents and tourists alike.

・Kabukiza Theatre
Kabuki, a traditional performing art revered as a source of national pride in Japan, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. While there are several theaters across Japan, the Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo's Ginza district holds the distinction of being the world's sole venue dedicated to Kabuki performances. Hosting a diverse array of Kabuki plays daily, visitors are treated to compelling performances, enchanting music, and elaborate costumes. Located just a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute stroll from Tokyo Station, the theater provides programs with English synopses, and for select performances, a convenient English audio guide is available for rent at a nominal fee.

Recommended Restaurants Near Tokyo Station

There are many dining options around Tokyo Station, but this time, this article will only touch upon two of them that come particularly recommended.

Sushi Aoyagi (Sushi)

Situated on the second floor of the Tokyo Station Hotel within the Tokyo Station building, Sushi Aoyagi offers more than just sushi. Here, guests can savor a variety of Japanese dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. The standout offerings include the [Sushi Course] (from 10,890 JPY for dinner) and [Sushi Kaiseki] (from 18,150 JPY for dinner). Feel free to customize your dining experience by adding anything else from the menu or making your own unique course by choosing a mix of traditional Japanese dishes and sushi.

Despite its status as a high-class sushi establishment within a prestigious hotel, Sushi Aoyagi maintains a welcoming ambiance, free from any intimidating air. It's an ideal spot to relish sushi and Japanese cuisine in the heart of the city, and even first-time visitors can feel at ease. Alongside counter and table seating, private rooms are available for those seeking a more intimate dining experience.

Sushi Aoyagi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: From Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit, enter the Tokyo Station Hotel Banquet Hall entrance on the left and take the elevator to the 2nd floor
Address: 2F, Tokyo Station Hotel, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Yakiniku The INNOCENT CARVERY (Japanese BBQ)

Located on the 5th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, which faces Tokyo Station, this yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant boasts an open and airy ambiance thanks to its large glass windows, which offer diners a view of Tokyo Station and its surroundings.

The restaurant's highlight is its selection of premium Japanese beef brands, such as Omi beef, Matsusaka beef, and Kobe beef. Must-try dishes include the [Wagyu Yukke] (2,200 JPY), meticulously prepared to perfection based on how the meat looks that day, and the [Chateaubriand] (from 8,000 JPY), a thick cut of top-quality beef filet served and grilled in front of you by their skilled staff.

Various course meals (from 12,000 JPY) are also on offer, ensuring diners can fully indulge in all kinds of unique dishes centered around Japanese beef.

With its glass-walled interior exuding a sense of luxury, the restaurant accommodates a total of 57 guests, including private rooms catering to groups of up to 10 people. Whether it's a lunch overlooking the blue sky and cityscape or an elegant dinner with a mesmerizing night view, patrons can relish carefully selected Japanese beef in a sophisticated setting here.

Yakiniku The INNOCENT CARVERY

Open: [Monday - Saturday] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm), [Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Marunouchi North Exit of JR Tokyo Station / 241m from Otemachi Station
Address: 5F, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg., 1-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Tokyo Station is conveniently located within walking distance of the bustling Ginza and Nihonbashi areas, renowned for their plethora of commercial establishments that are perfect for shopping sprees and time-honored restaurants. Moreover, the area enjoys excellent train connectivity to various other parts of Tokyo. If you're considering a visit to Japan, why not kick off your journey from Tokyo Station?

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.