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Ⓒ 2014 Time Out Tokyo Inc.Unauthorised reproduction of text andimages prohibited.Published June 2014

PublisherHiroyuki Fushitani

Content DirectorCommercial & MarketingAkiko Toya

Editorial

EditorJun Igarashi

English EditorsAnnemarie LuckIli Saarinen

DesignEishi Takeda（hooop）Hanae Achiwa（hooop）Akina Sasaki（hooop）

ContributorsEri ItoMasako MatsuzakiYasuhisa ShimboReiko KuwabaraKeisuke TanigawaKisa Toyoshima

001Stand at the gates of Tokyo

This massive and busy transit hub is marked by the attractive red-brick Marunouchi Station Building which was launched in 1914 and has been designated an Important Cultural Property asset of Japan. Its 2012 renovation brought the structure back to its original form. Tokyo Station 3-C

002Sit down by the waterStop by this spacious square for a break by the fountain and see the movement of the water change with the passage of time. The nighttime light-up is also worth a look. Wadakura Fountain Park 2-C

025Start the night rightAlthough located on the 24th floor of The Peninsula, this hotel bar isn't as stuck up as you might think. Go during happy hour (Sun-Thu 5-8pm), when food and drinks are available for ¥800 a pop. Peter: The Bar 2-A

004See real underground artIf only all underground concourses were filled with art exhibits and 'street' fairs. This gallery space connects the Marunouchi and Shin-Marunouchi buildings and hosts a food market on the second and fourth Fridays of every month. Gyoko-dori Underground Gallery 3-C

003Take a rooftop breatherRecharge after a spot of shopping at Kitte by relaxing at the centre's rooftop garden, where you can take up a terrace seat and watch the bullet trains arriving and departing from Tokyo Station below. Kitte Garden 3-B

007Mix it up over a beerWhat do you get when you mix Okinawan and Chinese cuisine? Find out at this interesting eatery that makes good use of southern spices to pull off the above-mentioned combo. The international drink menu boasts around 200 options. Bio Wine & Food Tama Marunouchi 2-B

033Snack on a fruity sandwichCounting previous incarnations, this long-standing café has been in business for almost half a century. Their hearty sandwiches are best-sellers, especially the egg and fruit varieties. Hamanoya Parlour 2-A

030Pick up a sweet souvenirThe most popular item here is the Seiko, a confection made with lotus root and domestic sugar – perfect as an essentially Japanese souvenir. Stop by the café area to try it before you buy it. Murasakino WakudenChaka 2-B

010Down a bowl ofsouthern ramenLike your ramen with thick, savoury soup and ultra-thin noodles? Then you have to try the signature tonkotsu (pork broth) variety at this famed eatery, hailing from Fukuoka's Hakata district. Ippudo Marunouchi 2-B

011Fill up on fried goodiesAn offshoot of Nezu's famed kushiage (deep-fried meat and veg skewers) joint, Hantei is the perfect place to try this mouthwatering fast food. The chefs serve up fresh skewers at a rapid pace. Hantei Marunouchi 3-C

012Munch on a meatless burgerDespairing vegetarian on the hunt for a filling burger? The Pantry is your answer – this chic shop focuses on bringing out the best sides of high-quality, fresh ingredients in their meat-free sandwiches. The Pantry Marunouchi 2-B

014Chomp on burritos,sip on cocktailsMexican restaurants are nothing if not fun and laid-back. Stop by Mucho for a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a filling, affordable burrito lunch, or experiment with tropical cocktails and Tecate beer after hours. Mucho – Modern Mexicano 3-B

015Sample the finest white riceThe ginshari (white rice) specialists here will take your rice-eating experience to new levels. Especially when paired with fresh, seasonal fish, which is preserved and dried overnight with Ako salt. Ichiya Ichiya Marunouchi 3-C

018Kill a kebabWhat could be more satisfying than a juicy kebab expertly made by a Turkish chef, served with a glass of unusual Turkish wine? Get it here at this traditional Turkish restaurant, which also offers halal options (reservations required). Topkapi Marunouchi 2-B

022Taste western modernismDine on Osaka-style okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) at Kiji, a classy joint known for its beef and leek-heavy sujiyaki (speciality pancake) and extravagant squid-pork-noodle combo, which is known as 'modern-yaki'. Okonomiyaki Kiji Marunouchi 3-B

