The area surrounding Tokyo Station is one of the best options for accommodation in the capital. Tokyo Station itself is hugely convenient with multiple train lines including Shinkansen / ‘Bullet Train’ lines running to Central Japan including the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and Kanazawa, the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata, the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, and lines running west to destinations including Aomori and onto Hokkaido. The Narita Express (NEX) runs direct to Narita Airport – taking around 55-minutes – while Haneda Airport is only 30-minutes from the station via Hamamatsucho Station.

Not just convenient, within walking distance of the station you have the business/shopping area of Marunouchi and the famous shopping, dining and entertainment districts of Ginza and Nihombashi. In these areas you will find some of Tokyo’s best department stores and boutiques, restaurants and an array of nightlife. Therefore, Tokyo station is by far one of the best places to base yourself during your stay as it makes for easy entertainment options in the evening and nighttime after a long day of exploring. The Marunouchi Bldg. and Shin-Marunouchi Bldg. are both high rise complexes directly opposite Tokyo Station’s South exit which offer an impressive selection of bars and restaurants.

Another great option for shopping, dining and drinks is KITTE. Originally the former Japan Post building, this historic building was renovated and reopened in 2013 to serve a great blend of both historic and modern architecture. The complex features a wide variety of bars and dining options, unique shops, a museum and it even has a rooftop terrace that visitors can enjoy for free. The rooftop garden is open from 11am – 11pm so we highly recommend heading up for a nighttime view of the city after dinner and before heading back to your hotel. The rooftop garden gives you a great view of Tokyo Station from above, as well as being able to watch the trains coming and going.

The area of Tokyo is of course most famous for Tokyo Station and its Architecture, and the Imperial Palace which is within walking distance of the station. Before exiting Tokyo Station, take the time to explore its stunning architecture from within the station. The impressive domed entrance is truly beautiful and provides a sense of grandeur as you leave. Tokyo Station is also home to an underground labyrinth of restaurants, bars and shopping which we also recommend for your evening and nighttime entertainment. Within the lower level of Tokyo Station is the famous ’Character Street’. This street is lined with a wide selection of character goods stores from Sanrio, One Piece, Pokemon and more. Visitors should note that you cannot go inside of the Imperial Palace. Visitors are only allowed to enter the outer gate of the Palace grounds with a Palace tour guide. Tours of the outer gate are provided and last approximately 1 hour. You must apply for these special tours on a first come, first serve basis at the entrance to the Outer Gate. The tours happen twice a day, in the morning and afternoon.

If you would like to opportunity to explore the Tokyo Station, Marunouchi area and Nihombashi area with an experienced tour guide, why not join our ’Ultimate Tokyo Tour’. We visit many of the key attractions in these areas, as well as exploring the hidden gem of Kiyosumi. Click the tour card below to find out more information.

1 Day Tour

Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:30 – 16:45
Meeting Place	Inside Tokyo Station’s Domed Lobby Area by Green and White Information Board
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥13,000

Accommodation ranges from high-end to budget with everything in-between, with hotels inside and very nearby the station if you need to catch an early train or flight. Major hotels in the area include the Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Imperial Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Marunouchi Hotel, The Peninsula Hotel and Tokyo Station Hotel. Given the location, prices can be high so if you’re on a budget, look a little further afield including the areas around Nihombashi.