Once a Mighty Military Fortress
Now the Residence of the Imperial Family
Business District closely associated with Mitsubishi
How to Get There by Train
Tokyo Station: JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Otemachi Station: Metro Marunouchi, Tozai Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzomon Line & Toei Mita Line Takebashi Station: Metro Tozai Line Nijubashimae Station: Metro Chiyoda Line Sakuradamon Station: Metro Yurakucho Line
What’s It Like?
The area between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace is known as Marunouchi. It’s considered one of Japan’s top office districts, lacking residential areas, which leads to a significant difference in population between day and night. Historically quiet on weekends, redevelopment of high-rise buildings since 2000 has led to the addition of numerous commercial facilities on the lower floors, substantially increasing foot traffic during holidays.
During the Meiji era, this was barren land until Mitsubishi acquired it and modeled a business district after the City of London, leading to the concentration of Mitsubishi Group’s headquarters here. It also boasts numerous art museums.
Crossing the moat brings you to the Imperial Palace. In the Edo period, this area was the stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate, known as Edo Castle. With the Meiji Restoration, the Emperor relocated here from Kyoto, transforming it into the Imperial Palace. Hence, remnants of its past as a military facility endure, visible in its moats, stone walls, and sturdy gates. The former residences of high-ranking officials now comprise the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, offering views of lawns and beautiful pine trees. Exploring the Imperial East Gardens allows visitors to witness gardens and remnants of the castle.