027Sip on an award-winning martiniOwned by 2011 Diageo World Class-winning bartender Manabu Otake, Royal Bar is where you can sip on delicious fruit cocktails or try drinks themed on Japan's four seasons. Royal Bar 2-C

028Visit a tasty piece of BelgiumTake the escalator down to this Belgian-style beer café boasting a rotating selection of five brews on tap and a long list of mouth-watering dishes like mussels and frites with novelty dips. Antwerp Central 3-B

020Go for the double-dipSlurp tsukemen (dipping noodles) the right way with Sharin's double soup, a simple but effective mix of seafood and meat-based stock. The popular chilli version is recommended for spice fiends. Sharin Marunouchi 3-C

008Try authentic Thai tastesLocated under the railway tracks, this eternally popular eatery originates in Phuket, so you'll be sure to get the good stuff – everything from green curry to tom yum soup goes for a rather incredible ¥630. Aroyna Tabeta Yurakucho 3-B

016Bar-hop the regionsGo izakaya-hopping under the railway tracks at Yurakucho Station, where seven Japanese-style pubs representing regions like Hokkaido, Chubu and Kyushu serve up delicacies made with ingredients sourced directly from producers. Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai 1-A

031Update your blogover a smoothieFreelancers looking for a comfy place to get some work done will enjoy the free Wi-Fi, extensive magazine collection and superb smoothies at this stylish and convenient café. Cafe Salvador Marunouchi 2-B

032Loosen up your tieJump into the fray with local salarymen at this first-floor beer bar that allows you to down a pint while looking out at Tokyo Station. Also stocks the refreshing Heineken Extra Cold. Stand T 3-C

017Try a refreshing classicHaving counted literary greats like Yukio Mishima and Yasunari Kawabata among its past customers, this old-school pork cutlet eatery, founded in 1961, offers a refreshingly cold version of the classic katsudon (cutlet over rice) during the summer months. Katsukichi Shin-Marunouchi Bldg. 3-C

026Survey the late-night sceneEngage in people-watching at this high-up bar whose authentic Spanish cuisine is as impressive as the view. The right-by-the-station location also works nicely for power lunches. Bar de Espana Muy 3-B

023Eat meat like a true BrazilianThis Brazilian-style churrascaria restaurant is the real deal: more than 15 varieties of chunky barbecued meat are served on giant skewers, with the waiters going from table to table to cut customers pieces of the good stuff. Barbacoa Classico Marunouchi 3-C

046Revolutionise your cookingFind the finest ingredients for Japanese cuisine at this extra special grocery store. Their extensive selection includes spices and drinks from every corner of the country, and the seasonal, freshly made boxed lunches are excellent. Nihon No Gochiso En Marunouchi 3-C

009Enjoy yakitorifrom across JapanYakitori is so much more than just chicken on a stick. This ‘food theme park’ lets Tokyoites sample succulent skewers from Japan’s seven greatest yakitori hotspots, including Muroran, Fukushima and Kurume. Zenya Ren Tokyo 3-D

013Enjoy a magical beerHow about a professional-grade magic show to spice up your bar night? That's exactly what you'll get here, complete with the chance to see the action happen right at your table. Ginza 10 o'clock Marunouchi 2-B

Sightseeing

006Choose a sky-hightempura meal

024Escape into the past

Although recent movers to their current 35th-floor perch, these fellows have been frying tempura since 1936, and it shows: their freshly prepared creations might even make you forget the gorgeous view. Tempura Tenmasa 3-C

The glass-and-steel Shin-Marunouchi Building is about the last place you'd look for this kind of Showa-era snack and karaoke bar, but Raimuraito bucks the trend. Guys looking to get in have to bring a female companion. Raimuraito 3-CRestaurants

Bars

Cafés

029Down a cup of coffeein the bank

Take a break from art-watching and sit down for some distinctive nostalgia at this retro museum café, housed in a beautifully restored former banking office in the Mitsubishi Ichigokan building. Café 1894 2-B

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034Swing to world-class tunes

Catch world-class blues and jazz acts at this Marunouchi classic, an intimate venue that's played host to greats like Duke Ellington and Lena Horne. Top gigs almost every night. Cotton Club 3-B

