Eki-citing Tokyo: Staying in Tokyo Station
Travelling by rail is a quintessential experience for any traveller to Japan. Nowhere else can you find railway station complexes as large and elaborate as Tokyo Station City—the world’s only station city. Renowned for its accessibility and connectivity, housing tens of railway lines, the iconic red-brick building also serves as a symbol of Tokyo City (東京都 Tōkyō-to). Tokyo Station is also the starting point, or the “0km” mark, for Japan’s shinkansen lines—including the Tokaido (東海道本線 Tōkaidō-honsen), Chuo (中央線 Chūō-sen), and Tohoku lines (東北本線 Tōhoku-honsen).
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
In terms of convenience, there’s hardly a better choice than choosing a hotel that is directly connected to Tokyo Station City. Where else beats this pulsating heart of Tokyo? Whether you're crunching for time while visiting Japan, or a proud railway enthusiast, these are two hotels that you should check out (or check in-to)!
The Tokyo Station Hotel
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
Steeped in vintage elegance right in the heart of Tokyo lies the majestic The Tokyo Station Hotel (東京ステーションホテル). Despite its recent interior renewal in 2012, the hotel has retained much of its previous glory which seamlessly incorporates its luxurious facilities and Tokyo Station red-brick building. You can spot the various art pieces placed throughout the hotel grounds, telling the stories of not just this historically-significant hotel but also Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki).
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
When deciding which room to nestle into, train lovers should note that the Dome Side Rooms offer a spectacular view of the iconic North and South Cupola domes of Tokyo Station. Not only will you be able to enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of commuters from the comforts of your own room, a little surprise awaits in your ensuite bathroom: hotel original toiletries! These original bath amenities are a collaboration with a luxury French perfume brand “Histories de Parfums” to express the hotel's history. These original toiletries are named Est 1915 as The Tokyo Station Hotel was established in 1915. Can you spot the train ticket motif on these adorable bottles?
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
After a long day of exploration, what better way to end the night than savouring the flavours of Tokyo Station?
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
As you enter Bar Oak, you will feel as though you had just taken a step onboard a luxury bar of a train carriage in the 1980s with its refined dark wooden interior. Their most popular cocktail, aptly named The Tokyo Station, is their signature drink that was concocted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the station.
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
And after a well-rested night, enjoy a delightful breakfast in the attic of Tokyo Station—The guest lounge “Atrium”. Located in the central attic of the Marunouchi Station building, it is exclusively served to hotel guests only—so do send my apologies to that nosey friend of yours who might want to join you for the sumptuous hotel breakfast!
(Image credit: The Tokyo Station Hotel)
Offering a buffet-style breakfast with over 100 food items to choose from, The Tokyo Station Hotel’s breakfast selection is one of the best served in hotels in Japan. It includes a wide range of European and Japanese food and beverages made only from the best quality ingredients, which is meticulously prepared for the needs of various guests.
Not sure what to eat first? We recommend trying the Japanese breakfast “ASA-GOHAN” which consists of freshly cooked rice, miso soup, grilled fish and various side dishes using seasonal ingredients.
How to get to The Tokyo Station Hotel
Navigating through one of Japan’s busiest station is no easy feat, but simply follow the signboards in the station and make your way towards the Marunouchi South Exit (丸の内南口 Marunouchi-minamiguchi) and you’ll soon find yourself at the entrance of the hotel.
The Tokyo Station Hotel (東京ステーションホテル)
Address: 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005
Nearest station: Tokyo Station (東京駅)
No. of rooms: 150
Tel: +81 3-5220-1111
HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI
(Image credit: HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI)
And next, we’ll head to the second hotel within close vicinity of Tokyo Station. Located right next to the JR Tokyo Station, the grand HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI (ホテルメトロポリタン 丸の内) serves as the perfect base for all travellers alike. Accessible via multiple exits, you can enjoy the dazzling nightscape of Tokyo from the comforts of your own room—there’s no better way to unwind!
(Image credit: HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI)
Stepping out of the elevator into the lobby, any railway enthusiast would be ecstatic to be greeted by an elaborate diorama of the neighbourhood, detailing the both local trains and shinkansens running along the railway tracks. You can follow the trains as they make their way around the perimeters of the diorama—running past iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo SkytreeⓇ (東京スカイツリー) and Tokyo Tower (東京タワー).
(Image credit: HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI)
At HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI, train lovers are spoilt for choices on the selection of Train View rooms available. From the Queen Train View room, you can watch the lightning-fast shinkansen whoosh by, as well as observing the tranquil local trains going about its daily route. As all Queen Train View rooms are south-side facing rooms, rest assured that you will get the most optimum view—we’re told they are stunning both in the day and night time! If you were unable to book the Queen Train View room, fret not! Even with other room types, you can try requesting for the south-side facing rooms.
How to get to HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI
A major plus point of HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI is that the hotel is directly accessible via multiple exits in Tokyo Station. It is connected via the Nihombashi Exit (日本橋口 nihonbashi-guchi), or a 2-minute walk from Yaesu North Gate (八重洲北口Yaesu-kitaguchi), as well as a 1-minute walk from Shinkansen Nihombashi Gate (新幹線日本橋口 Shinkansen Nihonbashi-guchi).
HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI (ホテルメトロポリタン 丸の内)
Address: 1-7-12 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005
Nearest station: Tokyo Station (東京駅)
No. of rooms: 343
Tel: +81 3-3211-2233
While a night at hotels near Japan’s busiest station may come at a premium price, the level of hospitality, service, and convenience you’ll get is something that is immeasurable in monetary terms. This is an experience that should not be missed out on if you are a first-time traveller, veteran, or train lover! As a parting note, do remember to grab a few exclusive omiyage (お土産 souvenirs) for your loved ones that you can only find at Tokyo Station City. Bon voyage!
This article is written in collaboration with Tokyo Station City.
Header image credit: bjimmy934 / CC BY 2.0
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Julia Yee
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