Navigating Tokyo Station: Access, Souvenirs, Restaurants, and Attractions

Get to know Tokyo Station

The sheer size of Tokyo Station may leave many travelers feeling overwhelmed, but we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide with all the routes, and maps for you to navigate Tokyo Station like a local.

Marunouchi and Yaesu exits

Tokyo Station has only two main ticket gates: the Marunouchi Exit on the west, and the Yaesu Exit on the east.

The station has six exits at ground level, with each of the Marunouchi Exit and Yaesu Exit featuring a North, Central, and South exit.

Underground, there are four exits, with the Yaesu side having the Underground Central Exit, and the Marunouchi side being divided into the North, Central, and South exits.

To avoid getting lost, choose the appropriate entrance based on your travel plans. If you're taking regular JR trains, opt for the Marunouchi Ticket Gate. If you’re heading to the shinkansen platforms, enter through the Yaesu Ticket Gate.

Overview of Tokyo Station’s train lines

Train lines at Tokyo Station are mainly divided into JR commuter lines and shinkansen. See below for the location of each train line.

• Chuo Line: Departing from platforms 1 & 2 towards Shinjuku and Takao
• Keihin Tohoku Line: Departing from platform 3 towards Ueno and Omiya
• Yamanote Line: Departing from platform 4 towards Ueno and Ikebukuro
• Yamanote Line: Departing from platform 5 towards Shinagawa and Shibuya
• Keihin Tohoku Line: Departing from platform 6 towards Shinagawa and Ofuna
• Ueno Tokyo Line: Departing from platforms 7 & 8 towards Takazaki and Utsunomiya
• Tokaido Line: Departing from platforms 9 & 10 towards Yokohama and Atami
• Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line: Departing from platforms 14-19 towards Nagoya, Shin-Osaka, and Hakata
• Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines: Departing from platforms 20-23 towards Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Nagano

Head from the Yaesu Exit to the Marunouchi Exit via the concourse

If you're heading from the Yaesu Exit to the Marunouchi Exit, you can use the concourse on the north side of the station without paying an extra entrance fee to pass through the ticket gates.

Just take a left turn from the Yaesu North Exit, follow the signs leading to the Marunouchi North Exit, and then follow the directions to cross the North Concourse. You'll reach the ticket gates at the Marunouchi North Exit in no time.

Download the Tokyo Station Map and the Navigation App

Besides checking the official English Tokyo Station floor map, you can also download the Tokyo Station Navi (iOS/Android) app, a guide for navigating Tokyo Station. Not only can you check facility information and directions inside and around Tokyo Station, but you can also monitor real-time crowd levels at restaurants and cafes.

4 best shopping facilities in and around Tokyo Station

Inside Tokyo Station, you'll find Gransta Tokyo, the largest underground shopping complex that spans two floors with over 150 stores. Additionally, at the Marunouchi South and Yaesu South exits, there are malls called Ecute Tokyo and Ecute Keiyo Street respectively.

From trendy dessert souvenirs to bento boxes (boxed lunch) you can savor on your shinkansen ride, you'll find it all here. The variety of goods available inside the station is almost overwhelming, but there are also plenty of shopping facilities outside the station. Let's take a look at four of the most popular ones.

First Avenue Tokyo Station: Find anime character goods, slurp ramen, and shop for snack souvenirs

Inside First Avenue Tokyo Station, you'll find merchandise of your favorite anime at Tokyo Character Street; you can slurp noodles at the renowned Tokyo Ramen Street, while the Tokyo Snack Paradise brings together the best snacks from around Japan.

With a wide variety of products, First Avenue Tokyo Station is the perfect place to shop till you drop, and then enjoy a warm bowl of ramen afterward.

First Avenue Tokyo Station
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Right outside JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Underground Central Exit
Official website: https://www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp/en/

Daimaru Tokyo: A hub for duty-free luxury shopping

A prestigious department store adjacent to Tokyo Station, Daimaru Tokyo boasts 13 floors home to an array of products, ranging from fashion and jewelry to luxury and designer items.

You can also explore the basement floor, offering Japanese bento boxes and popular souvenirs. Additionally, you can get a greater deal on your purchases by visiting the tax-free counter on the 11th floor.

Daimaru Tokyo
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Exit from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit
Official website: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/tokyo/

Kitte Marunouchi: Shop inside a former post office

Formerly known as the Tokyo Central Post Office, Kitte Marunouchi has been transformed into a sprawling shopping complex, preserving the nostalgic exterior of the original building.

Spanning seven floors, it hosts upscale shops featuring famous specialties from Japan, an array of dining options, and a museum.

On the fourth floor, you can explore the former Tokyo Central Post Office director's room, showcasing a unique fusion of old and new Japanese culture.

The sixth floor has an outdoor terrace, known as Kitte Garden, from where you can take in panoramic views of Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi streetscape.