Entertainment

035Stand on the shoulders of giantsJointly operated by Japan Post and The University Museum, the University of Tokyo, this multi-use facility hosts an exhibition space displaying the academic achievements of Japan's top educational institution, as well as stuff like zoological specimens. Entrance is free. Intermediatheque 3-B

Museography © UMUT works 2013View of the Intermediatheque 2F permanent exhibition © Intermediatheque

005Spend a nightin the stationEstablished in 1915, this Tokyo classic underwent an extensive facelift before reopening in October 2012. The refined atmosphere and traditional interiors are combined with all the amenities of a modern luxury hotel. The Tokyo Station Hotel 3-C

037Get artsy en routeLocated at Marunouchi north exit in Tokyo Station, this stylish exhibition space stages diverse rotating exhibitions featuring notable works from Japan and abroad. Perfect for travellers wanting to while away some time. Not that you'll ever have to wait for a train in Japan. Tokyo Station Gallery 3-C

038Admire an eye-popping private collectionSazo Idemitsu, founder of oil giant Idemitsu Kosan, spent over 70 years putting together this collection of historic Japanese and Chinese art, ranging from ceramics to paintings. See the fruits of his labour here. Idemitsu Museum of Arts 2-B

036Marvel at masterpieces

Originally constructed as the first Western-style office building in Marunouchi in 1894, this Josiah Conder-designed beauty was restored and reopened as a major art museum in 2010. Primarily holds exhibitions centred on 19th-century modern art. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo 2-B

Art & Museums

039See how fast youcan circle the palace

On Sundays, the three-kilometre stretch between Hibiya Park's Iwaitabashi entrance and the Hirakawa gate at the north moat of the Imperial Palace is opened up to cyclists, with bicycles available on loan for free. For families there are kids' bicycles, two-seaters and baby seats. Palace Cycling 1 -B

040Bike and runWe're being quite literal here as this service facility caters to those in need of a little inner-city exercise, especially those jogging around the Imperial Palace. Found inside the Shin-Marunouchi Building, it offers lockers, showers, parking space and athletic gear rental. Marunouchi Bike & Run 3-C

Sports

050Shop inside the symbolsof Marunouchi

While they are primarily office blocks, the shiny Marunouchi Building (or 'Marubiru') and its newer cousin, the Shin-Marunouchi Building ('Shin-Marubiru') together house around 300 shops and restaurants. Replicating the original Showa-era structure, the Marubiru's 2002 launch marked the beginning of the area's revival. Marunouchi Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building 3-C

045Get thrifty for a good causeA thrift shop with a difference: styled like an upscale boutique, the shop's goods come with messages written by the items' former owners. Part of the proceeds go to charity, making your shopping experience count. Pass the Baton Marunouchi 2-B

048Add humour to your homewareFloyd, a quirky product range born in Shizuoka, has launched its Tokyo store and here you'll find interesting things like bowls and sake cups designed in the form of Mt. Fuji, and coffee mugs with handles that fit your fingers like a knucklebuster ring. Floyd 3-B

Explore the four floors of this major bookseller, which stocks English tomes and also sells stationery, glasses and watches, then pore over your new books in the café with a bowl of hayashi rice, supposedly invented by Maruzen's founder, Yuteki Hayashi. Maruzen 3-C

042Read over rice

044See the old and the new combinedIncorporating parts of the old Tokyo Central Post Office building, the shiny JP Tower is also home to a panoply of shops and restaurants, focusing on Japanese aesthetics and cuisine. Kitte 3-B

043Satisfy your snack attackServing Tokyoites since 1885, this upscale supermarket chain is well worth a visit if you're on the hunt for wine, cheese or nuts and other healthy snacks. Meidi-ya Marunouchi Building 3-C

041Cycle like a chicsterMuji has built a reputation as a 'no-brand designer brand' and at their huge Yurakucho store they rent out sleek, good quality bikes. One-day rentals are ¥540 on weekdays and ¥1,080 on weekends and holidays. Muji Yurakucho 3-B

021Dine Kyoto-styleKyoto is renowned for still upholding the geisha tradition but you don't have to go that far to experience it. Enjoy full-course Kyoto cuisine right here, made even more special on (reservation-only) Maiko Nights, when geishas perform for customers. Kyoto-style Small Dishes & Ochaya Bar Mamemaru 2-B

