Tokyo Station is the heart of Japan’s bustling capital, a central transportation hub that sees over 400,000 passengers every day. Imagine a hive of activity with over 3,000 trains arriving and departing! This grand station, located in the Marunouchi business district, has a rich history dating back to the Edo Period, when the area was part of the castle’s outer moat.
Navigating Tokyo Station: Your Journey Begins Here
For first-time visitors to Tokyo, Tokyo Station can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy to navigate. This station is your key to exploring the city’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks. The Japan Rail Pass makes traveling around Japan effortless and affordable, with many trains serving Tokyo Station covered by the pass.
High-Speed Travel: Shinkansen Bullet Trains
The eastern side of the station, known as Yaesu, is where you’ll find the Shinkansen bullet trains. These sleek, high-speed trains are a popular choice for those wanting to explore further afield. From Tokyo Station, you can hop on a Shinkansen and reach destinations like Hakata, Hiroshima, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Yamagata, Shinjo, Nagoaka, Niiagata, Echigo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Tsuruga, Morioka, and Akita—all in record time!
Exploring Tokyo: Connecting to Local Lines
Beyond the Shinkansen, Tokyo Station offers a comprehensive network of local train lines. The Yamanote Loop Line, a circular route, connects many of Tokyo’s famous tourist spots.
Other lines include:
- Chuo Line: Connecting you to Shinjuku and Takao
- Keihin Tohoku Line: Reaching Ueno Station, Akihabara, and Omiya
- Ueno Tokyo Line: Home to the Limited Express Hitachi
- Tokaido Line: Offering the Limited Express Sunrise Seto and Izumo, the Limited Express Odoriko, and the Rapid Moonlight Nagara
- Sobu and Yokosuka lines: Connecting you to Narita Airport via the Rapid Airport Narita and Narita Express
- Keiyo Line: Hosting the Limited Express Wakashio to Katsuura, the Limited Express Sazanami to Tateyama, and local trains, with access to Maihama (the nearest station to Tokyo Disney)
Connecting to Narita Airport: Smooth and Convenient
The Narita Express, a fast and reliable limited express train service, connects Tokyo Station directly to Narita International Airport. This convenient service is free with your Japan Rail Pass.
Connecting to Haneda Airport: A Quick and Easy Journey
The Tokyo Monorail is the most convenient way to get to Haneda Airport. While not directly connected to Tokyo Station, you can easily reach it by taking the Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku lines to Hamamatsucho Station and then transferring to the Tokyo Monorail. This journey takes around 25 minutes and is also included in your JR Pass.
Discovering Tokyo: Connecting to the Metro
The Tokyo Metro, a comprehensive underground network, offers a convenient way to navigate the city. At Tokyo Station, you can board the Marunouchi Line, connecting you to other major stations like Ginza and Shinjuku.
Arriving and Departing: Navigating Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station boasts over 10 ticket gates, serving as entrances and exits. The eastern side is called Yaesu, while the western side is known as Marunouchi. Access to the Shinkansen trains is on the Yaesu side.
The ground floor of Tokyo Station houses 20 train tracks spread across 10 platforms. Two sections of the station are located underground, each with 4 train tracks on 2 platforms.
Reaching Tokyo Station is a breeze, with other Yamanote Line stations within walking distance and bus services readily available.
A World of Possibilities: Exploring Beyond the Station
Tokyo Station itself is a destination worth exploring. You’ll find a JR hotel, an art gallery, the Daimaru Department Store, a variety of restaurants, and the new Japan Rail Cafe.
Marunouchi, located just west of the station, is home to several skyscrapers with shopping complexes and restaurants on their lower levels. Explore the Marubiru (Marunouchi Building), Shin Marubiru, Kitte (translated as “postal stamp”), Marunouchi Oazo, Nakadori Avenue, Marunouchi Brick Square, and Tokyo Building Tokia.
Hotels are also easily accessible from the station’s eastern side.
Cultural Treasures: Discover the Imperial Palace and Beyond
Just a short 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station lies the Tokyo Imperial Palace, home to the imperial family. The East Gardens are open to the public, while guided tours offer a glimpse of the inner grounds.
Other nearby attractions include the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum (originally built by the Mitsubishi Company in 1894) and the Tokyo International Forum, a prominent event venue and architectural masterpiece.
Your Japan Adventure Awaits: Embark on an Unforgettable Journey
With your JR Pass, exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo is a breeze. From the iconic landmarks to hidden gems, your Japan vacation is sure to be a treasured memory!
What must-see places will you visit in Tokyo? With so much to discover, the possibilities are endless.