Additionally, on the first basement floor, you can find the latest travel tips and information at the Tokyo Tourist Information Center.

Kitte Marunouchi
Address: 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station
Official website: https://marunouchi.jp-kitte.jp/

Marunouchi Oazo: A shopping complex home to a massive bookstore

Connected to Tokyo Station’s subway station, Marunouchi Oazo doubles as a shopping complex and restful oasis.

In addition to its stylish clothing and specialty goods stores, the first four floors house Japan's largest bookstore, Maruzen, designed as a book art museum. It offers over a million books and a stationery boutique, along with a cafe where weary shoppers can take a break.

Marunouchi Oazo
Address: 1-6-4 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from Tokyo Metro's Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station Exit
Official website: https://www.marunouchi.com/building/oazo/

4 best food options at Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station isn't just a transportation hub; it's also a culinary haven, boasting a wide array of restaurants serving everything from staples like ramen and bento boxes to light snacks available at bakeries and cafes.

Ekibenya Matsuri: Dig in popular railway bento boxes

Located just outside the Marunouchi Central Exit, Ekibenya Matsuri offers a staggering selection of over 200 types of bento boxes.

Offering the most famous railway bento boxes from across Japan, this shop sells everything from meat to seafood varieties. The meals are prepared daily in the shop’s kitchen, creating a lively atmosphere akin to a Japanese festival happening every day.

Ekibenya Matsuri
Address: JR Tokyo Station, Gransta, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit
Official website: https://foods.jr-cross.co.jp/matsuri/ (in Japanese only)

Rokurinsha: Slurp tsukemen dipping noodles

Rokurinsha specializes in tsukemen, a style where you dip noodles into a sauce. The rich broth is made by simmering tonkotsu pork bone and chicken for hours, with the addition of various small dried fish and bonito to elevate the flavor.

Accompanied by generous slices of chashu braised pork, bamboo shoots, and half-cooked eggs, and paired with delightfully chewy noodles, Rokurinsha provides a unique and satisfying tsukemen experience.

Rokurinsha
Address: First Avenue B1F, Tokyo Ramen Street, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit
Official website: https://www.rokurinsha.com/ (in Japanese only)

Burdigala Tokyo: Start your day with scrumptious pastries

Bakery Burdigala Tokyo offers a range of French bread, scones, croissants, and other pastries. Exclusive to this branch are the homemade Mont Blanc chestnut cakes and curry breads.

The bakery also provides a cozy dining area where guests can savor the pastries alongside a cup of coffee, making it the perfect spot for a quick breakfast.

Additionally, be sure to visit the souvenir shop inside the bakery, where you can purchase cookies, macarons, and other treats.

Burdigala Tokyo
Address: JR East Japan Tokyo Station B1F, Gransta Tokyo, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit
Official website: https://burdigala.co.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Ramen Kaminari: Chow down a hearty bowl of ramen noodles

Operated by the renowned ramen shop Chuka Soba Tomita, Ramen Kaminari specializes in Jiro-style ramen, characterized by toppings like sliced pork and vegetables.

The shop uses a generous amount of domestically sourced pork back fat and pork bones, slow-cooked for about 20 hours. The rich broth, combined with a special soy sauce, pairs perfectly with the thick chewy noodles.

Topped with bean sprouts and chashu pork, it's irresistible, making you slurp the noodles until the last drop of soup has been gone. It’s an ideal meal for food enthusiasts who enjoy bold flavors.

Ramen Kaminari Tokyo Station Branch
Address: JR East Japan Tokyo Station, Gransta Tokyo 1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit
Official website: https://www.tomita-cocoro.jp/kaminari_tokyohonnmaru.html (in Japanese only)

5 must-buy souvenirs at Tokyo Station

Here are five popular souvenir shops you shouldn't miss when being at Tokyo Station.

The Maple Mania: Crunch on maple-flavored cookies

The Maple Mania is a specialty shop renowned for its maple syrup desserts. The standout product is the Maple Cream Cookie, crafted with a lavish amount of maple syrup and fermented butter, and filled with a creamy chocolate filling.

Additionally, you’ll find delights like the Maple Layered Puff Pastry and the Tokyo Station-exclusive Maple Chocolate Cake. All of the products are individually packaged, making them ideal souvenirs.

The Maple Mania
Address: JR East Japan Tokyo Station B1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Located inside JR Tokyo Station
Official website: https://themaplemania.jp/en/

N.Y.C. Sand: Indulge in decadent caramel cookies

N.Y.C. Sand has perfected its caramel cookies over a decade—their most popular product is their namesake cookie, where a smooth layer of caramel is enclosed in a thin layer of chocolate and sandwiched by two crispy cookies.

Alongside the classic caramel flavor, you’ll find other variations like the toasted almond N.Y. Scotch Sand and the N.Y. Scotch & W Chocolate Sand, featuring both milk and dark chocolate.