049Marvel at a grow-in-water lunchAs a satellite shop for Amano Foods (specialists in freeze-dried items), it's only right that they offer a hot water station in store, which means you can heat up your miso soup, curry or rice bowl and enjoy it right then and there. Amano Freeze-Dry Station 3-BShopping

See central Tokyo from the open-air seats of this double-decker bus, which starts one of its approximately hour-long rounds at the Mitsubishi Building and circles all the way to Ginza. Remember to check out the other routes too. Sky Bus Tokyo 3-B

Take a comfy and quick city tourA

Best time to visit is lunchtime on weekdays when the centre plays host to a range of food trucks with unique offerings. Also be sure to stop by for the antiques fair on the first and third Sundays of every month – a gem for vintage furniture, kimonos and more. Tokyo International Forum 2-B

Try a truck lunchB

If your feet need a break, hop onto the Marunouchi Shuttle, a free bus that connects the area with nearby Otemachi and Yurakucho. It runs seven days a week in 15-minute intervals and you can get on or off at any of the stops (see route map).

Get aroundthe easy wayD

Enjoy high-speed internet access in the Marunouchi area with Japan Free Wifi, a service available in four languages (including English) and with hotspots in most of the area's major buildings as well as in some outside zones. Wi-Fi Internet access in the Marunouchi area

Stay connectedfor freeC

Planning to extend your travels beyond Tokyo? This Japan National Tourism Organization-run information centre has all the domestic travel details you'll ever need – and the concierges display the best aspects of Japanese hospitality. TIC, JNTO 2-B

Never lose your wayE

019Have top-quality,budget-friendly sushiGet the full gourmet sushi experience without breaking the bank – the ¥5,000 chef's dinner special features the freshest seasonal offerings, while the lunchtime 'bara-chirashi' bowl is even more affordable. Manten Sushi Marunouchi 2-B

Accommodation

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thingsto do inMarunouchiDiscover the Imperial Palace area

50

1st edition

Marunouchi Guide MapIn association with

An eminent past

The social side

WHAT'S GOING ON

Originally part of a cove, Marunouchi district emerged from the sea in the 1590s and was transformed under the leadership of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most powerful shoguns in Japanese history. This heritage is reflected in the name of the area, which is a combination of the old Japanese word for castle, maru, and the word uchi (inside), so Marunouchi roughly means 'inside the castle'.

It became the residential area of feudal lords in the Edo era until, in 1868, the renowned Iwasaki family bought the land and transformed it into a cosmopolitan business centre. Today the area, which stretches between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, is home to as many Fortune 500 companies as New York and boasts skyscrapers offering some of the world’s most sophisticated stores and restaurants. No visit to Tokyo is complete without a few hours spent in this ultra-modern corner of the city.

Keep up to date with the trends and events happening in the area by connecting with Marunouchi on social media.

There's always something happening in Marunouchi. Look out for events like the summertime Bon festival, end-of-year illumination, local food contests and more.

Marunouchi Photo collection

photo.marunouchi.com/

Instagram Marunouchi official account

@MARUNOUCHIPIX

Youtube Marunouchi channel “Meet at Marunouchi” www.youtube.com/user/MEETatMarunouchi

047Feel like royaltyAppointed chocolate supplier to the Spanish royal family, Cacao Sampaka produces some of the finest choccies on the face of the earth. Also, don't overlook their soft serves, which are best enjoyed outside in the sun. Cacao Sampaka 2-B

www.marunouchi.com/e For more restaurant and shop info go to

Yaesu 1

Otemachi 2

Otemachi 1

Marunouchi 1

Marunouchi 2Marunouchi 3

Yurakucho 1

Yurakucho 2

Ginza 3

Ginza 4

Ginza 5

Ginza 2

Ginza 1

Kyobashi 3 Kyobashi 2

Yaesu 2

Imperial PalaceOuter Garden

The East Gardensof the Imperial Palace

Hibiya Park

Nihonbashi-Hongokucho 2

JR Tokyo Sta.

Ginza 1

Kajibashi

Hibiya

Nijubashi-mae

Babasakimon

Wadakuramon

Tokyo Sta. Central Exit

Yaesu Central Exit

Tokyo International Forum East

Otemon

Otemachi

Otemachi Sta.

