Tokyo is full of large winding stations, filled with underground malls, underground walkways, and more.
None, however, are as jam-packed with amenities as Tokyo Station. With almost 30 platforms, numerous in-station shopping malls in the basement and on the ground-level, as well as many restaurant choices all around, if there’s a train station that could be considered a “city”, then Tokyo Station would be it. A sort of microcosm of a neighborhood located within a single building, with even a hotel and a museum built-in.
There are two sides to Tokyo Station, the Marunouchi side facing westwards towards the Imperial Palace, and the Yaesu side facing eastwards.
In terms of shopping, located at the basement of the Yaesu side of the station is First Avenue or Ichibangai (一番街), a long underground mall with a section dedicated to character goods including Sanrio (Hello Kitty, Sumikko Gurashi), and anime merchandise, as well as a Tokyo Ramen Street section with 7 ramen shops located there.
There are also two underground malls located beside First Avenue, Granroof and Yaechika.
Within the station on both the ground floor and the basement levels (both inside and outside the ticket gates), you can find Gransta, an in-station shopping complex consisting of souvenir shops, and food options.
This is a great place to get some shopping done if you want to buy some souvenirs for back home.
Note that some of the shops are located within the station’s ticket gates, and there is a entrance fee of around ¥150 to just enter and use the facilities without taking the train. The entrance fee is automatically charged to your Suica when you enter and exit the ticket gates.
