Detailed explanation of the history and overview of Tokyo Station

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Tokyo Station
2. History of Tokyo Station
3. Must-Visit Spots at Tokyo Station
4. Architecture and Design of Tokyo Station

Introduction

Tokyo Station, located in the Marunouchi district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, is a major railway terminal in Japan. Since its opening on December 20, 1914, it has been a crucial hub for Japanese transportation for over 100 years. The station is renowned for its red brick exterior and magnificent domed roofs, designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, and is considered a symbol of modern Japanese architecture. Tokyo Station is one of the busiest stations in the world, handling approximately 460,000 passengers daily. With its vast area and diverse rail lines, it plays a vital role as a hub for both domestic and international business and tourism.

This article provides a detailed introduction to Tokyo Station, including its overview, history, highlights, architecture, design, events, and festivals. Use this guide to better understand the charm, cultural, and historical significance of Tokyo Station.

1. Overview of Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station, located in the Marunouchi district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, is a major railway terminal in Japan. Since its opening on December 20, 1914, it has been a crucial hub for Japanese transportation for over 100 years. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the station is renowned for its red brick exterior and magnificent domed roofs, and is considered a symbol of modern Japanese architecture.

Handling approximately 460,000 passengers daily, it is one of the busiest stations in the world. The station's area is about 182,000 square meters, equivalent to 3.6 times the size of Tokyo Dome. The station has a total of 28 platforms, serving the Shinkansen, JR lines, and Tokyo Metro.

The Yaesu Exit on the east side is lined with shops and restaurants, with the Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall being particularly popular among visitors. The Marunouchi Exit on the west side offers convenient access to the Tokyo Station Hotel and the Imperial Palace. Inside the station, there are numerous shops and restaurants, including the famous Tokyo Ramen Street and Tokyo Character Street.​

・Structure and Facilities
As a terminal for both conventional and Shinkansen lines, Tokyo Station serves a vast number of routes. It is served by JR East's conventional lines, JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen, and Tokyo Metro's Marunouchi Line. The Shinkansen platforms alone consist of five surface platforms with ten tracks, and the conventional lines have five surface platforms with ten tracks and four underground platforms with eight tracks, making it one of Japan's largest stations in terms of the number of platforms.

・Surrounding Area
Tokyo Station is centrally located in the business districts of Marunouchi, Otemachi, Yurakucho, Yaesu, Nihonbashi, and Kyobashi. It is directly connected to surrounding office buildings via underground passages, providing high convenience for both business people and tourists.

・Usage
Tokyo Station handles about 3,000 trains daily and is bustling with passengers throughout the year. As a hub for Shinkansen services, it offers access to various regions across Japan, playing a crucial role for both business and tourism. The number of passengers ranks among the highest in the world, and it is the eighth busiest station in Japan.

2. History of Tokyo Station

The history of Tokyo Station is rich and closely tied to Japan's modernization, reflecting Tokyo's growth and development. Here is an overview of Tokyo Station's history:

■ Beginning and Establishment

The plan for Tokyo Station began as part of the Meiji government's centralization policy. Construction of the central platform started in 1908, and the station officially opened on December 20, 1914. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, who had studied in England, the station featured Western-style red brick architecture. The original station building was a three-story structure with a magnificent domed roof, serving as the gateway to the empire.

■ Pre-war and Wartime Development

Tokyo Station suffered little damage during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. However, during World War II in 1945, air raids destroyed the roof and damaged parts of the station building. In 1947, the station was rebuilt as a two-story structure and continued to function as a vital transportation hub.

■ Shinkansen and the Period of High Growth

In 1964, the Tokaido Shinkansen opened, enhancing Tokyo Station's role as a hub connecting the entire country. This development significantly increased the station's importance. In the 1980s, the "Tokyo Station Gallery" was established within the station, adding a cultural dimension to its role.

■ Restoration and Redevelopment

In 2003, Tokyo Station was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. From 2007 to 2012, the Marunouchi station building underwent preservation and restoration work, restoring it to its original 1914 appearance. This project also included seismic retrofitting to meet modern safety standards. In 2013, the "GranRoof" was completed, adding a new landmark to the area.

■ Modern Tokyo Station

In 2014, Tokyo Station celebrated its 100th anniversary. Throughout its history, it has continued to serve as a crucial transportation hub connecting all parts of Japan. Both the Marunouchi and Yaesu sides of the station have seen significant commercial and office building development. The "Marunouchi area" has particularly undergone extensive redevelopment, establishing itself as a center for business and commerce.

3. Must-Visit Spots at Tokyo Station

■ Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue

Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue is the main street located on the west side of Tokyo Station, connecting the area from Tokyo Station to Yurakucho and Otemachi. The avenue is lined with high-end brand stores, office buildings, restaurants, and cafes. It is known for its beautiful street trees and seasonal decorations, with autumn leaves and winter illuminations being particularly enchanting. The illumination covers about 1.2 kilometers and features approximately 1.2 million LED lights, attracting numerous visitors each year.

