How to enjoy Tokyo Station Ichibangai that you can only buy, experience, and enjoy here
"Tokyo Station" is the gateway to Japan.
As the departure and arrival point for the Shinkansen bullet trains to Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Tokai, as well as trains to Tokyo and other parts of the Kanto region, there will be many opportunities to pass through Tokyo Station during sightseeing and travel.
It would be a shame to simply pass by Tokyo Station and its surrounding area, as there are many attractive commercial facilities within the station.
This article focuses on "Tokyo Station Ichibangai", a commercial facility inside Tokyo Station that attracts specialty products and gourmet foods not only from Tokyo but from all over Japan.
If you have a chance to visit Tokyo Station, be sure to stop by.
"Tokyo Station Ichibangai", a commercial facility with all the charm of Japan
"Tokyo Station Ichibangai" is a commercial facility located directly below the Tokaido Shinkansen platform at Tokyo Station and boasts a length of 400 meters, the same length as the platform.
Gourmet foods and specialty products from not only Tokyo but also from all over Japan are gathered here, and there are numerous excellent products, experiences that cannot be had, and gourmet foods that cannot be tasted that can only be purchased at "Tokyo Station Ichibangai".
There are also many limited-time-only events and pop-up stores, so no matter how many times you visit, you will always have something new to discover.
Another great point is that many of the stores offer duty-free shopping.
"Tokyo Station Ichibangai" has three floors from the first basement to the second floor, and the following six areas are located on each floor.
- Tokyo Ramen Street
- Tokyo Character Street
- Tokyo Okashi Land
- Tokyo Gift Palette
- Nippon Gourmet Kaido
- Tokyo Gourmet Zone
Each area has different characteristics, so if you plan to visit Tokyo Station, make sure to set aside time to enjoy "Tokyo Station Ichibangai" and visit all areas.
Directions to Tokyo Station Ichibangai
"Tokyo Station Ichibangai" is directly connected to Tokyo Station, but please note that it is necessary to exit through the ticket gates.
Each floor of "Tokyo Station Ichibangai" is located just outside each ticket gate of the Yaesu Exit.
6 areas of "Tokyo Station Ichibangai" where you can get everything you want, including gourmet food, souvenirs, and goods
Each of the six areas that make up "Tokyo Station Ichibangai" has a completely different charm. The areas offer a wide variety of attractions, such as local gourmet foods from all over Japan, ramen noodles popular in Tokyo, and colorful souvenirs, so be sure to make a plan to visit each area.
1. Tokyo's famous shops gather! "Tokyo Ramen Street" where you won't get bored even if you go for a week
"Tokyo Ramen Street", located just outside the "Yaesu Underground Central Exit ticket gate", is home to eight of Tokyo's best ramen stores, offering a different genre of ramen every day, even if you go for a week.
It is no exaggeration to say that you can fully enjoy Tokyo's ramen here, with not only popular and standard menus from famous restaurants.
2. "Tokyo Character Street" where adults and children are both excited
"Tokyo Character Street", where more than 30 popular character stores from Japan and abroad gather, is located on the first basement floor, just outside the "Yaesu Underground Central Exit ticket gate".
In September 2022, an official goods store for the popular character "Chiikawa," which won the "Japan Character Award 2022 Grand Prix," also opened.
The wide range of goods available, from the hottest characters of the moment to nationally popular characters, is also very attractive.
Limited edition goods of popular characters such as "Pokémon," "Crayon Shin-chan," "Pretty Cure," and "Sumikkogurashi" are also available, so there is no reason for fans not to visit.
There are also limited-time events and shops, so no matter when you visit, there is an exciting and attractive space.
3. “Tokyo Okashi Land” where you can experience many things that can only be done here
"Tokyo Okashi Land" is located just outside the "Yaesu Central Exit ticket gate" on the first basement floor.
Antenna stores of "Ezaki Glico," "Morinaga Seika," "Calbee," and "Kameda Seika," all of which are nationally popular confectionery manufacturers, are located here, where you can not only purchase limited products but also enjoy unique experiences.
All of the antenna stores have kitchen spaces inside their stores, and visitors can enjoy freshly made confections at the eat-in space.
The rare experience of being able to see the confectionery preparation process up close is unique to "Tokyo Okashi Land".
For confectionery lovers, this is an area where a dream-like space spreads out.
4. "Tokyo Gift Palette" where gifts from well-known stores and long-established stores all over the country gather
"Tokyo Gift Palette" is located just outside the "Yaesu North Exit ticket gate" on the first floor above ground.
There are 39 long-established and famous stores from not only Tokyo but also from all over Japan, where you can get carefully selected Japanese and Western confectioneries.
With the exception of the main store, some stores are only found in "Tokyo Station Ichibangai," and many of the products are limited editions, so there are many souvenirs that can only be found here.
Another nice point is that there is a deli where you can purchase high-quality bento boxes and prepared foods, and a café where you can spend time relaxing.
If you are looking for a gift for a loved one or a souvenir from your trip, the "Tokyo Gift Palette" is recommended.
5. "Nippon Gourmet Kaido" where you can go on a gourmet trip at Tokyo Station
Passing through "Nozomi Plaza" located on the first basement floor just outside the "Yaesu Underground Central Exit Ticket" and proceeding to the right, you will find a row of famous restaurants from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, on your right.
You will feel like you are on a gourmet trip as you visit restaurants serving seafood from Hokkaido, beef tongue from Sendai, okonomiyaki from Hiroshima, and mentaiko (cod roe) from Fukuoka.
Let's enjoy the gourmet food of places you want to visit and places you couldn't reach at Tokyo Station.
6. "Tokyo Gourmet Zone", an adult gourmet area where popular restaurants in Tokyo gather
“Tokyo Gourmet Zone“ is located on the second floor, up the escalator just outside the "Yaesu North Exit Ticket Gate“.
A wide variety of restaurants, including popular bars and bistros in Tokyo, are available.
Many of the restaurants allow you to enjoy authentic cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, such as "Casual Teppan Date" where you can casually enjoy authentic teppanyaki, "HIGHBALL BAR Tokyo Station 1923" which specializes in highballs, and "Sakaba Sinatra" which serves kappo (Japanese cuisine) with seasonal Japanese dishes.
Why not visit "Tokyo Gourmet Zone" to relax your body and mind after a long day of shopping and traveling in the crowded city of Tokyo?
Conclusion
"Tokyo Station Ichibangai" is a commercial facility where not only the attractions of Tokyo but also those of all of Japan are concentrated, and there are many things that can only be bought, experienced, or tasted here.
If you visit Tokyo Station, make sure you have enough energy and time to explore "Tokyo Station Ichibangai".