Tokyo Station Guide: Romantic 100-Year History & Best Things to Do in 2025

Tokyo Station stands as the beating heart of Japan’s rail network, nestled in the vibrant Chiyoda Ward of Tokyo. Since its grand opening in 1914, this architectural marvel has grown into one of the nation’s busiest transportation hubs, seamlessly connecting the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet trains with conventional rail lines, subway routes, and private railways.

Designed by the legendary architect Kingo Tatsuno, the station’s majestic red-brick facade transports visitors to another era. The Marunouchi entrance, with its breathtaking European-inspired design, serves as a proud testament to Japan’s architectural evolution. Though ravaged during World War II, the station rose from the ashes and underwent a meticulous restoration in 2012, perfectly recapturing its original 1914 splendor.

While the station’s grand plaza offers sweeping views, the surrounding skyscrapers present a photographer’s paradise. For picture-perfect shots, we recommend a 16-35mm wide-angle lens. Our stunning gallery below was captured with a 70-200mm lens from three prime locations: the panoramic 6th-floor observation deck of KITTE Marunouchi (photos 1-5, 11-13, 15, 17-18), the bustling central street of the station plaza (photos 6-9), and the breathtaking 7th-floor vantage point at Shin-Marunouchi Building (photos 10, 14, 16, 19).

This iconic destination deserves a top spot on every traveler’s itinerary. Pro tip: The western observation deck of Shin-Marunouchi Building offers a magical sunset view over the Imperial Palace – a photographer’s dream come true!