Tokyo Station is, of course, the center of Japan's railroad network. The area surrounding the station is undergoing massive redevelopment, especially around the Yaesu Exit on the east side of Tokyo Station, where new construction is underway rapidly. While Tokyo Station is considered just one terminal station, another way of looking at it is that a little more knowledge about how to use the station will greatly increase its usability. This week, I would like to share with you seven surprising facts.
1. Gateway to Narita Airport
When you arrive in Tokyo for the first time at Narita Airport, you may puzzled about how to get to the city cnter. But Tokyo Station is a place you should head for. There is a frequent bus shuttle to Tokyo Station every 10 to 15 minutes with 1,300 Yen from each terminal. Alternatively, you can take the Narita Express train service, which will take you to Tokyo Station in over an hour. It costs 3,070 Yen for the second class single, but there are no arrival delays like buses.
2. Shinkansen transfer
Most tourists may use the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Kyoto and Osaka. But you have to change the train if you are coming back from the west and are going to Tohoku and Hokuriku by Shinkansen. The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines are operated by JR Central, while the Tohoku Shinkansen line is operated by JR East. Therefore, the train types and maximum operating speeds are also different. However, from the passenger's point of view, there is nothing complicated, and tickets can be purchased in a single transaction, and the trip is completed within a single network. The only regret is that the platforms and ticket gates for the Shinkansen trains bound for Kyoto/Osaka and those bound for Tohoku/Hokuriku are separated. However, rest assured that the stations are not as far apart as Kings Cross and Paddington in London.
3. Convenient place as a base
If you were to stay in Tokyo on a commercial business trip, many headquarters in the finance and insurance sectors are located in the Tokyo Station area. Given this, it would be easier to stay close to the headquarters of such companies, especially in the morning. It is also advantageous for travelers to stay near a major terminal station like Tokyo Station.
As for hotel options, there are not as many choices in all price ranges as in Shinbashi or Shinjuku, but there are quite a few hotels within 500 meters of Tokyo Station. One of the recommendations near Tokyo Station is Oakwood Premier Tokyo, which is just a few minutes from the Tokyo Yaesu exit. If you want to have more choices, you can look Kyobashi area which is about 10 minutes on foot.
Regarding the food and drink, don't worry. Kanda(1 stop) and Shinbashi(2 stops) are very close to Tokyo Station. Both places are said to be the oasis for businesspersons.
4. Restaurants
Tokyo Station has a large shopping arcade called Yaesu Underground Mall, and there is also a huge underground mall called Gransta operated by an affiliate of JR East inside the station. Buildings with new commercial facilities, such as the Shin-Marunouchi Building, are developing at the Marunouchi Exit. During normal hours, there is no shortage of dining options for lunch and dinner.
For ramen lovers, there is a ramen street. There is an area called "Tokyo Ramen Street" in Tokyo Station Ichibangai, where eight famous ramen shops, and there is always a long queue to enter.
5. Good access to go anywhere in Tokyo
When you look at the map of Tokyo, you'll realize how convenient Tokyo Station is.
Ginza: 10 min
Asakusa: 20 min
Shinjuku: 20 min
Shibuya: 25min
Haneda Airport: 25 min
Narita Airport: 60 min
Tokyo International Cruise Terminal: 30 min
When you have a base around Tokyo Station, visiting Kyoto, Osaka, Sendai, and Kanazawa isn't a problem since all Shinkansen start at Tokyo.
6. Souvenir shops
There are lots of souvenir shops in Gransta. Some shops claim that some of the items are only available at Gransta Tokyo, and lots of things are sold out in the morning.
For instance, there is a sweet shop called Audrey in the basement of Gransta Tokyo. "Gracia" is a very popular sweet with strawberry. You won't be able to find it in the afternoon. You may even feel strange that there are many long queues sometimes to get the souvenirs.
Please keep in your mind that Gransta is inside the gate. If you are not using the train, you have to buy an admission ticket.
7. Takeaway dishes
There is also the option of staying near Tokyo Station, buying meals and eating them in your room.
There are many delicatessen shops on the first basement floor of the Daimaru department store at the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station, so you can buy prepared foods there and eat them in your room. There is also a liquor corner, so you can buy drinks as well.
There is also a high-end supermarket, Seijo Ishii, in the Shin-Marunouchi Building. This supermarket has many items that are already prepared and can be heated in a microwave oven. This supermarket also offers a wide variety of desserts, so it is a good idea to check it out. In the UK, it matches the Mark & Spencer category. If you don't have a microwave in your room, you can heat the food in the store. Prices are higher than other supermarkets, but the quality is guaranteed.
Summary
Tokyo Station is a place where business travelers and tourists can enjoy a high level of satisfaction in terms of convenience for staying, eating, and sightseeing during their stay for a certain period.
Depending on the information available, Tokyo Station may become more than just a terminal station. Especially for business travelers, the benefits will be even greater.
If you have already visited or are planning to visit Japan, I would be happy to hear your opinions.