Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is Japan’s “front door,” opened in 1914. Ahead of its 100th anniversary, the Marunouchi Station Building was restored, and its retro, dignified appearance has revived its popularity as a tourist spot. The 1st and 2nd floors of the Marunouchi building are preserved areas, including its symbolic red bricks, which continue to use materials from the original construction. The 3rd floor and roof are reconstructed portions, rebuilt after parts were lost in wartime fires. A highlight many visitors photograph is the reliefs in the domed ceiling—visible from the 1st floor because of the atrium. The octagonal geometric patterns are retro, and if you look closely, you’ll find zodiac carvings in eight directions. Inside the station, there are also historic remnants such as original platform pillars on platforms 5 and 6, “0 km markers” indicating starting points for Shinkansen and major lines, and a hidden gem: the “station-building post” topped with a mini station-building monument that commemorates the restoration. Access: JR lines and Shinkansen lines, or the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.