N.Y.C.SAND
Address: Daimaru Tokyo 1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit
Official website: https://nycsand.com/ (in Japanese only)

Audrey: Savor beautiful bouquet-shaped cookies

Audrey, a specialty strawberry dessert shop, is best known for its Glacier Strawberry Cookie Bouquet.

These cookies, fashioned into small cone shapes, are generously filled with cream and adorned with dried strawberries, imparting a sweet yet subtly sour flavor that remains endlessly delightful.

What sets them apart is their visually stunning bouquet-like presentation, making them irresistible treats or thoughtful gifts.

Audrey
Address: JR East Japan Tokyo Station, Gransta Tokyo B1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Inside JR Tokyo Station’s Gransta Tokyo B1F
Official website: https://audrey-strawberry.com/ (in Japanese only)

Press Butter Sand: Try Tokyo's signature souvenir

Press Butter Sand specializes in caramel butter-filled cookies, offering a variety of flavors including regional and seasonal editions like cheese and chestnut.

The double-layered sandwich cookies are renowned for their rich and creamy taste, enjoying high popularity by being a staple souvenir from Tokyo.

Press Butter Sand
Address: Inside JR Tokyo Station, Hanagataya Tokyo, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Within JR Tokyo Station
Official website: https://buttersand.com/en/

Buy Press Butter Sand through WAmazing Shop and pick up your order at various airports across Japan.

Sabrina: Snack on Floral Creamy Crisps

Sabrina, a charming cream dessert shop, opened its doors at Tokyo Station in 2020. Its specialty is the Sabrina Floral Creamy Crisp, made with award-winning Charentes-Poitou cream from France, and baked into delicate flower shapes, coated with sugar granules, and infused with white chocolate and almonds.

Sabrina
Address: Inside JR Tokyo Station, Gransta Tokyo & Gransta Marunouchi, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Within JR Tokyo Station
Official website: https://www.gransta.jp/mall/gransta_tokyo/sabrina/ (in Japanese only)

Enjoy tax-free shopping for a variety of Japanese snacks and souvenirs on WAmazing Shop, and conveniently pick up your order at the airport before heading home. 

Frequently asked questions about Tokyo Station

Q: Are there hotels near Tokyo Station?

Around Tokyo Station, you'll find numerous hotels, including one steeped in over a century of history right within the station itself: The Tokyo Station Hotel. This establishment exudes an elegant, vintage charm reminiscent of Europe, offering a variety of spacious and comfortable rooms.

The Palace Side Rooms provide views of Marunouchi Street, while the Dome Side Rooms have stunning reliefs on the ceiling. The stylish Duplex Rooms, on the other hand, offer a private retreat—there's something for every traveler.

Plus, the hotel features a spa, fitness center, and restaurants with all the amenities, making it a top choice for those seeking a luxurious stay.

The Tokyo Station Hotel
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station South Exit
Official website: https://www.thetokyostationhotel.jp/

Q: Where are the best photo spots at Tokyo Station?

If you want to capture the splendid classical red-brick exterior of Tokyo Station and take memorable photos, you shouldn't miss the following locations.

Kitte Marunouchi (6F: Kitte Garden)
This is an excellent spot to enjoy the nighttime view of the illuminated Tokyo Station.

Marunouchi Building (7F: Restaurant floor)
The seventh floor of the Marunouchi Building provides a perfect vantage point for capturing a full frontal view of Tokyo Station.

Tokyo Station Marunouchi Front Square
This location allows you to get up close for the best shots of the exterior. On rainy days, you might even capture the stunning reflection of the station on the ground.

Gyoko-dori in front of Tokyo Station
In autumn, you can capture a beautiful shot with ginkgo trees alongside Tokyo Station.

Q: Who was the architect behind the design of Tokyo Station?

Tokyo Station, famed for its red-brick architecture, was designed by the acclaimed "Father of Modern Japanese Architecture," Kingo Tatsuno (1854-1919.)

Spanning 335 meters and rising three stories, the station combines brick and steel constructions, presenting a distinctive blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles.

Despite sustaining damage during air raids in 1945, the station was meticulously restored to its original design. In recognition of its historical significance, Tokyo Station was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2003.

Discover Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station, an iconic landmark renowned for its red-brick architecture, offers a blend of historical significance, shopping spots, and diverse attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Tokyo.

Next time you're in the city, use Tokyo Station as your central base for sightseeing, and consider the Tokyo Subway Ticket to explore the city, and opt for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass for hassle-free travel to Tokyo's outskirts.

Get around the city with the Tokyo Subway Ticket and enjoy unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72 hours)

・Unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
・Pick up your ticket at all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway line stations by scanning a QR code.

Press Butter Sand

・Baked using a traditional confectionery method known as Hasami-yaki.
・Buy through WAmazing to enjoy tax-free deals and pick-up at various airports.