This audio is generated by AI, so pronunciation and expressions may not be fully accurate. The narration is only in English.
Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, known as the father of modern Japanese architecture, the majestic Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building attracted a lot of attention when it was completed as one of the largest Western-style buildings in Japan. Tatsuno's design was nicknamed "Tatsuno Kengo" (Tatsuno Sturdy) because of its hardy construction, and the building suffered little damage in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 despite its estimated 7.9 magnitude.
However, the building suffered serious damage from air raids during World War II, including the loss of its domed roofs. To prioritize a speedy recovery, the damaged third floor was removed and the domes were replaced with octagonal slate roofs.
Once lost in the course of history, thanks to the restoration, the building has regained its original three-story structure with dome-shaped roofs.
"It takes a lot of effort to faithfully restore the lost parts while preserving as much of the original structure as possible. For example, the symbolic red bricks were carefully procured to match the shape, materials, and colors of the original. Behind these meticulous efforts was the desire to pass on the historical value of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building to the future," says Yagi Chitose, Hotel Manager at The Tokyo Station Hotel.
The luxurious front desk. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
The Lobby Lounge on the first floor near the entrance is also open to nonguests. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
Sketches and photographs that tell the history of the hotel are displayed in the guest hallways.
Even the staircase feels luxurious.
The private elevators for guests are spacious and wheelchair-friendly.
Bright light shines through skylights in the guest lounge, "The Atrium."
The breakfast served in the guest lounge, "The Atrium," is popular among guests. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
Yagi talks about the hotel's plans for the future.
Guests in The Atrium can appreciate red brick material from the original building in the wall.
At 173 square meters, the Imperial Suite is the largest room in the hotel. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
The Restaurant Blanc Rouge uses carefully selected ingredients. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
Formal weddings at the hotel are also popular. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
Tokyo Station in the 1920s. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
An exceptional night view of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. Photo: courtesy of The Tokyo Station Hotel
Also located at the Marunouchi North Gate of Tokyo Station is Tokyo Station Gallery.
History is something one inherits from the past and cannot be created retroactively. By building history and passing it on to the future, a magnificent story is born.
"Our mission is to connect the previous 110 years to the 100 years ahead of us. As a hotel inside the 'Living Heritage,' we want to widely spread the value of that legacy," says Yagi.
Japan has preserved many cultural heritage sites which have lost their original purpose and become museums or memorials for public viewing. However, the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building still maintains its functions as a station and hotel to the fullest.
"The building is equipped with the newest technologies and all kinds of safety measures to prevent fire and withstand earthquakes." It is truly a hotel that connects the past to the future.
"When the story of the hotel itself and the stories of the guests who choose this hotel complement each other, the stories become even richer."
One can also experience the charm of The Tokyo Station Hotel without staying there.
At the Marunouchi North and South Gates of Tokyo Station, one can look up to see magnificent reliefs inside the domes and other beautiful details such as sculptures of eagles and some of the animals of the zodiac. Notably, the relief at the South Gate has gray and white sections. The gray sections are those which belong to the building's original relief that have survived to this day, while the white are sections that have been restored. Part of the relief can be seen up close from the corridor to the restaurant area on the second floor. The restoration work has been done with respect, preserving as much of the remaining original structure as possible.
The hotel has 10 restaurants and bars that serve a wide variety of food and beverages. A standout among them is Blanc Rouge on the second floor, which features Japanese ingredients used to create French cuisine. Diners can watch the trains arriving at the platforms of Tokyo Station right beneath the windows. This is a truly unique experience.
The number of international visitors at the hotel has increased rapidly over the past few years. The hotel is second to none in terms of convenience, but another major factor is that people are increasingly attracted to the hotel's story.
"One of the draws to Tokyo is the fusion of tradition and innovation. With historical buildings and artworks, and cutting-edge culture, it is a city where you can experience 'old meets new.' We are proud to be a part of that," says Yagi.
Knowing the hotel's story enriches an already enjoyable stay for guests. By complementing their own story with the hotel's, their experience at The Tokyo Station Hotel will become unforgettable.
