A bustling business district during the day, the area around Tokyo Station takes on a different vibe at night, when the red-brick station building is illuminated beautifully. Visit an art museum that harks back to the turn of the nineteenth century, ascend to a rooftop garden offering sweeping views of Tokyo Station, stroll down tree-lined avenues showcasing the beauty of the season, and explore sophisticated meeting spots bustling late into the night. You’re in for a special evening in a district where history and modernity blend together seamlessly.
Visit the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo
The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo holds three themed exhibitions annually, focusing on modern art from the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Its distinctive, charmingly old-fashioned exterior stands out amid the surrounding skyscrapers. Visitors can admire the building up close and stroll through the courtyard. On Fridays and certain other days, the museum stays open until 20:00, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the exhibits. The museum café also stays open late, making it an ideal spot to linger and savor the afterglow of the art.
Admire the view from the rooftop terrace of KITTE Marunouchi
KITTE Marunouchi brings together shops selling regional specialties from across Japan, stores offering items that showcase Japanese craftsmanship, and restaurants where you can savor the flavors of historic eateries as well as popular local cuisine from all over the country. When you need a break, head up to KITTE Garden on the rooftop, which overlooks the JR Tokyo Station building and boasts one of the best night views in the area.
Have dinner along Marunouchi Naka-dori Street
Lined with designer boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, Marunouchi Naka-dori Street is graced with fresh greenery in spring and summer, vibrant foliage in fall, and luminous illuminations in winter. Look for a dining destination along the street, or venture into the many commercial complexes in the vicinity for more options.
Grab a post-dinner drink at Marunouchi House
Marunouchi House on the seventh floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building in front of Tokyo Station is home to a line-up of distinctive restaurants and bars. Some establishments here stay open through the night until 4:00, mainly on the weekends (please inquire directly with specific venues for details). You can bring your drinks out on the terrace and enjoy them al fresco. Music fans will want to visit on a Thursday or Friday, when DJ events are held.
Go for a walk in front of Tokyo Station
Gyoko-dori Avenue connects Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, offering unobstructed views of the former. The spacious sidewalks make the street a safe choice for an evening stroll. Look up to admire the illuminated skyscrapers around the station building, then turn toward the Imperial Palace for a historical vista. When in the Tokyo Station area, you can always expect an exciting mix of modernity and tradition after-dark culture.
