Tokyo Station is much more than a place to catch a train—it’s a complex hub of history, convenience, gourmet food, shopping, and photo-worthy architecture. This guide walks you through all the major highlights, covering both the Marunouchi and Yaesu sides, with insider tips on transportation, shopping, restaurants, and the best spots to take pictures.
🗾 Introduction: Tokyo Station Has Two Very Different Faces
Tokyo Station is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Japan—but it’s also surprisingly easy to get lost in, especially because it has two completely different sides. Knowing the difference between the Marunouchi side and the Yaesu side will help you navigate more confidently and make the most of your time inside and around the station.
🟥 The Marunouchi Side: Historic and Elegant
The Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station features the station’s most iconic view—a red-brick facade that looks like it belongs in Europe rather than central Tokyo. Originally built in 1914 and carefully restored to its former glory, this side of the station evokes a sense of timeless sophistication. It faces the Imperial Palace and is home to the luxurious Tokyo Station Hotel, as well as cultural sites like the Tokyo Station Gallery.
If you’re into history, architecture, or photography, this is the side you’ll want to explore first.
🟦 The Yaesu Side: Modern and Convenient
The Yaesu side, by contrast, is sleek, modern, and built for fast-paced travelers. This is the side you’ll most likely use if you’re arriving by taxi, catching a highway bus, or staying in one of Tokyo’s many nearby business hotels. It connects easily to major commercial zones like Nihonbashi and Tokyo’s financial district.
Here you’ll find department stores, souvenir shops, direct access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) platforms, and multiple underground shopping streets. It’s also the gateway to some of the station’s best restaurants and bus terminals.
Transportation Facilities: Yaesu & Marunouchi Sides
🚖 Taxi Stands
Located just outside both the Yaesu and Marunouchi exits, taxi stands are clearly marked and accessible.
🚌 JR Highway Bus Terminal & Ticket Counter
- Drop-off: Nihonbashi Exit
- Boarding Point: In front of the Yaesu Exit
Exploring the First Floor: Starting from the Yaesu Side
The Yaesu side is a practical departure point—it’s where most travelers board highway buses or catch a taxi. It’s also where many arrivals from outside Tokyo find themselves. Let’s take a tour starting from here.
🏬 Daimaru Department Store
Located directly above and beside the Yaesu North Exit of Tokyo Station, Daimaru Tokyo is one of the most convenient and high-end department stores in the area. It’s a popular stop for both locals and travelers looking to shop for premium goods, fashionable clothing, and high-quality souvenirs without straying far from their train or Shinkansen connection.
The store spans multiple floors, offering a wide range of items from designer fashion and cosmetics to traditional Japanese crafts and lifestyle goods. One of the highlights is the basement food hall, known as a depachika, which features gourmet bento boxes, Japanese sweets, fresh sushi, and even imported delicacies. It’s a great place to pick up an elegant gift or something delicious to eat on your train ride.
Whether you’re on a layover, waiting for your Shinkansen, or simply want to experience Japanese department store culture at its finest, Daimaru Tokyo is a worthwhile stop just steps from the station.
🛍️ Tokyo Gift Palette
Just next to Daimaru and still within the Yaesu North Exit area, you’ll find Tokyo Gift Palette—a lively and modern shopping zone perfect for picking up souvenirs and regional treats. Unlike the more fashion-focused Daimaru, this space is all about snacks, gifts, and compact items ideal for travelers.
Featuring over 30 specialty shops, Tokyo Gift Palette offers everything from Tokyo-exclusive sweets and traditional confections to beautifully designed gifts you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great place to explore Japan’s rich world of packaging and regional branding—whether you’re looking for matcha delicacies, fruit jellies, or artisan senbei rice crackers.
Many of the items here are designed for gifting and travel—easy to pack, attractively wrapped, and often available in seasonal or station-limited editions. If you’re in a rush before your train or just want to browse unique food items without leaving the station, this is one of the most convenient and satisfying places to do it.
