Tokyo Station Hotel Marks a Century of Excellence

While railway station hotels are often practical but forgettable, Tokyo Station Hotel has defied the norm for over 100 years, offering a unique experience that sets it apart from other transit stopovers.

Established in November 1915, this boutique hotel is one of the oldest continuously operating in Tokyo, a remarkable feat in a city where natural disasters and wartime destruction have left few buildings standing for more than seven decades.

Nestled within Tokyo Station’s historic Marunouchi Building, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property, the Tokyo Station Hotel is Japan’s only hotel located inside such a prestigious landmark. Its rooms and amenities provide guests with rare, private views of the station, one of the city’s most revered icons.

A Century of Timeless Stories

After a five-year restoration, the hotel reopened in 2012, yet its history – including surviving both World War II and the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake – continues to define its character.

Guests can find traces of the hotel’s original red brick walls throughout the property, serving as a deliberate nod to its storied past. In preparation for the reopening, the hotel’s general manager, Hitoshi Fujisaki, says, "We sent some staff to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York."

"We gained valuable insights from working with such a historic and grand establishment," adds Fujisaki.

To commemorate its milestone anniversary, the hotel is offering a special history-themed accommodation package.

Rooms with Breathtaking Views

The rooms feature windows that look directly into the station, offering breathtaking views of its iconic, European-inspired domes. Preserved during the recent renovation, these yellow and white domes are adorned with intricate animal sculptures and reliefs—an uncommon sight in modern Tokyo.

According to Fujisaki, the Dome Side Rooms are the most sought-after. After the last train departs, guests are granted exclusive access to the space, enjoying it in complete solitude.

In the morning, guests experience a striking contrast: the tranquility of the room against the backdrop of thousands of bustling commuters heading to work at Japan’s busiest station.

Special Privileges

Rooms without views of the station’s interior either face the train tracks or overlook the Imperial Palace. For those who miss out on a Dome Side Room, a similar view can be enjoyed from the hotel’s second-floor balcony.

The café offers a selection of coffee, traditional Japanese green tea, and light meals.

Guests who stay overnight are treated to an exclusive benefit—breakfast at The Atrium, located beneath the grand roof of Tokyo Station. This sophisticated space, perched on the hotel’s fourth floor with its soaring nine-meter ceilings, offers a buffet with both international and Japanese dishes, including French pastries, Japanese rice porridge, and made-to-order omelets.

Hisashi Sugimoto, Japan’s legendary bartender, who has been a fixture at the hotel’s Bar Oak since 1958, has returned to serve his iconic cocktail, the Tokyo Station. This signature drink blends Tanqueray gin and Suze liqueur for a distinctive taste.

Perfect for Commuters

The hotel’s main appeal remains its unparalleled access to Japan’s extensive high-speed rail network. It also offers special discounts for Japan Rail Pass holders.

The hotel offers a convenient meet-and-greet service where porters collect or deliver guests’ luggage directly on the train platform, sparing them the challenge of navigating Tokyo’s notoriously complicated rail station.

Celebration Alert: If you didn’t already secure a ticket, you’ve missed your chance to attend the hotel’s 100th anniversary banquet – all 120 seats sold out in just 20 minutes.

However, you can still enjoy the anniversary light show, which will be projected onto the north and south domes of the Marunouchi Building on November 2, from 6 to 9 p.m.