In the heart of Tokyo, there’s supposed to be some kind of emptiness, as mentioned by a great French philosopher once said. Where could it be? Maybe it’s a place with open squares, lush greenery, and old buildings still standing. That spot surrounded by moats is a personal favorite of mine. It just has a different vibe, you know? I find myself pondering eternity, and that’s saying something. Kind of embarrassing, actually.
A. Start Walking from JR Tokyo Station, Center of Tokyo
A-1. Marunouchi South Exit of JR Tokyo Station
The walking starts from the Marunouchi South Exit of JR Tokyo Station (marked as A on the map).
Once you pass through the ticket gate, you are better to look up immediately. The station building on the Marunouchi side itself is a designated important cultural property, and the dome ceiling above is adorned with classical decorations. The decorative elements on the ceiling were lost in a fire during World War II, but during renovations in 2012, the appearance from its completion in 1914 was faithfully restored. Now, let’s head outside!
A1-2. Overview of Tokyo Station
In front of the station is a broad avenue leading to the Imperial Palace. Tokyo Station serves as the official front door to the city.
For example, when a newly appointed Ambassador attend the Ceremony of the Presentation of Credentials at the Imperial Palace, this is the official departure point, right here at Tokyo Station. Interestingly, they have a choice between a car and a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage for transportation, but everyone seems to opt for the carriage. Quite understandable, isn’t it?
Deture Point ❶: Tokyo Station Hotel
The front entrance of the hotel is located next to the Marunouchi South Exit of JR Tokyo Station.
One year after Tokyo Station’s grand opening in 1915, Tokyo Station Hotel welcomed guests from both near and far to start its own journey. Following the renovations that kicked off in 2007 for Tokyo Station, the hotel also underwent a makeover and reopened in 2012.
If you ever fancied staying in a designated important cultural property, Tokyo Station Hotel is the only place in Japan where you can do just that. And for all you train enthusiasts out there, staying here is a must—it’s like a dream come true for railway fans!
PR
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Detour Point ❷: KITTE Marunouchi
KITTE Marunouchi Building gives off a slightly unconventional vibe, as it has been redeveloped into a new commercial building while preserving the exterior of the former Tokyo Central Post Office up to the fifth floor. The entrance hall features an impressive design with an open atrium extending up to the fifth floor, and it was created by the architect Kengo Kuma.
If you have time, you are recommended to visit a room on the fourth floor that replicates the former Tokyo Central Post Office Manager’s office. From the window, you can enjoy a panoramic view of JR Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi building. The room is designed to provide a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to write letters and reflect on the space’s historical significance as the Tokyo Central Post Office.
Nearby, the Mitsubishi Ichigokan, which replicates the exterior of a historic building, is currently undergoing renovations. The attached art museum is also closed until the fall of 2024.
B. Imperial Palace, Center of Japan
B-1. Nijubashi Bridge, Front Entrance Gate of Imperial Palace
Enter the Imperial Palace from the important cultural property, Sakuradamon (marked as B on the map), located at the south part of the Imperial Palace. Head towards the Nijubashi (marked as C on the map), a double bridge spanning the main gate of the Imperial Palace. Technically, it consists of two bridges: the front one being Frontgate Ishibasi (Stone Bridge) and the one beyond it being an Frontgate Tetsubashi (Iron Bridge). During the New Year’s public greeting organized by the Imperial Family, we can cross these bridges to enter the Imperial Palace grounds.
After enjoying the view of the Nijubashi, let’s head north through the Imperial Palace Plaza.
B-2. East Gardens of Imperial Palace
The East Gardens are part of the Imperial Palace and are open to the public. There are three entrances, and this time, let’s enter through the Otemon (Main Gate)(marked as D on the map). Please note that there is a baggage inspection before entering, so it’s advisable to keep your belongings to a minimum.
Feel free to stroll around the East Gardens, but please be a bit mindful of the stone walls along the paths. If you’ve visited other Japanese castles, you might notice the impressive size of the stones here. It reflects the grandeur of the castle, which served as the residence of the Shogun who ruled Japan for over 260 years.
Be sure to visit the stone basement of the Edo Castle’s main tower (marked as E on the map) in the center of the park. Interestingly, the main tower burned down in a fire just 60 years into the Edo period. Ultimately, for nearly 200 years, Edo Castle did not have a main tower.
It’s often said that the practical approach of the Edo Shogunate which deemed castles unnecessary in times of peace. Thanks to such a practical approach, the Edo period of 260 years unfolded.
After exiting Hirakawa-mon (F in the map), let’s head back to Tokyo Station while enjoying the view of the Imperial Palace.
PR
If you want to stay nearby Imperial Palace, Hoshinoya Tokyo, Japanese Style Onsen Hotel, is available:
Detour Point ❸: Tokyo Character Street at Tokyo Station First Avenue
If you or someone you know is a fan of Japanese anime and character goods, Tokyo Character Street in the underground shopping area of Tokyo Station is a must-visit spot. Official shops from television stations sell merchandise featuring currently airing anime characters, and there are specialized stores dedicated to Ultraman, Pokémon, Ghibli, Precure, and more. Additionally, you’ll find shops featuring iconic characters like Rilakkuma and Miffy, along with a store offering anime goods related to the Jump manga magazine. Coming here allows you to complete your collection of Japanese anime and character goods.
Detour Point ❹ : Tokyo Ramen Street at Tokyo Station First Avenue; You can explore Eight representative Japanese Ramen.
If you’re excited about savoring Ramen in Japan, make sure to check out Tokyo Ramen Street in the underground shopping area at JR Tokyo Station, which is situated near the Tokyo Character Street mentioned above. Eeight unique ramen shops gather, offering a variety of representative Japanese Ramen styles. It might be challenging to try all of them at once, but by visiting a few times, you can explore and find your favorite type of Ramen, creating memorable experiences in Japan. From then on, you’ll be able to confidently choose your preferred Ramen without hesitation.
Finally, you’ve arrived back in JR Tokyo Station (marked as G on the map), the starting point of your stroll. What’s next? Considering there are numerous eateries under the elevated tracks of railway and in the underground area of JR Tokyo Station, it might be enjoyable to stroll around once more, casually searching for a nice place to eat and drink.
Around Tokyo Station, things have changed a bunch, but at the same time, the vibe hasn’t shifted. It’s kinda confusing, you feel me? The Imperial Palace is just chilling there like always, but the skyline is getting a makeover with all these new buildings popping up. Inside Tokyo Station, it’s turning into this complex scene, but from the Marunouchi side, it’s still that classic brick building that hasn’t changed a bit.
Feels like the Tokyo Station area is doing its own thing compared to the rest of Tokyo, you know?