Major commercial facilities such as the Marunouchi Building, the Shin-Marunouchi Building, and Marunouchi Brick Square are located along this avenue. These facilities offer the latest fashion brands, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making them ideal for shopping and dining. On weekdays and weekends, the avenue is closed to vehicular traffic, transforming into a pedestrian paradise with outdoor seating for dining and relaxation. Seasonal events and markets are also held, providing a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

■ Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall and Gransta Tokyo

Beneath Tokyo Station lies an extensive area for shopping and dining, with "Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall" and "Gransta Tokyo" being central spots.

Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall, located on the east side of Tokyo Station, is a shopping area stretching about 1.5 kilometers. It features various stores, including fashion, accessories, and restaurants, making it an enjoyable destination all day long. The area is particularly busy during lunchtime with many businesspeople and tourists. The mall also includes Ramen Alley, home to renowned ramen shops like Rokurinsha and Tokyo Station Ikaruga, offering a variety of ramen flavors.

Gransta Tokyo is an underground shopping and dining complex with over 100 shops and restaurants. It is especially popular for its bento boxes and sweets, with notable eateries like Nihon no Ramen Rin Tokyo and Conveyor Belt Sushi Haneda Market offering high-quality meals. It is also an excellent place to buy souvenirs and unique items, with popular shops like Mamegui and VINYL. Gransta Tokyo is perfect for a quick stop during your travels to enjoy delicious food and shopping.

■ The Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Wadakura Fountain Park

The Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, located west of Tokyo Station, feature expansive greenery and historical structures, providing a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The gardens are adorned with impressive black pines and notable landmarks like Nijubashi Bridge and Otemon Gate, creating a historical atmosphere.

Wadakura Fountain Park, situated within the Outer Gardens, was built in 1961 to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Showa and was later renovated in 1995 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito. The park features a main fountain that jets water up to 8.5 meters high and a 30-meter-wide artificial waterfall. The fountains and waterfall are illuminated at night with colorful LED lights, creating a magical scene ideal for evening strolls and dates.

■ Tokyo Station Gallery

Tokyo Station Gallery is an art museum located within the Marunouchi North Exit of Tokyo Station. Established in 1988 and reopened in 2012 after renovations, the gallery spans three floors with exhibition spaces on the second and third floors.

The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, including those related to railway history and contemporary art. For example, there are displays on the history and technology of railways as well as special exhibitions of modern art.

A highlight of the gallery is the brick walls of Tokyo Station in the second-floor exhibition room, which retain the original bricks from over 100 years ago, offering significant historical value. The gallery also features works by Tatsuno Kingo, the architect of Tokyo Station, and dioramas showing the station's evolution.

4. Architecture and Design of Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station, which opened in 1914, is a major railway terminal in Japan designed by Tatsuno Kingo. The Marunouchi station building is a magnificent red brick structure that blends Western and Japanese architectural styles, making it a landmark in Tokyo since its inception.

■ Historical Background and Architectural Features

The design of Tokyo Station is said to have been modeled after Amsterdam Central Station, featuring a red brick exterior and large domed roofs. Initially, the building was three stories high, with a central round domed roof. The outer walls of the station are made of bricks in different colors, creating a beautiful contrast. The building is constructed with a steel frame and bricks, designed with seismic considerations in mind.

■ Post-War Restoration and Preservation

Tokyo Station suffered significant damage during air raids in World War II, particularly to its roof and interior. In the 1950s, parts of the station were restored, but the height was reduced from three stories to two for safety reasons. In 2003, Tokyo Station was designated as an Important Cultural Property, and extensive preservation and restoration work was carried out from 2007 to 2012. This project restored the station to its original three-story structure and rebuilt the roof to replicate the original slate design.

■ Domes and Decorations

The north and south entrances of the Marunouchi station building feature large domes, each adorned with eight animal reliefs. The interior decorations of these domes incorporate traditional Japanese motifs, including sculptures of helmets, swords, and the twelve zodiac animals. Notably, some of the original pre-war reliefs have been preserved. These reliefs were rediscovered during post-war restorations, reinforced with chemical treatments, and reinstalled.

■ Modern Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station stands as a fusion of historical legacy and modern technology, with ongoing efforts to preserve and pass on its heritage. The 2012 preservation and restoration work included seismic reinforcements, ensuring the station's durability for future use. Today, Tokyo Station serves not only as a railway hub but also houses a hotel and art gallery, making it a beloved destination for many.

Conclusion

Tokyo Station, with its over 100-year history, continues to captivate visitors as a crucial transportation hub in Japan, boasting beautiful architecture and a variety of facilities. The red brick exterior and magnificent domed roofs designed by Tatsuno Kingo are widely recognized as landmarks of Tokyo, and the preservation and restoration efforts have further enhanced its historical value.

The surrounding area offers numerous must-visit spots, including Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue, Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall, Gransta Tokyo, the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Wadakura Fountain Park, and Tokyo Station Gallery. These spots provide a wide range of activities such as shopping, dining, and appreciating historical buildings, offering diverse experiences for all visitors to Tokyo Station.

Beyond being a mere transportation hub, Tokyo Station embodies Japanese history and culture, making it an important and beloved destination. When you visit, be sure to fully enjoy all that it has to offer.