🧸 Pokémon Store Tokyo Station
After browsing the elegant gifts and regional sweets at Tokyo Gift Palette, head just a little further and you’ll stumble upon a spot that brings out the inner child in just about everyone—the Pokémon Store Tokyo Station.
This compact but vibrant store is a must-visit for families, anime fans, and anyone with a soft spot for Japan’s most beloved franchise. From plushies and keychains to stationery and travel goods, the store is packed with items featuring Pikachu and friends—including exclusive merchandise you can only get at Tokyo Station, often with station-themed designs or Tokyo-exclusive outfits.
Even if you’re not a hardcore Pokémon fan, it’s a fun place to soak in some Japanese pop culture and pick up playful souvenirs for kids—or for yourself. It’s especially convenient if you’re traveling with family and need a quick, exciting stop to entertain the little ones while waiting for your train.
🍽️ Yaekita Dining（八重北食堂）
If all that shopping has worked up your appetite, you won’t have to go far. Just steps away from the souvenir and character goods areas, Yaekita Dining offers a wide variety of sit-down restaurants tucked into the upper floors of the Yaesu area. It’s a convenient spot for a proper meal, whether you have time to spare before your Shinkansen or are just arriving in Tokyo and need something hearty to eat.
The restaurants here range from casual Japanese comfort food—like udon, tonkatsu, and tempura—to more refined offerings such as sushi, izakaya dishes, and teishoku (set meals). The area is clean, organized, and easily accessible even for first-time visitors. English menus are often available, and some restaurants even have sample displays or photos outside to help you decide.
Yaekita Dining is especially convenient for travelers who prefer a calmer dining experience compared to the busy food halls in the station basement. It’s also a great choice if you’re meeting friends or family before boarding the train, offering plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere just above the fast-paced world of Tokyo Station.
Entrance Gates and Shinkansen Access
🚅 Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Entrances
- Accessible directly from Yaesu South Exit.
- You can also reach these platforms via transfer gates inside after entering the main JR ticket area.
🚄 Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku Shinkansen
- These are accessed through transfer gates on the 1st floor inside Tokyo Station.
Inside the Ticket Gates: GRANSTA Tokyo & Shopping
🗺️ Gransta Tokyo Map:
🛤️ Gransta Tokyo: The Ultimate In-Station Shopping Experience
After your meal at Yaekita Dining, head a little deeper into Tokyo Station to explore Gransta Tokyo, the largest in-station shopping complex operated by JR East. It’s a convenient and stylish place to shop, eat, or pick up souvenirs—perfect for travelers with time before a train.
While most of Gransta is located on the B1 floor, several key areas stretch onto the 1st floor, making it accessible whether you’re inside or outside the ticket gates. The selection includes bento shops, sweets, regional snacks, gifts, and even full restaurants.
Whether you’re after a Shinkansen snack, a last-minute gift, or a taste of local specialties, Gransta makes it easy to shop without ever leaving the station.
🚶♀️ Gransta Central Street Area（中央通路エリア）
This is one of the busiest walkways inside Tokyo Station, connecting many train lines. Along the way, you’ll find a mix of bento shops, souvenir stalls, and specialty sweets. It’s a great place to grab an ekiben (station bento box) before hopping on the Shinkansen.
Don’t miss:
- Ekibenya Odori – Famous for regional bento boxes representing flavors from all over Japan.
🍽️ Gransta North Street Area（北通路エリア）
This quieter corridor features restaurants and cafés, perfect for a quick sit-down meal without leaving the station. It’s especially convenient if you’re transferring between long-distance trains.
Highlights:
- Daisy Tokyo – A stylish café with light meals and sweets.
🏛️ Gransta Atrium Area（吹き抜けエリア）
An open, airy space filled with a variety of shops offering design goods, souvenirs, and gourmet snacks. It’s a relaxing place to browse, with wide corridors and attractive displays.