Marunouchi 1

Chuo-dori

Harumi-dori

Marunouchi Nakadori

Daimyokoji

Yamanote Line

Tohoku・Joetsu ShinkansenChuo Line

Yamanote Line

Babasaki-dori

Gyoko-dori

Eitai-dori

Uchibori-dori

Ote-mon

Sotobori-dori

Hibiya-dori

Hongo-dori

Otem

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Showa-dori

Marunouchi 1st

Marunouchi 2nd

Marunouchi 3rd

Marunouchi 4th

Marunouchi 5th

Marunouchi 6th

Marunouchi 7th

Tokaido Shinkansen

JotoElementary School

TaimeiElementary

School

TokiwaElementary School

Shin-Tekko Bldg.(scheduled for completion in 2015)

Marunouchi Bldg.

Shin-MarunouchiBldg.

Marunouchi Oazo

GranTokyoNorth Tower

(B1-13F Daimaru Tokyo)

GranTokyoSouth Tower

GranRoof

MarunouchiSouth Exit Marunouchi

Central Exit

MarunouchiNorth Exit

Nippon Bldg.

Imperial Guard Headquarters

Palace Cycling Rental Reception

Honmaru Lawns

Hakucho-bori Moat

Wadakura Fountain Park

Ninomaru Garden

Hyakunin-bansho

Imperial Household Agency

Supreme PublicProsecutors Office

Public Security Intelligence Agency

Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office

Tokyo International Forum

Tokyo Kotsu-Kaikan

Yurakucho Mullion

GinzaMitsukoshi

MatsuyaGinza

MarunouchiPolice Station

Teigeki（Imperial

Theatre）

OtemachiBldg.Muji Yurakucho

NipponBroadcastingSystem, Inc.

DN Tower 21

YurakuchoDenki Bldg.

YurakuchoBldg.

Shin-YurakuchoBldg.

Yomiuri Kaikan (Bic Camera)

Yurakucho Itocia

Shin-Kokusai Bldg.

Shin-Tokyo Bldg.

TIC, JNTO

Fuji Bldg.

Tokyo Kaikan

Tokyo Chamber ofCommerce and Industry

Meiji Seimei Kan Bldg.

Meiji Yasuda Life Bldg./Marunouchi My Plaza

Mitsubishi IchigokanMuseum, Tokyo

MarunouchiPark Bldg.

MarunouchiBrick Square

IchigokanSquare

Kishimoto Bldg.MarunouchiMitsui Bldg.

MarunouchiNakadori Bldg.

Marunouchi2-chome Bldg.

Mitsubishi Bldg.

Mitsubishi Corp.Head Office

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

Head Office

JP Tower / KitteTokyo Bldg / Tokia

Yusen Bldg.

Tokio MarineNichido Main Bldg.

Tokio MarineNichido New Bldg.

Palace Bldg.

Nihon Seimei Otemachi Bldg.

Sumitomo Mitsui BankingCorporation Head Office Bldg.

OtemachiFirst Square

Ote Center Bldg.

Mitsui Bussan Bldg.

OtemachiPal Bldg.

Otemachi TowerOotemori

MarunouchiTrust Tower N

TIC Tokyo

Nippon LifeMarunouchi Bldg. Marunouchi

Center Bldg.

MarunouchiKitaguchi Bldg.

Shin-MarunouchiCenter Bldg.

Shin-Otemachi Bldg.

NTT MarunouchiBldg. NTT Data

Otemachi Bldg.

Urban NetOtemachi Bldg.

Otemachi 2-chome AreaType 1Urban Zone

Redevelopment Project

Otemachi LinkedRedevelopment Project 3

A: Office Bldg. (scheduled for completion in 2016)

Yomiuri ShimbunTokyo Head Office Bldg.

B: Hoshinoya Tokyo (scheduled to open in 2016)

KDDIOtemachi Bldg.

TokyoSankei Bldg.

Otemachi Financial City

NTT CommunicationsOtemachi Bldg.

NTT CommunicationsOtemachi Bldg. (Annex)

OtemachiNomura Bldg.

Asahi SeimeiOtemachi Bldg.

SouthTower

NorthTower

Tokyo GinkoKyokai Bldg. Ginko

Kaikan Plan for the East Wing ofSumitomo Mitsui BankingCorporation Head Office

(scheduled for completion in 2014)

Industry Club of Japan・Mitsubishi UFJ Trust

and Banking Bldg.

