Area Information
Marunouchi
The center of Tokyo: Home to the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi Building
Marunouchi, the center of Japanese business, boasts a long, colorful history. The district's most recent chapter includes a massive rebuilding effort that has changed the area's face. It now features world-class skyscrapers, including the new Marunouchi Building, Marunouchi OAZO, the extensive TOKIA retail section of the Tokyo Building as well as many boutiques selling high-end domestic and imported brands. This formerly buttoned-down business district has been revitalized.
Tokyo Station is modeled after the central train station in Amsterdam. This Western-style building is the central hub of Japan's rail system, with bullet trains and other express trains coming and going from all over the country.
The Imperial Palace dates back to the 17th century, when the Tokugawa Shogun made Edo (Tokyo's original name) Japan's capital. From the latter part of the 19th century, the palace became the home of the Emperor. The city radiates out from the Imperial Palace, which serves as Tokyo's geographical center. One section of the palace grounds is open to the public, giving visitors a rare opportunity to take in the moat and the garden and bask in a traditional natural setting.
Every Sunday, the Uchibori-dori, a road that circles the palace, is closed down to vehicles to give the Palace greenery a breather from the car exhaust. This provides the tourist with a very enjoyable (and free) 3km biking, walking or jogging route.
Tourists can also get on the Sky Bus Tokyo or free shuttle buses to take in the sites of Marunouchi.
The greenery of the Imperial Palace coexists with the skyscrapers and retail outlets of Marunouchi in this central Tokyo district.
Recommended Tourist Attractions
Transportation Guide
Tokyo Station: JR lines, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Otemachi Station Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