Popular stops:
- VINYL – Unique art and stationery items
- Tokyo Panino – Trendy sandwiches with Japanese flair
- MAISON CACAO – Beautifully crafted chocolates that look like jewels
- Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten – Traditional goods with a modern twist
🍡 Gransta Keiyo Street Area
Located near the Keiyo Line passage, this area is lined with shops selling sweets, seasonal foods, and regional snacks. It’s a good place to stop if you’re headed to Tokyo Disney Resort or Makuhari Messe.
Local favorites:
- Tokyo Anpan MameIchizu – A twist on classic red bean bread
- boB – Stylish boxed sweets perfect for gifting
🚉 Transfer Gate: Seamless Access to the Shinkansen
Once you’ve finished shopping or dining in Gransta, there’s no need to exit the station or search for another entrance. Near the end of the shopping area, you’ll find a Transfer Gate—a special passage that allows you to go directly from the JR lines to the Shinkansen platforms without leaving the ticketed area.
It’s clearly marked and extremely convenient, especially if you’re catching a bullet train to cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, or Sendai. Just scan your Shinkansen ticket at the gate, and you’re on your way.
If you’ve picked up a bento box or souvenirs, this is your last chance to grab anything before boarding!
Train Lines and 2nd Floor Platforms
Tokyo Station is the starting point or a major transfer hub for many lines:
🚈 JR Lines
- Yamanote Line – Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno
- Chuo Line (Rapid) – Kichijoji, Nakano
- Keihin-Tohoku Line – Yokohama, Ueno
- Sobu Line (Rapid) – Akihabara, Tokyo Disney Resort (via Maihama)
- Tokaido Line – Yokohama, Kamakura
- Yokosuka Line – Kamakura, Yokohama
- Joban Line (via Ueno) – Hitachi, Kashima
- Narita Express – Narita Airport
🚄 Shinkansen Lines
- Tokaido Shinkansen – Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone
- Joetsu Shinkansen – Niigata
- Hokuriku Shinkansen – Kanazawa
- Tohoku Shinkansen – Sendai, Aomori
🚇 Subway Access (via connected stations)
- Keiyo Line – Tokyo Disney Resort, Kaihin-Makuhari
- Marunouchi Line – Ginza, Shinjuku
- Hibiya Line – Roppongi, Tsukiji
- Chiyoda Line – Omotesando, Harajuku
- Tozai Line – Nihombashi, Nakano
- Ginza Line – Asakusa, Shibuya
- Hanzomon Line – Shibuya, Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)
- Mita Line – Tokyo Tower
- Namboku Line – Roppongi
🟥 Marunouchi Side: Architecture, History, and Culture
After experiencing the convenience and energy of the Yaesu side, it’s time to slow down and step into the elegance of old Tokyo. Head through the North Underground Free Passage or take one of the above-ground exits, and you’ll emerge at the Marunouchi side—home to Tokyo Station’s most famous architectural feature: its red-brick facade.
Restored to its original 1914 appearance, this side of the station is a stunning example of Meiji-era architecture fused with modern urban design. It’s quieter, more spacious, and full of historical and cultural touches that offer a very different impression than the fast-paced Yaesu side.
🏛️ Architectural Highlights
Framing the facade are two symmetrical dome-shaped entrances—the Marunouchi North and South Domes. The central red-brick section of the building stands at around 28 meters, while the two domes rise to about 35 meters. These majestic domes are decorated with plaster reliefs and classical details that celebrate Japan’s regional heritage. Don’t forget to look up when you pass through!
For the best photo spot, walk toward Gyoko-dori Avenue, the tree-lined road leading to the Imperial Palace. From here, you can capture the full grandeur of Tokyo Station’s exterior.
🏨 Tokyo Station Hotel
Located just inside the Marunouchi South Entrance, this historic five-star hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s part of the station’s original 1914 design. The Tokyo Station Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with vaulted ceilings, elegant furnishings, and exclusive access to parts of the building not open to the general public.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth stepping into the lobby to appreciate the beautiful restoration work and classic ambiance.