Marunouchi Eiraku Bldg. / Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank

Head Office Bldg. / Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

Marunouchi 1 Chome Bldg. / Iiyo

Otemachi 1-1 Project

A Bldg. (scheduled for completion in 2015)

B Bldg. (scheduled forcompletion in 2016)

Mitsui Bussan Bldg.（Annex）

Nikkei Bldg.

JA Bldg.

KeidanrenKaikan

Otemachi1-chome

Mitsui Bldg.

Kokusai Bldg.（Kunigawa）

Shin-NissekiBldg.

Marunouchi Trust Tower MainShangri-La Hotel Tokyo

MarunouchiChuo Bldg.

Hotel MetropolitanMarunouchi

Sapia Tower

Keio PressoInn Otemachi

The Tokyo Station Hotel

The PeninsulaTokyo

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

Hotel MontereyLa Soeur Ginza

Four Seasons HotelTokyo at Marunouchi

Pacific CenturyPlace Marunouchi

APA Hotel GinzaKyobashi

Courtyard by MarriottTokyo Station

Super Hotel Lohas TokyoYaesu Chuoguchi

Hotel Heimat

Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo

Mercure HotelTokyo Ginza

Hotel Monterey Ginza

Remm Hibiya

Palace HotelTokyo

MarunouchiHotel

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Nijubashimae Sta. on the Chiyoda Line

Hibiya Sta. on

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Yurakucho Sta. on the Yurakucho Line

Yurakucho Sta. on the JR Line

Tokyo Sta. on the JR Keiyo Line

Tokyo Sta. on the JR Sobu Main Line

Otemachi Sta. on the Chiyoda Line

Otemachi Sta. on the Marunouchi Line

Otem

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anzomon Line

Otem

achi Sta. on the Tozai Line

Hibiya Sta. on

the Hibiya Line

Hibiya Sta. on the Mita Line

Otemachi Sta. on the Toei Mita Line

Ginza Sta. on the Hibiya Line

Ginza Sta. on the Ginza Line

Tokyo Sta. on the Marunouchi Line

Ginza Sta. on

the Marunouchi Line

Ginza-itchome Sta. on the Yurakucho Line

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50 things to do in Marunouchi Discover the Imperial Palace area 1st edition

Relax beside an urban forest: Although glass and steel predominate in Marunouchi, the lush greenery of the Imperial Palace is never more than a few steps away. Entering the grounds is unfortunately not possible, but the pleasant moat-side areas, the modern Wadakura Fountain Park and the palace’s spacious Outer Gardens (a favourite al fresco lunch spot for office workers) provide ample opportunities for relaxation. Related venue: 2. Wadakura Fountain Park

Take a terrace breather: For some extra recharging, visit the rose garden at Ichigokan Square( on the map), complete with a terrace café, or relax in the rooftop garden at Kitte from where you can watch the bullet trains arrive and depart. Related venue: 44. Kitte

Combine champagne with a night view: You'll be spoiled for choice at Marunouchi House, ( on the map) a lively seventh-floor restaurant hub filled with laid-back bars and eateries that stay open until 4am (weekdays). Start your night with open-air toasts on the spacious balcony area (closes at 11pm). Related venue: 24. Raimuraito

AM 7:00

AM 12:00

Jog around the circle: Tokyoites love to jog around the Imperial Palace, not least because the route features gorgeous views and few traffic lights. Visiting runners are well served by the local ‘running station’, while cyclists can enjoy free bike rentals on certain days for the Palace Cycling Course. Related venues: 39. Palace Cycling, 40. Marunouchi Bike & Run, 41. Muji Yurakucho

Charge up for the day: Adventuring on an empty stomach is no wise choice, so head down to the Shin-Maru building's basement floor where you'll find Hokkaido milk producer Machimura Farm's café ( on the map), which opens at 7.30am on weekdays and serves tasty butter and cheese toasties.

Admire classic architecture: Tokyo's first art and convention centre, Tokyo International Forum ( on the map) wows with its impressive design featuring a glass atrium. Other famous landmarks include the newly restored Mitsubishi Ichigokan building, the first modern office block in Marunouchi, and the red-brick Tokyo Station. Related venues: 1. Tokyo Station, 36. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo, 44. Kitte

©TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM CO., LTD.

