KITTE Marunouchi Guide: Christmas Tree, Free Observatory & Train Spotting
Tokyo Mate
KITTE Marunouchi, built on the site of the former Tokyo Central Post Office, takes its name from the Japanese word for "postage stamp." Here's a look at what you can explore while waiting for your table at Nemuro Hanamaru.
KITTE Marunouchi Hours & Holidays
- Shops: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Restaurants: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Open year-round
※ Closed on January 1 and statutory inspection days
How to Get to KITTE
KITTE is connected to Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Line via an underground passage, making the Marunouchi Line the most convenient option. Head toward the Marunouchi South Exit and you'll see KITTE right away.
It's also within a 10-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station, Nijubashimae Station, Otemachi Station, and Yurakucho Station.
Christmas Tree
A real 13.5-meter fir tree Christmas tree was set up in the 1st floor atrium of KITTE. A 100-meter pure white ribbon wrapped around the atrium creates a warm atmosphere. A dazzling lighting show plays in sync with the music.
< Lighting Show: Light and Sound that Embrace the Heart >
● Premonition of Happiness
- Period: November 20 – December 5, 2024
- "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" times:
12:10 / 12:40 / 13:10 / 13:40 / 14:10 / 14:40 / 15:10 / 15:40 / 16:10 / 16:40 / 17:10 / 17:40 - "Feels Like Christmas" times:
18:10 / 18:40 / 19:10 / 19:53 / 20:10 / 20:40 / 21:10 / 21:53
● Wishes for the Future
- Period: December 6 – December 25, 2024
- "Sleigh Ride" times:
12:10 / 12:40 / 13:10 / 13:40 / 14:10 / 14:40 / 15:10 / 15:40 / 16:10 / 16:40 / 17:10 / 17:40 - "Merry Christmas Day (feat. Revel Day)" times:
18:10 / 18:40 / 19:10 / 19:53 / 20:10 / 20:40 / 21:10 / 21:53
Christmas Concert
A string quintet performance by the New Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra takes place in the 1st floor atrium for the Christmas season.
- Date: December 8, 2024
- Times: 1st show at 11:45 AM, 2nd show at 1:45 PM
Free Observatory 1: 6F KITTE Garden
※ Restricted access on December 13 (Fri) 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
On the 6th floor of KITTE, there is a free observation deck where you can take in the full view of Tokyo Station.
There are plenty of benches, making it a comfortable spot for tired travelers to take a rest.
You can see Tokyo Station from directly above at the observatory. Between 11:00 AM and noon, the high-rise buildings don't cast shadows, so you can see Tokyo Station bathed in sunlight.
This observatory is a must-visit for train enthusiasts because you can see every train that stops at Tokyo Station. From Shinkansen bullet trains to JR local lines, trains come and go without pause.
Free Observatory 2: 4F Post Office Director’s Room
On the 4th floor, the 1930s Tokyo Post Office Director's room has been recreated.
The items on the director's desk seem to tell the story of history.
As you'd expect from a director's office, the view of Tokyo Station through the window is stunning. It's like a free museum and observatory rolled into one.
Shops
On the 4th floor, you'll find Japan's premium camping brand Snow Peak along with a cafe.
On the 3rd floor, the sock shop Tabio and hat shop Override offer a fun time browsing their varied selection of styles.
On the 1st floor, the flower shop KT Rose has lovely Christmas items on display. The fluffy cotton-ball birds are absolutely adorable.
The 1st floor select shop Spiral Market also has plenty of charming Christmas ornaments.
We also stopped by the post office on the 1st floor. A cute mascot welcomes visitors.
Epilogue
While waiting for your turn at Nemuro Hanamaru, explore every corner of KITTE and the wait will fly by. Make sure to visit KITTE, a space that bridges the past and present.
Souvenirs at KITTE? Head to Jiichiro!
On the 1st floor of KITTE, there's a spot you have to visit after coming down from the observatory. It's Jiichiro, famous for their incredibly moist baumkuchen that you can eat without a drink. They have KITTE-exclusive menu items, and the premium packaging makes them a top pick for Tokyo Station gifts.
👉 Jiichiro KITTE: Prices & Menu Details
Where to Eat at KITTE?
👉 Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE: Tokyo Station's Best Conveyor Belt Sushi
🚅 Can't Get Enough Trains?
Had your fill of train watching from the observatory? On your way back, how about picking up a Shinkansen-shaped bento box (E7 Series Bento)? You can use the container as a souvenir after eating!
👉 Where to Buy Shinkansen Bento & All the Varieties
More Tokyo Station Observatories
● Marunouchi Building Free Observatory: Best Sunset Spot Near Tokyo Station
● Shin-Marunouchi Building Open Terrace: Dinner with a Night View of Tokyo Station
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.