🕊️ Hara Takashi Assassination Site
Right beneath the South Dome, you’ll find a small plaque marking the spot where Prime Minister Hara Takashi was assassinated in 1921. As Japan’s first commoner prime minister and a central figure in early democratic politics, his death marked a turning point in modern Japanese history. It’s a quietly powerful moment of reflection amid the rush of the station.
🖼️ JR East Travel Service Center & Tokyo Station Gallery
Over at the North Dome, you’ll find the JR East Travel Service Center, where foreign visitors can get help with train reservations, Suica cards, and general travel advice—most staff speak English or other languages.
Right nearby is the Tokyo Station Gallery, a compact but impressive art museum set within the station’s original red-brick structure. It regularly features exhibitions on Japanese and international art, design, and architecture, offering a cultural break in the middle of your journey.
⬇️ B1 Floor Highlights (Outside the Ticket Gates)
Once you’ve explored the ground level of Tokyo Station, don’t forget to head downstairs. The B1 (basement) floor is a treasure trove of food, shopping, and entertainment—much of it accessible without a train ticket. It’s the perfect place to explore before your departure or after you arrive in the city.
🛍️ Ichibangai Shopping Street
Start your basement adventure at Ichibangai, a lively shopping street packed with fashion boutiques, lifestyle goods, and snack shops. Whether you’re looking for something trendy, traditional, or easy to pack as a gift, this area has a bit of everything.
🍜 Tokyo Ramen Street
Tucked inside Ichibangai is the legendary Tokyo Ramen Street, a must-visit for noodle lovers. Featuring a lineup of top ramen shops from across Japan, it’s a rare chance to sample different regional styles—everything from rich tonkotsu broth to light and citrusy shio ramen—all in one convenient place.
🍱 Japanese Gourmet Avenue
Just across from Ramen Street, Japanese Gourmet Avenue focuses on premium foods and regional specialties. Bento boxes, seasonal snacks, and high-end delicacies from across Japan are beautifully displayed and easy to take with you on your train ride or give as gifts.
🍬 Tokyo Okashi Land
If you love Japanese sweets, you’ll be in heaven at Tokyo Okashi Land. This brightly lit corner is dedicated to famous snack brands like Glico, Calbee, and Morinaga. Many products here are Tokyo Station exclusives or seasonal limited editions, making it one of the best places for edible souvenirs.
🎎 Character Street
Just a few steps away is Character Street, a dream destination for anime fans and families with kids. Dozens of stores sell official merchandise from popular franchises like Pokémon, Ghibli, Sanrio, and many more. You’ll even find Japan-exclusive items and themed pop-up shops that rotate throughout the year.
🍶 Kurobei Yokocho
If you’re in the mood for a more atmospheric, adult-friendly dining experience, head to Kurobei Yokocho—a narrow, lantern-lit alley lined with cozy izakaya, Japanese restaurants, and sake bars. It’s a nostalgic throwback to traditional Tokyo and a great place for an evening meal or drink before your train.
🍰 Gransta Marunouchi (Inside and Outside Ticket Gates)
On the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station, the Gransta experience continues with elegant shopping and gourmet food offerings both inside and outside the ticket gates. Compared to the lively and practical feel of the Yaesu side, Gransta Marunouchi has a calmer, more refined atmosphere—ideal for travelers looking for beautifully crafted gifts, sweets, or a quiet sit-down meal.
📍 Marunouchisaka Area (Inside the Gates)
This area is known for its stylish sweets and artisanal products, perfect for picking up a little treat for yourself or a sophisticated gift to take home.
Featured shops include:
- R.L Waffle Cake – Colorful, bite-sized waffle sandwiches in seasonal flavors
- Terra Saison – Elegant pastries using carefully selected Japanese ingredients
- Ivorish – A French toast specialty brand with creative twists
- Nihonbou – Traditional Japanese snacks and regional delicacies with a premium look
📍 Square Zero Area
Located near the central passage, this zone focuses on high-quality bento and ready-made meals. It’s a go-to stop before catching a train, especially the Shinkansen.
