Top 3 Attractions in Yaesu, Tokyo Travel
※updated on July 22 2025
JR Tokyo Station is one of Japan’s major terminal stations, with train lines extending in all directions—north, south, east, and west. It serves as a gateway for many travelers visiting Tokyo. On the west side of the station lies the Marunouchi Station Plaza, a popular spot where people take commemorative photos in front of the iconic red-brick station building. On the east side is the Yaesu area, a hub of large commercial facilities, office buildings, and bus terminals, making it a center of transportation and business.
The name "Yaesu" is said to originate from Jan Joosten, a Dutchman who lived in the area during the Edo period. He served under Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and played a key role in international trade and diplomacy.
Although Yaesu is a relatively small area on the east side of Tokyo Station, it offers a variety of attractive spots. Whether you're waiting for the Shinkansen or just taking a break, it's a convenient and enjoyable place to explore. In this section, we’ll introduce three recommended highlights in the Yaesu area.
1) Tokyo Midtown Yaesu - New Landmark in Yaesu
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is a new landmark located in front of Tokyo Station that officially opened in 2023. This high-rise complex spans 45 floors above ground and 2 underground, housing a diverse range of facilities including offices, commercial spaces, a hotel, and even an elementary school.
The commercial zone features a variety of restaurants and select shops, offering visitors an elegant atmosphere for refined dining and shopping.
On the 5th floor, you’ll find the glass-walled “Yaesu Terrace,” a calm and quiet space perfect for relaxation. From here, you can enjoy a view of the Grand Roof—a distinctive canopy inspired by the motif of a sail—above Tokyo Station. This spot is also gaining popularity as a hidden gem for photography.
The complex also houses the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, making it a convenient and attractive destination for international tourists and business travelers alike.
2) The Bell of Peace - Symbolic Monument
Located in the median of Yaesu Avenue, the monument known as the “Bell of Peace” was erected to commemorate Chuo City’s Peace Declaration, which aspires to lasting world peace and the prosperity of humankind. Its striking design features triangular, linear pillars and a golden bell that rings at regular intervals, offering a gentle, soothing sound to passersby. This impressive monument quietly expresses a wish for peace within the heart of a modern urban landscape.
3) Jan Joosten Memorial
As previously mentioned, the name "Yaesu" is believed to originate from Jan Joosten, a Dutchman who played an active role during the Edo period. His influence on this area was significant. Like other prominent historical figures from the Edo period and beyond—such as Saigo Takamori, whose statue stands in Ueno Park, and Eiichi Shibusawa, whose image appears on the 10,000-yen bill—Joosten is honored with a monument.
The Jan Joosten Memorial is located in the same median of Yaesu Avenue as the Bell of Peace. That a foreigner is commemorated with a permanent monument highlights his remarkable presence and historical importance.
Though Yaesu is a relatively small district, it offers a unique blend of historical significance and cutting-edge commercial development. If you’re visiting Tokyo Station, be sure to explore the Yaesu side as well to experience its distinct charm.
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