Marunouchi and Tokyo Station

What to know

Nestled between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, Marunouchi (丸の内) ranks among Japan's most elite business hubs. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), the area—whose name means "within the enclosure"—lay inside the outer moats of Edo Castle and housed residences of powerful feudal lords. Today, along with neighboring Otemachi, Marunouchi hosts the headquarters of many of Japan's leading corporations, especially in finance.

In recent decades, Marunouchi has undergone a dramatic transformation, led by Mitsubishi Estate, which owns much of the district's land. Older office buildings have been replaced by modern skyscrapers featuring offices above and a mix of shops and restaurants at street level. These new commercial complexes have breathed life into what was once a dull business area, attracting more tourists and non-business visitors.

Marunouchi's eastern edge is defined by Tokyo Station, one of Japan's busiest railway hubs and a terminal for multiple shinkansen lines. The station's Marunouchi-side building is a striking red-brick structure dating from 1914, restored in 2012 to its pre-war glory. It houses a hotel, restaurants, and an art gallery alongside travel services.

The station's opposite side, the Yaesu side, has a more modern look, featuring the Gran Roof—a bright, massive canopy over the entrances flanked by skyscrapers. Shopping and travel amenities within the station have also been upgraded in recent years, resulting in the "Tokyo Station City" complex.

Marunouchi lies on the west side of Tokyo Station, which is served by several shinkansen lines, the JR Yamanote Line, and various urban and suburban train and subway lines. Nearby Otemachi Station is served by five subway lines.