©Timo Solin "Sunbather"

Dine with a view: Enjoy a classy dinner while gazing out over the vast city at one of the many restaurants with a view at Marunouchi Building such as the 36th-floor Mona Lisa ( on the map), which boasts chef Toru Kawano, a veteran of famous Parisian and Swiss restaurants who'll wow you with his fine French cuisine. Re la ted venue : 6 . Te m p u r a Tenmasa

PM 4:00

AM 9:00

AM 8:00

Lunch under the blue sky: Marunouchi's diversity of restaurants is truly remarkable, so you'll have no trouble finding a suitable place to rest your legs over lunch. On sunny days, why not check out the open-air cafés at Ichigokan Square or the many inviting eateries along Nakadori-Ave such as Pagliaccio Marunouchi ( on the map), which changes its menu every second week so you'll never get bored.

PM 12:00

Pick up the perfect souvenir: Lined by brand boutiques and a huge variety of other attractive shops, Naka-dori is Marunouchi's main street and one of the top shopping thoroughfares in the city. Souvenir hunters will also do well to check out the shops in the Marunouchi, Shin-Marunouchi and Kitte buildings, all of which stay open until 9pm (8pm on Sun and hol).Related venues: 44. Kitte, 50. Marunouchi Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building

PM 5:00

PM 8:00Your 24-hour guided tour...It's a Marunouchi day

PM 3:00AM 11:00

Share your Marunouchi momentsSnap a selfie or any other pic at your favourite spot in the area and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #marupix. Remember to check out the Marunouchipix website to see your photos uploaded!

PM 2:00Find the arty side: The area is home to several museums and galleries, while the 1.2km Naka-dori street features 15 sculptures and other pieces by both domestic and international artists, including the renowned Yayoi Kusama.Re la ted venues : 4 . G yo ko - d o r i Underground Gallery, 36. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo, 37. Tokyo Station Gallery, 38. Idemitsu Museum of Arts

Tea time: Take your pick from the area’s interesting array of cafés. Try out matcha at tea specialist Ippodo ( on the map), or Seiko cakes (made from lotus root and sugar) at Kyoto old-timer Murasaki no Wakuden.Related venues: 30. Murasakino Wakuden Chaka, 31. Cafe Salvador Marunouchi, 32. Stand T, 33. Hamanoya Parlour

General information:The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun year-round. Opening hours vary by season, and are as follows: March 1-April 14 & September 1-October 31 9am-4:30pm, April 15-August 31 9am-5pm, November 1-February 28 9am-4pm. The entrance closes 30 minutes prior to closing time.

The gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays except for most national holidays, and from December 28 to January 3. If a national holiday falls on a Monday, the gardens will be closed on the following Tuesday.

The garden has three entrance gates: Ote-mon (closest station: Otemachi Station), Hirakawa-mon (Takebashi Station) and Kitahanebashi-mon (Takebashi Station).Sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/

Tokyo Metro subway station

Currency exchange

Marunouchi Shuttle bus stop

Wi-fi (Free) SSID: JAPAN-FREE-Wifi

Toei subway station

Information

Open-air coffee shop

ATM

Sneak pastthe guards

Surveythe grounds

Entering through the Ote-mon gate, you’ll soon come across a square with three guardhouses. The largest of these, the Hyakunin-bansho, once housed a full one hundred loyal samurai tasked with protecting the shogun from his enemies. It’s far easier to slip by undetected these days…

Located above the Hakucho-bori moat, this observatory provides great views of both the lower gardens and the towers of

Marunouchi. It’s also a nice place to sit down for a short break, catch

your breath and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Calm your spirits

End your stroll at the picturesque, traditional-style

Ninomaru garden. With pretty flowers, a bubbling waterfall and masterfully trimmed pine trees, this spot is perfect for taking a quiet moment before heading back out into the bustling city. Remember to check out the koi carp in the pond too.

Hang out on the lawnAlthough you wouldn’t be able to tell from their current state, the Honmaru lawns are where Edo Castle once stood. Nowadays, this spacious area is best suited for a quick summer day nap in the shade, after which you’ll be able to climb the nearby Tenshudai guard tower’s ruins with ease.

Walkingthe East

Gardens of the Imperial

Palace

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