Discover the story of The Tokyo Station Hotel—from the origins of the city “Marunouchi” and the opening of Tokyo Station to its restoration and revival. Explore the people, places, and moments that shaped one of Japan's most iconic hotels.
Can you imagine that the Marunouchi district, where The Tokyo Station Hotel now stands, was once part of the sea?
During the Edo period (1603–1868), as Edo Castle and the surrounding castle town expanded, nearby bays and inlets were gradually reclaimed to create vast new areas of land. Marunouchi, whose name refers to the area "within the outer circle" of Edo Castle, emerged as one of the city's most distinguished districts.
With the arrival of the Meiji and Taisho era, Japan entered a period of rapid modernization. After years of planning, challenges, and ambition, Tokyo Station opened in 1914 together with its iconic red brick building. It was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, one of Japan's most influential modern architects. Having studied under the British architect Josiah Conder and later in the United Kingdom himself, Tatsuno played a pivotal role in shaping modern Japanese architecture.
Plans for a hotel within Tokyo Station existed from the very beginning. Although the idea was initially postponed due to the politic and economic conditions of the time, the growing number of international visitors soon highlighted the need for a distinguished place to welcome guests from Japan and abroad.
On November 2, 1915, The Tokyo Station Hotel opened its doors within the grand red-brick station building, becoming an integral part of Tokyo Station's story.
Since opening its doors in 1915, The Tokyo Station Hotel has welcomed travelers from Japan and around the world within the iconic Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building.
Originally created to accommodate distinguished guests visiting the capital, the hotel has long served as a gateway to Tokyo. Its unique location within Tokyo Station has connected generations of travelers to the city and beyond.
For more than a century, Tokyo Station has witnessed countless arrivals and departures. Amid this ever-changing scene, The Tokyo Station Hotel has welcomed travelers from around the world, as well as some of Japan's most celebrated writers.
The views from its guest rooms have inspired novels and even provided the spark for memorable literary works. Through the years, the unique atmosphere of the station and hotel has given rise to stories, ideas, and memorable moments, leaving a lasting mark on Japan's cultural history.
During World War II, parts of Tokyo Station were heavily damaged, and its iconic domes were lost. For decades, the station remained in a simplified form while continuing to serve the city.
Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2003, the Marunouchi Station Building later underwent an extensive preservation and restoration project. Following the completion of the restoration, The Tokyo Station Hotel reopened in 2012, welcoming guests once again within the beautifully revived historic landmark.
For more than a century, The Tokyo Station Hotel has stood at the heart of Tokyo as a significant landmark, welcoming travelers from Japan and around the world.
While preserving its rich heritage, the hotel continues to evolve with the times, creating memorable experiences for each new generation of guests.
As it enters its next century, The Tokyo Station Hotel continues to connect people, places, and generations through timeless hospitality.