Recommended stops:
- Station Restaurant The Central – A sit-down restaurant that blends the atmosphere of old Tokyo Station with modern comfort
- UBUKA – Known for its crab bento, with only 50 sold per day, making it a sought-after luxury item
- Tsukiji Kiyomura – Bento and sushi from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji market
- Japanese Malt Whisky SAKURA – A small stand offering beautifully bottled premium whisky, ideal for gifts
📍 Silver Bell Area
This area gets its name from the famous Ginnosuzu (Silver Bell)—a classic meeting spot used by countless travelers. There are benches for waiting, and it’s close to station exits and baggage facilities.
Nearby shops include:
- Koronban – A charming bakery with classic Japanese sweets
- Cannule Lite Karuizawa – Elegant, petite canelés from Karuizawa, sold in delicate gift sets (2 for ¥1,280)
🚶♀️ Crossing from Yaesu to Marunouchi: North Underground Free Passage
If you’re on the Yaesu side and want to explore the Marunouchi side without using a train ticket, the easiest way is to take the North Underground Free Passage. This wide, well-lit corridor runs beneath the station and is completely outside the ticket gates—meaning you can walk freely between both sides.
Along the way, you’ll find coin lockers, useful if you’re carrying luggage, and signs in English that clearly direct you toward the Marunouchi North or South exits.
This passage is not just practical—it’s also a smooth, comfortable way to shift from the hustle of the Yaesu side to the more scenic, relaxed atmosphere of Marunouchi.
🏛️ Emerging at Marunouchi: A Change of Pace
As you exit the passage and step into the Marunouchi side, you’ll immediately notice the change in atmosphere. You’ve now entered Tokyo Station’s most iconic area, where red-brick history meets modern Tokyo elegance. This is where you’ll find grand architecture, open plazas, luxury hotels, and cultural points of interest—all within a short walk of the station.
In the next section, we’ll explore the Marunouchi facades, domes, hotel, historical sites, and how to enjoy this quieter, more photogenic side of Tokyo Station.
📸 Photo Tips for Exploring Tokyo Station
Whether you’re a casual traveler with a smartphone or a photography enthusiast with a DSLR, Tokyo Station offers a surprising variety of photogenic spots. From classic architecture to sleek urban design, here are the best places—and times—to capture the station at its most stunning.
🟥 Marunouchi Facade
For the iconic shot of Tokyo Station, head to Gyoko-dori Avenue, the wide, tree-lined street leading toward the Imperial Palace. From here, you can frame the full red-brick facade, domes included, in a single elegant shot.
Best time to shoot:
Late afternoon to early evening. The building lights up beautifully at dusk, adding warmth and drama to the red bricks without overwhelming your photo with crowds.
🏛️ North and South Domes (Inside Marunouchi Entrances)
Step inside the Marunouchi North and South Entrances and look up. Each dome features ornate plaster reliefs representing Japan’s 47 prefectures—a hidden detail that many travelers miss.
Photo tip:
Stand in the center and aim your camera straight up to capture the full circular design. Early mornings or late evenings are best if you want a clean shot without people passing through.
🌃 GranRoof (Yaesu Side)
On the Yaesu side, the atmosphere shifts to something far more modern. The GranRoof, a large illuminated canopy stretching above the bus terminal and taxi stands, provides a sleek, futuristic contrast to the Marunouchi side’s historic vibe.
Best time to shoot:
Evening or night. The lights embedded in the canopy shine against the dark sky, making for a striking cityscape photo. A wide-angle lens or panorama mode works well here.
Final Notes
Tokyo Station is more than just a train hub—it’s a city in itself. Whether you’re shopping, transferring, dining, or just exploring, there’s always something new to discover. With this guide in hand, you’ll be able to navigate both sides of the station with confidence and appreciation.
Don’t forget to stop for a few photos—you’ll be glad you did!
