We headed back in the general direction of Tokyo Station after our visit to Small Worlds, and reached it a short 28 minute bus ride later. We had a couple of hours to kill before the winter illumination along Marunouchi came on, so we hunted for a cafe to spend an hour. Despite the very large number of Starbucks outlets in the immediate vicinity of Tokyo Station — Google Maps showed twelve! — it was challenging to find sufficient available seating for the four of us. We did finally stumble upon one at Otemachi Building, which was about a 5 minute walk from Tokyo Station.
Late autumn foliage lining both sides of the road. Tokyo Station is just further ahead.The iconic dome of Tokyo Station. The station was constructed in 1914, with its architecture based on European styles. The architect apparently made use of steel frames from England that were so strong they survived the 1923 earthquake but not the World War II air raids. The damage caused then was repaired. The station was reconstructed in 2012.A YouTuber I follow quipped that Tokyo, with its modern and futuristic skyscrapers, is unique. Most of the other cities, except Osaka and Yokohama, are nothing like Tokyo.Inside Tokyo Station.
The winter illumination light-up is just across the road, and the starting point is directly facing Tokyo Station.
Lights coming on in the evening: stunning! The Tokyo Station area has a very different vibe compared to Shibuya or Shinjuku: it’s much less crowded, and many well-dressed locals in their business wear commuting or having business dinners.Looking across from the Marunouchi side.Many couples were taking their bridal photos. I reckon this must be the Tokyo equivalent of the Botanic Gardens, a bridal photography spot.Many passersby were also paparazzing the bridal couples, and traffic wardens were around to help direct people around the bridal couples — wouldn’t want too many people walking straight into their shots!Light-up at Marunouchi Street Park.Lots of people at the Marunouchi Street Park signage for photos. Had to wait for an opportunity to take a quick snap of the signage.Both sides of the street lined with Christmas vendors offering beverages, snacks, and souvenirs.We counted at least eight bridal couples in the area. The photographers would have assistants who’d rush to the bride after each picture and cover her with a jacket: this was around 9 degree Celsius cold!
After spending an hour admiring the lights (and couples!), we made our way back to Suidobashi Station to grab a pasta dinner at Spaghetti Goemon. Continued in Day 09 tomorrow: our day trip to Kawagoe!
