Top 3 Reasons to visit Daimaruyu
※updated on June 18 2025
“Daimaruyu” is the combined name for three areas in central Tokyo: Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho. Located on the west side of Tokyo Station, this district is Japan’s largest business hub, home to the headquarters of many of the country’s top corporations.
While it’s known as a place where business professionals gather, Daimaruyu also offers a sophisticated urban experience for visitors. Its European-style streetscapes, with elegant stone-paved walkways, historic building facades, and modern skyscrapers, create a refined and timeless atmosphere rarely found elsewhere in the city.
You may have taken a photo at the iconic Marunouchi Central Plaza, right outside Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Exit. But if you take a bit more time to wander the surrounding area, you’ll discover even more of Daimaruyu’s charm — from striking architecture to hidden cafés and quiet, tree-lined promenades.
In this article, we’ll show you why Daimaruyu is worth exploring, even if you’re not here for business.
1) Explore Modern Architecture with Historic Roots
The Daimaruyu area is home to many examples of modern architecture infused with historical significance. From renovated financial buildings to sleek multi-use towers, this district offers a fascinating glimpse into Tokyo’s urban evolution. Strolling through the area reveals a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
・Otemachi First Square
Otemachi First Square is a landmark urban complex that balances functionality and aesthetic design. The twin towers are connected by an airy, open atrium, while the surrounding garden space features carefully arranged greenery and water elements, evoking the feel of a serene urban canyon.
Designed as a welcoming public space, Otemachi First Square has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its thoughtful architecture earned it the Good Design Award in 2018, recognizing its excellence in urban planning and design.
The building’s exterior design showcases thoughtful architectural details. The central section is composed of a sleek glass curtain wall. Each façade reflects the character of the street it faces, creating a visually dynamic appearance. Despite these variations, the overall design maintains a strong sense of cohesion and harmony, making it an excellent example of urban architectural integration.
・Taisei Otemachi Building (Clock Tower)
The Taisei Otemachi Building is a 27-story skyscraper located in Tokyo’s Otemachi 2-chome district. Its origins date back to 1932, when the original structure, known as the Nisshin Life Insurance Building, was completed. Remarkably, the original clock tower has been preserved and still stands as an iconic landmark in the area.
During the 1990s, the building was redeveloped into a modern high-rise, while parts of the original structure were carefully preserved. The architectural design blends Renaissance style with Gothic-inspired elements, featuring stone-clad walls and intricate terracotta ornamentation. This unique fusion of old and new gives the building a refined and stately presence within Tokyo’s urban landscape.
For those interested in historical architecture in Tokyo, the Taisei Otemachi Building is a must-see.
・Nippon Kogyo Club Building
The Nippon Kogyo Club Building was constructed in 1920 as a gathering place for the Nippon Kogyo Club, an organization formed to promote cooperation and fellowship among Japan’s industrial leaders. The building’s architectural style is Jugendstil, the German version of Art Nouveau — a rare and distinctive design choice in Japan, especially at the time.
On the rooftop above the main façade, you’ll find statues representing coal mining and textile manufacturing, which were the core industries driving Japan’s economy during the early 20th century. These symbolic sculptures express the nation’s aspirations for industrial progress.
With its grand, solemn appearance, the building still stands out amid the modern skyline of Tokyo. It is a must-see for visitors interested in architectural history and decorative arts, offering both cultural depth and aesthetic beauty.
・Marunouchi Brick Square
Marunouchi Brick Square is a stylish commercial complex located just behind the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. Designed with the concept of "Marunouchi Comfort" in mind, the space is home to high-end fashion boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and cafés, making it a popular destination for both shopping and dining.
At the heart of the complex lies an open-air courtyard, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can relax surrounded by trees and seasonal greenery — a rare escape in the middle of bustling Tokyo.
The building's exterior features dark brickwork, creating a sophisticated and calm atmosphere that blends seamlessly with Marunouchi’s elegant cityscape. Marunouchi Brick Square has become a beloved urban oasis, representing the modern refinement of central Tokyo.
・Tiffany Atlas Clock
In front of the Tiffany & Co. store in Marunouchi, Tokyo, you’ll find a striking replica of the brand’s iconic Atlas Clock — a recreation of the famous statue that graces the flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The clock features the mythological Titan Atlas, depicted in a powerful pose as he supports a massive timepiece on his shoulders. This classic and commanding design symbolizes Tiffany’s rich heritage and timeless luxury.
A hidden gem for architecture and design lovers, the Tiffany Atlas Clock is also a perfect photo spot in central Tokyo. Don’t miss this elegant fusion of art and brand history during your stroll through Marunouchi.
・Mitsubishi Ichigokan
The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum stands as a remarkable example of early Western-style architecture in Tokyo. Located just west of Tokyo Station, the Marunouchi area was once home to samurai lords’ mansions (daimyo residences) during the Edo period. In the Meiji era, as Japan modernized, this land was sold by the government to the Mitsubishi financial group.
In 1894, Mitsubishi built the Mitsubishi Ichigokan, designed by the British architect Josiah Conder. Featuring striking red brickwork and elegant Western detailing, the building was one of Tokyo’s first Western-style office structures — a symbol of the nation’s industrial and architectural modernization.
Today, it operates as the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, showcasing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. If you’re a fan of architecture, history, or art, this beautifully restored classic building is a must-see on your visit to Tokyo.
・JP Tower & KITTE
JP Tower, located just outside Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi South Exit, is home to the popular commercial complex KITTE — one of Tokyo’s premier spots for shopping, dining, and panoramic city views.
The building’s rooftop garden, KITTE Garden, offers stunning views of Tokyo Station’s historic facade and the trains weaving in and out of the terminal. It’s a favorite photo spot among locals and tourists alike, especially at night when the station is beautifully illuminated.
JP Tower’s lower floors house a variety of shops, restaurants, and a conference center, while the upper floors are sleek office spaces. Its striking glass curtain wall has become a modern icon in Tokyo’s cityscape. Be sure to look up and admire this elegant fusion of historical charm and futuristic design.
・Dai-ichi Life Hibiya First Building
The Dai-ichi Life Headquarters Building, completed in 1938, stands out as a historic structure distinct from the surrounding modern office towers. Its design is marked by simplicity and minimal ornamentation, embodying a modern architectural style that was ahead of its time.
After Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration in 1945, the building was requisitioned as the headquarters for the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers (GHQ). It is said that General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, chose this building as his base after inspecting Tokyo on his first day of arrival.
Moreover, the building holds historical significance as the site where the draft of the postwar Japanese Constitution was prepared. This landmark offers visitors a glimpse into a pivotal chapter of Japan’s modern history.
・Take a Break at Otemachi Forest
Located in Otemachi, one of Japan’s largest business districts, Otemachi Forest offers a refreshing natural escape right in the heart of the city. Connected directly to Otemachi Metro Station and integrated within the Otemachi Tower, this green space was created under the concept of “revitalizing nature while renewing the city.”
For busy professionals, Otemachi Forest serves as a tranquil oasis where they can relax and recharge amidst lush greenery — a perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s fast-paced urban life.
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