Marunouchi Station Plaza Live Cam

History

The Marunouchi Station Plaza, located in front of Tokyo Station in Japan’s bustling capital, is a landmark that embodies Tokyo’s evolution as a global metropolis. Its history dates back to the opening of Tokyo Station in 1914, a pivotal event that marked the city’s emergence as a modern transportation hub. Designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, Tokyo Station's red-brick Marunouchi façade was modeled after European train stations, symbolizing Japan’s embrace of modernization during the Meiji era.

Initially, the plaza served as a functional space to accommodate horse-drawn carriages and, later, automobiles, reflecting the rapid urbanization of Tokyo. The Marunouchi area, which lies between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, became synonymous with Japan’s financial and business elite. In the early 20th century, the area housed several prominent office buildings, such as the Mitsubishi Ichigokan, which contributed to its reputation as Japan’s “Wall Street.”