Meaning “inside the circle,” Marunouchi is exactly that—the centre of Tokyo. This district is home to the city’s main financial hub, the Imperial Palace, numerous cultural landmarks, and some of Tokyo’s most stunning parks and gardens.
Tokyo Station
For many visitors, Marunouchi is their first glimpse of Tokyo, as it houses the massive Tokyo Station. A major Shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, as well as one of the busiest suburban rail hubs, the station first opened in 1914 and now handles around 3,000 trains per day.
Tokyo International Forum
Located on the eastern edge of Marunouchi, in Yurakucho, the Tokyo International Forum is an architectural masterpiece. This enormous complex features halls, exhibition spaces, and conference venues. While not a typical tourist attraction, its futuristic design and helpful tourist information desk make it worth a visit. If you’re in the area on a weekend, check out the farmers’ market often held in the forecourt, offering a glimpse into local produce and culture.
The Imperial Palace
Just a few blocks west of the International Forum, you’ll find one of Tokyo’s greatest treasures—the vast Imperial Palace grounds, encircled by a scenic moat. The main palace (Kyūden) serves as the private residence of the Imperial Family, along with an archive and museum. The palace itself is only open to the public on two special occasions each year:
New Year’s Day (January 2)
The Emperor’s Birthday (February 23)
However, visitors can still explore parts of the palace grounds year-round.
Kitanomaru Park & the Nippon Budokan
The public can visit the Kitanormaru park to the east of the palace which is home to the famous Nippon Budokan Hall, the National Museum of Modern Art and the Science Museum of Tokyo. The Budokan’s primary purpose is for martial arts and was built for the judo events of the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. Today, Budokan is fondly remembered for memorable concerts like The Beatles, and famous live albums from Kiss, Judas Priest and Cheap Trick to name a few.
The East Garden
Another publicly accessible part of the palace grounds is the moat-encircled East Garden (Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen). This magnificent garden is especially popular during cherry blossom season (March–April). The East Garden sits on the former site of Edo Castle’s inner defence (Honmaru) and is open five days a week, typically closed on Mondays and Fridays.
For breathtaking views of the Imperial Palace, head to the Ninomaru Japanese Garden, a picture-perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
Getting to Marunouchi
Tokyo Station is the main transport hub, serving:
JR commuter lines, including the Yamanote Line and Chuo Line
Several Shinkansen lines
The Narita Express (for Narita Airport)
The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line also runs directly beneath the station.
The Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station is one of the few remaining pre-war architectural gems in the city, offering a rare glimpse into Tokyo’s historic past amid its modern skyscrapers.
