Built in 1914, Tokyo Station is the gateway to Japan's capitalcity. Located in Tokyo's business district and serving as the starting point and terminus for most shinkansen (bullet trains), the station is used by tens of thousands of busy Tokyoites and visitors each day. Now, 100 years after its foundation, Tokyo Station is undergoing an exciting and large-scale transformation.
Let's check out some of the new features!

Daimaru
Grand Tokyo North Tower and South Tower recently opened near the station's Yaesu Exit. Fourteen floors of the North Tower are occupied by Daimaru, a renowned department store that has been located near the exit for about 50 years. With its new home, Daimaru also launched a new focus on adult customers. The first floor is devoted to food and sweets, and on the 13th floor there are a variety of restaurants open till midnight. Daimaru has become a friendly and comfortable space for busy Tokyo workers.

Gransta
In October, the new Gransta shopping area made its debut in the basement of Tokyo Station. Because of its location, the mall is referred to as "eki-naka" (meaning "inside the station"), a style of shopping center that is becoming increasingly popular in Tokyo. However, Gransta is not your average "eki-naka" mall. It boasts 47 shops, including confectioners, a standing sake bar, and branches of well-known Japanese restaurants. There is even aconcierge and foreign-exchange service. Most of the shops offer take-out, so you can enjoy your food and drinks while riding the shinkansen!

Last December, a sister shop of Roppongi's extremely popular "THE COVER NIPPON" opened in Terminal 1 of Narita International Airport. The shop, called "CHASIN", offers high quality specialty products, including clothing, food, and housewares, from every part of Japan. The products not only Japanese culture and history to travelers, but are also cutting-edge products made in Japan and marketed to everyday business people.

The shops unique interior is also a draw.
One thing that might draw your attention is a series of raised boards around the perimeter. This is an "engawa", or porch, and is an important part of the Japanese lifestyle.
People can sit on the "engawa" and enjoy the changes of the seasons, or have a relaxing chat with guests. CHASIN hopes you will use their "Engawa Lounge" as a place to connect with others, and that this will deepen your connection to Japan. Guests can also enjoy Japanese tea and sweets while relaxing in the lounge. Be sure to look for that one of a kind souvenir as well!!