IS JAPAN COOL? TOKYO
1. Tokyo’s “front gate” station with the largest number of train platforms in Japan. Since Tokyo Station is a hub connected to major local cities, many Shinkansen “bullet trains” arrive and depart from there.
2. The grand station building with its impressive red-brick walls stands at Marunouchi Exit and is designated as one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. Restoration work is now ongoing and will be completed in October 2012. Tokyo Station Hotel — the only accommodation facility available inside an Important Cultural Property — will reopen at the completion of work.
3. Since Tokyo Station has among the largest number of passengers in transit, you can find many types of products and services from all around Tokyo here — including ekiben (station bento box), restaurants, sweets, souvenirs, ramen, character goods, etc.
4. Located close to the front of the station is the Kohkyo (Tokyo Imperial Palace). Higashi-gyoen (the East Garden), which previously belonged to Edo Castle is now open to the public and visitors can enter freely. Sotobori (the outer moat) is a popular jogging course, and international runners are often observed along its five-kilometer length.
