TOKYO · CHIYODA CITY
- Which Tokyo Station exit should I use for Marunouchi?
- What is the difference between Marunouchi and Yaesu?
- How long should I spend around Tokyo Station and Marunouchi?
- Is the Imperial Palace East Gardens open every day?
- Can I walk from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace?
- Is Tokyo Station wheelchair accessible?
- Can I visit Marunouchi with large luggage?
- Are the best Tokyo Station restaurants inside the ticket gates?
Why Visit Tokyo Station & Marunouchi
Exit Choice Saves Time
North serves the gallery and Otemon, Central faces Gyoko-dori, and South serves KITTE. Yaesu leads to a different district.
Walk One Direction
Start north, make the calendar-dependent choice first, then move south through Naka-dori and finish at KITTE.
Strong Indoor Plan B
Tokyo Station, KITTE and office-shopping buildings reduce outdoor exposure, although not every route is fully step-free.
Top 5 Spots
Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
Look up inside the North or South Dome, then step outside for the red-brick facade and Gyoko-dori axis.
Tokyo Station Gallery
Immediately outside Marunouchi North Exit. Exhibition admission, turnover closures and schedules change.
KITTE Marunouchi
Use the free Postmaster’s Room and KITTE Garden for station history and a high view of the Marunouchi facade.
Marunouchi Naka-dori and Brick Square
Walk the tree-lined district south, switching indoors when rain, heat or business-hour crowds make the street uncomfortable.
Imperial Palace East Gardens via Otemon
Check the live calendar before walking 15 minutes from Marunouchi North Exit. Baggage inspection is conducted.
Must-Try Food
Vegan Tantan Ramen – T’s TANTAN
Inside JR ticket gates. Official guide lists daily 10:00-22:00; confirm gate and fare conditions if already outside.
Kakiage Soba – Soba Ichi
Inside JR ticket gates. Hours vary by weekday, Saturday, and Sunday/holidays; ask about buckwheat and wheat allergies.
Station Bento – Ekibenya Matsuri
Inside JR ticket gates, currently 5:30-22:00. More than 150 varieties are offered daily, but live stock changes.
Tokyo Renga Pan – Tokyo Anpan Mameichizu
Inside JR ticket gates. Sweet bean-and-cream bread; check current allergens and Sunday/holiday closing time.
Hayashi Rice – M&C Cafe
Outside JR gates in Marunouchi Oazo 4F. Official listing gives 9:00-21:00, last order 20:30.
Quick Sushi – Standing Sushi Bar Nemuro Hanamaru
Outside JR gates in Marunouchi Oazo B1F, currently 11:00-22:00. Standing format may not suit every traveler.
Half-Day Model Course
Map & Access
Before You Leave the Platform
Walking load: roughly 3-5 km, depending on the East Gardens loop and indoor detours. Platform walking is extra, and a Keiyo Line arrival can add substantial time.
Accessibility, Luggage and Family Notes
- JR East publishes a live multi-level station and barrier-free map. Lift routes differ by platform, operator and exit.
- Tokyo Station Gallery lists an elevator, accessible toilet and loan equipment, subject to availability.
- KITTE lists barrier-free toilets on several floors and a nursing room on 5F. Individual shops differ.
- The East Gardens use security screening and include outdoor distances, stone surfaces and seasonal heat.
- Store large luggage before the walk. See RJG’s Tokyo Luggage Storage guide.
Plan B
Monday or Friday
The East Gardens regularly close on Monday and Friday. Tokyo Station Gallery also normally closes on Monday, with exceptions. Use the station domes, Marunouchi Oazo, KITTE, covered shopping and a shorter Naka-dori section.
Rain or dangerous heat
Stay mainly inside Tokyo Station, KITTE and connected commercial buildings. The underground network is useful but not one fully step-free, intuitive corridor.
Rooftop or garden closure
Replace KITTE Garden or the East Gardens with the Postmaster’s Room, Tokyo Station Gallery if open, Maruzen/M&C Cafe or station-history details.
Large luggage
Use a locker, staffed service or hotel before the gallery or East Gardens, and keep a realistic buffer for the walk back to the correct platform.
Wrong-side exit
If you reach Yaesu by mistake, use the signed station passage to return to Marunouchi. If your actual destination is First Avenue, a highway bus, Nihombashi or Ginza, stay east and do not force this route.
Nearby RJG Guides
- Tokyo Area Map – decide which central-Tokyo areas combine well.
- Which Shinkansen Should You Take? – understand the national rail network.
- Japan Travel Times From Tokyo – plan hotel-to-hotel time.
- Ginza Quick Guide – continue south for shopping or an evening walk.
- Tokyo Trains 2026 – understand JR, Metro, Toei and IC-card basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tokyo Station exit should I use for Marunouchi?
Use a Marunouchi exit on the west side. North is best for Tokyo Station Gallery, Oazo and Otemon; Central for Gyoko-dori; and South for KITTE.
What is the difference between Marunouchi and Yaesu?
Marunouchi is west toward the Imperial Palace. Yaesu is east toward First Avenue, buses, Nihombashi and Ginza.
How long should I spend around Tokyo Station and Marunouchi?
Allow 4-6 hours for one indoor venue, a Marunouchi walk and a meal.
Is the Imperial Palace East Gardens open every day?
No. Regular closures are Monday and Friday, with holiday exceptions, seasonal hours and possible official closures. Check the live calendar.
Can I walk from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace?
Yes. Otemon Gate is about 15 minutes from JR Marunouchi North Exit.
Is Tokyo Station wheelchair accessible?
Step-free routes are available, but lift paths differ by platform, operator and exit. Use the live JR East barrier-free map.
Can I visit Marunouchi with large luggage?
You can, but storage is strongly recommended before long corridors, screening, lifts and outdoor walking.
Are the best Tokyo Station restaurants inside the ticket gates?
Some are inside the JR paid area and others are outside. Check the gate location before exiting or entering.