How To Spend A Whole Day In Tokyo Station Shopping

Tokyo Station, often seen as merely a transit hub, is a treasure trove of shopping, dining, and entertainment that can easily fill a whole day. Here’s how you can make the most of your time exploring this vibrant area.

Morning: Arrival and Luggage Storage

If you plan to spend the day at Tokyo Station, it's crucial to start by securing your luggage. The station offers numerous coin lockers, but these can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times. Consider using alternative luggage storage services like ecbo cloak to keep your belongings safe while you explore.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Shopping in the Yaesu Area

Begin your day by heading to the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, which is packed with shopping areas. Here, you'll find the extensive underground mall, Yaesu Chikagai, featuring over 180 shops, including restaurants, cafes, and unique Japanese souvenir stores. This area is perfect for picking up gifts, souvenirs, and even fashion items.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch on Kitchen Street

For lunch, navigate to Kitchen Street, a culinary haven within the station. This area offers a diverse range of dining options, from light meals to gourmet restaurants. Be prepared for lines at popular spots, but the variety ensures there's something for every palate. Consider avoiding Ramen Street for lunch, as ramen can be heavy and might make walking around the station afterwards less comfortable.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Exploring Specialty Shopping Areas

Tokyo Character Street

Head to First Avenue Tokyo Station to visit Tokyo Character Street, a must-visit for fans of Japanese anime and manga. Here, you can find exclusive merchandise featuring characters like Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and Rilakkuma.

Tokyo Okashi Land

Located just outside the Yaesu Central Exit ticket gate, Tokyo Okashi Land is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. This area is home to various Japanese confectionery shops, including antenna stores of well-known brands like Ezaki Glico and Morinaga.

Nippon Gourmet Kaido

For a gourmet experience, explore Nippon Gourmet Kaido, situated near Nozomi Plaza. This area offers a culinary journey across Japan, with restaurants serving specialties from Hokkaido to Kyushu, such as seafood from Hokkaido, beef tongue from Sendai, and okonomiyaki from Hiroshima.

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: More Shopping and Dining

GRANSTA and First Avenue

Visit GRANSTA, another extensive shopping and dining area within the station. This area stretches both inside and outside the ticket gates, offering a wide range of goods, including edible goodies, souvenirs, and fashion items. First Avenue Tokyo Station is also nearby, featuring more shops and dining options.

Tokyo Gourmet Zone

For a more adult-oriented dining experience, head to the Tokyo Gourmet Zone on the second floor near the Yaesu North Exit Ticket Gate. Here, you'll find popular bars and bistros, including Casual Teppan Date for teppanyaki and HIGHBALL BAR Tokyo Station 1923 for highballs.

Evening: Final Shopping and Departure

Last-Minute Shopping

Before departing, take some time to explore other shopping areas like Marunouchi Building, Shin Marunouchi Building, KITTE, or Marunouchi Brick Square. These areas offer a mix of high-end department stores and unique shopping experiences.

Departure

If you're heading to other parts of Japan, such as Kyoto or Osaka, Tokyo Station is conveniently connected to major cities and airports via bus services. Ensure you check the bus schedules in advance, especially for early morning or late evening services.

By following this itinerary, you can experience the full spectrum of what Tokyo Station has to offer, from gourmet dining to extensive shopping, making your day both enjoyable and memorable.