The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line connects Ogikubo Station in Suginami-ku to Ikebukuro Station in Toshima-ku. It is the second subway line to be built in central Tokyo and the first to be built after World War II. With a symbol colour of red and a starting fare of 170 JPY (1.50 USD), Marunouchi connects some of the most crowded stations in central Tokyo together. Here are 8 can’t-miss attractions for visitors riding on the Marunouchi line.
Skyscraper Scenery (Nishi-shinjuku station)
First on our list are the numerous skyscrapers in the Nishi Shinjuku area. All within walking distance of Tokyo Metro Marunouchi’s Nishi-shinjuku station, these buildings offer free bird’s-eye views of Shinjuku and the surrounding districts. On a clear day you may even be able to see Mount Fuji in the distance!
Pictured above is the night view from Shinjuku Sumitomo Building. The 51st floor is a restaurant floor with an observation lobby. Enjoy drinks from the cafe while looking down upon Shinjuku, including a picturesque view of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building.
Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
Address: 2-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 10 am - 10 pm. Closed Jan. 1, 3rd Sun. of Feb., 2nd Sun. of Aug., Dec. 31
Access: 6-minute. walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Nishi-shinjuku Station
Contact: +81 3-3344-6941
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Shinjuku-gyoenmae station)
Located right in the middle of Shinjuku’s concrete jungle is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The garden was originally built in 1906 as an imperial garden, later to be opened to the public after World War II. The garden spans 144 acres and is broken up into 3 different areas that draw inspiration from 3 different countries: France, England and Japan.
Although the gardens are not free, it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax. In the spring, many hanami (flower-viewing) parties are held underneath the sakura trees, where families and friends spread out their picnic blankets on the lawn and enjoy the scenery together.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Park
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Price: 200 JPY (1.80 USD) general admission
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm. Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, it is closed the following day).
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Shinjuku-gyoenmae station
Contact: +81 3-3350-0151
National Diet Building (Kokkai-gijidomae station)
For visitors interested in learning more about Japanese politics, be sure to stop by the National Diet Building. Just a short walk away from Kokkai-gijidomae station and the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building was completed in 1936. The House of Councillors and the House of Representatives hold their sessions on the premises, and there are public tours of the House of Representatives chambers offered all year-round.
National Diet Building
Address: 1-7-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays, Sat. and Sun.
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 9-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Kokkai-gijidomae station
Contact: +81 3-5521-7445
Marunouchi Naka-dori (Tokyo station)
Just a short walk outside of Tokyo station is the beautiful Marunouchi Naka-dori. One of the most prominent business districts in central Tokyo, Marunouchi Naka-dori features tall office buildings. Have a taste of luxury as you shop and dine while overlooking the red bricks of Tokyo station. Marunouchi Naka-dori is also particularly picturesque in the winter, when it lights up with Christmas illuminations.
Tokyo Tour Guide
Ayano
Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I will capture beautiful photos that will become lasting memories. Join my tour and let's explore Tokyo together!
Tours by Ayano
Green Tea Restaurant 1899 (Ochanomizu station)
Nearby the University of Tokyo and a handful of nationally-acclaimed hospitals, Ochanomizu has a reputation for being an area where intellectuals call home. With the name “Ochanomizu” literally meaning “Tea and water”, it is no surprise to find a posh cafe such as Green Tea Restaurant 1899.
Green Tea Restaurant 1899 specialises in all things “matcha”, offering green tea selections for lunch, teatime and dinner. Be sure to check out the unique green tea wine or green tea beer, pictured above.
Green Tea Restaurant 1899
Address: 3-4 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Price: Lunch around 1200 JPY (10.60 USD), Cafe from 650 JPY (5.70 USD), Dinner around 4000 JPY (35.30 USD)
Opening Hours: Lunch 11 am - 3 pm, Cafe 2 pm - 4pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 11 pm.
Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Ochanomizu station
Contact: +81 3-3251-1150
The University of Tokyo (Hongo-sanchome station)
The greatest minds are said to gather at the University of Tokyo, considered the top school nationwide. Just a short walk away from Hongo-sanchome station is the University of Tokyo, or “Todai”, main campus. Gates are usually opened to the public, and the Hongo campus offers a couple of great museums, libraries and botanical gardens. Visitors are even allowed to eat at the main cafeteria, the “Chuo Shokudo”, except during peak lunch hours (12pm-1pm).
University of Tokyo
Address: 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Main gate open 7am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays, Sat. and Sun.
Access: 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Hongo-sanchome station
Tokyo Dome City (Korakuen station)
There is something for everyone at Tokyo Dome City! Tokyo Dome is the home stadium for the Yomiuri Giants, one of Tokyo’s professional baseball teams. The stadium also hosts a number of events and concerts throughout the year. For sports fans who want to get in on the action, there is an attraction area with batting cages, bowling and rock climbing a short walk from the stadium.
In the entertainment area of Tokyo Dome City, there is a small amusement park, a shopping complex and even a hotel! Whether you are visiting with friends or family, Tokyo Dome City is a fun amusement area that can be enjoyed by all.
Tokyo Dome City
Address: 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo Ward Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11am - 9pm.
Access: 1-minute walk from Korakuen station
Contact: +81 3-5800-9999
Minami Ikebukuro Park (Ikebukuro station)
Unlike Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, Minami Ikebukuro Park is a much smaller area, but it has a lot of heart. Newly renovated, the park features a family-friendly environment just a short walk away from Ikebukuro station. There are a variety of seating options where people can lounge and enjoy the scenery, as well as areas for kids to play. The park restaurant, Racines FARM to PARK, is a cosy, hipster area that offers freshly brewed coffee and delicious bites.
Minami Ikebukuro Park
Address: 2 -22-1 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo
Price: Free
Access: 6-minute walk from Tokyo Marunouchi Ikebukuro station
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line: Picture-Perfect
From the nature of Shinjuku Gyoen National Park to the bustling Tokyo Dome City, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line not only connects all of the major hubs in central Tokyo, but offers some picture-perfect views that any visitor to Japan cannot miss. Next time you are travelling in Tokyo, be sure to enjoy the stops along the way before you reach your destination. Especially with the Marunouchi line you won’t regret it.
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