One Fine Day in Marunouchi: A Local’s Guide to a Well-Spent Day in the City
With so much to see and do in Marunouchi, where should one begin? Just steps from Tokyo Station, this central district offers far more than sleek skyscrapers and a bustling business scene. It’s a place where couples, solo travelers, and families alike can slow down, explore history and art, shop and dine, and find surprising moments of relaxation in the heart of the city.
Here is our recommended itinerary for a perfect day in Marunouchi.
START
09:00
① ASICS RUN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI
Start your morning off right with an invigorating run around the grounds of the Imperial Palace. To prepare, first stop by ASICS RUN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI, the district’s hybrid athletic store and runner’s hub offering showers, lockers, and rental gear. Conveniently located about a 2-minute walk from Tokyo Station and 10 minutes from the Imperial Palace entrance, it’s the perfect place to gear up and go, or regroup and refresh after your run before continuing to explore the area.
Walk for 10 minutes
09:45
② Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Morning runs have never felt—or looked—so good. The Kokyo Gaien National Garden provides the perfect backdrop for an energetic jog or leisurely stroll, with wide moats, stone walls, and lush greenery, all reminiscent of a different time, all right here in the heart of the city. This running loop offers the perfect balance for those seeking a more active start to their day while still seeing Marunouchi’s sights.
Walk for 9 minutes
10:30
③ Marunouchi Street Gallery
Trans-Double Yana(Mirror)
Kohei Nawa
2012
Since 1972, the Marunouchi Street Gallery has enlivened Marunouchi-Nakadori St., the district’s main street, with sculptures by Japanese and international artists. Strolling here feels less like passing through a business district and more like wandering through a dynamic open-air art gallery, where bold shapes and playful forms invite curiosity at every turn.
Walk for 2 minutes
11:00
④ Marunouchi Bldg.
By late morning, it’s time to dip into the Marunouchi Bldg., a favorite destination for shopping and browsing. Inside, floors of fashion, lifestyle goods, and specialty shops create something for everyone, whether you’re hunting for gifts, picking up travel keepsakes, or simply enjoying the buzz of Tokyo’s stylish side. Even window-shopping here feels like part of the experience.
Walk for 1 minute
12:00
⑤ GRILL MANTEN-BOSHI
When lunchtime rolls around, head to GRILL MANTEN-BOSHI on the 5th floor of the Marunouchi Bldg., a beloved, long-running restaurant serving classic Japanese and Western-style comfort food. The menu caters to all ages, featuring children’s plates and foreign-language options, making it a welcoming choice for international visitors. From slow-cooked tender beef over fluffy rice to crisp salads and tonkatsu meal sets, the dishes are hearty, familiar, and perfect for recharging before the afternoon ahead.
Walk for 5 minutes
13:00
⑥ Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo
Slow the pace in the afternoon with a visit to the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo. Set in a beautifully reconstructed red-brick building from 1894, it feels as though you’ve stepped back into another era. Inside, thoughtfully curated exhibitions explore diverse art forms, offering a quiet, contemplative escape from the city’s bustle.
Walk for 10 minutes
14:30
⑦ MARUZEN MARUNOUCHI MAIN STORE & Cafe 1869 by MARUZEN
Next stop is Maruzen in Oazo, a bookstore spanning four floors. Shelves of literature, magazines, and fine stationery invite leisurely browsing, while travel goods and souvenirs make it an ideal spot for finding something truly memorable. Once your arms are full of treasures, unwind at the adjoining Cafe 1869 by MARUZEN (3F). Here, fragrant coffee, tea, and light snacks are served in a space inspired by the heritage of Japan’s oldest Western-style bookstore. The cafe’s seating also provides direct, unobstructed views of Tokyo Station.
Walk for 5 minutes
17:00
⑧ NINJA TOKYO
As evening sets in, it’s time for something truly unforgettable: dinner at NINJA TOKYO. More than just a meal, this immersive experience is part performance, part culinary adventure. Hidden passages, dramatic interiors, and playful ninja-themed surprises create an atmosphere that children adore, while the creative, multi-course menu ensures that adults are just as delighted. It’s dining that blends entertainment and craftsmanship, creating a meal to remember.
*Advance reservation required.
Walk for 10 minutes
18:30
⑨ (marunouchi)HOUSE
“Culinary hub” (marunouchi)HOUSE brings together a variety of restaurants and bars on Shin-Marunouchi Bldg's 7F. Complete with an open-air terrace overlooking JR Tokyo Sta., this space houses a range of establishments to suit every mood and occasion, whether you're after casual afterwork drinks, fine dining experiences, or an indulgent sweet treat.
Walk for 5 minutes
19:30
⑩ JR Tokyo Sta.
At the end of the day, make your way to the iconic JR Tokyo Sta. In the evening, the station’s historic red-brick facade glows softly under the modern city lights, creating a magical scene that captures Tokyo’s layers of time—where the city’s past and present quietly meet. It’s the perfect finale to a day spent exploring the heritage and elegance of Marunouchi.
