By Walker Japan
This walking tour video takes viewers through the prominent business districts of Marunouchi and Otemachi in Tokyo on a serene holiday morning. As the city awakens, the video captures the harmonious blend of cutting-edge skyscrapers and the historic Tokyo Station Marunouchi building, a red-brick structure completed in 1914 and designated an Important Cultural Property. The area is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the Shin-Marunouchi Building, JP Tower, and Otemachi Tower, all surrounded by wide boulevards, green spaces, and impressive city views.
Marunouchi, historically enclosed by Edo Castle’s inner and outer moats, once housed residences of samurai lords. Today, it’s one of Japan’s leading office and commercial hubs, nestled between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. Visitors can find high-end shopping, restaurants, arts venues, and photogenic streetscapes, making it one of Tokyo’s preferred destinations for wedding photography. The area is vibrant and bustling, catering to both businesspeople and tourists with its refined yet lively atmosphere.
Otemachi, located northwest of Tokyo Station, derives its name from the Otemon Gate of Edo Castle and was similarly home to feudal lords during the Edo period. Now it stands as a center for corporate headquarters, luxury hotels, and cultural facilities like Nikkei Hall and Yomiuri Otemachi Hall, which host concerts, lectures, and events throughout the year. Noteworthy as well is the nearby Masakadozuka, the legendary grave of Taira no Masakado, which draws crowds during New Year’s relay race events.
The walk highlights the transformation of these districts from historical enclaves to symbols of contemporary Tokyo, offering a unique travel experience that connects Japan’s past with its dynamic present. Key landmarks visible in the video are ideal destinations for travelers interested in history, culture, architecture, and urban lifestyles. Marunouchi and Otemachi are easily accessible via Tokyo Station, which serves 23 railway lines, making it a convenient starting point for exploring Tokyo’s most prestigious and attractive commercial districts.