Yurakucho: Best Things to Do
Best things to do at Tokyo’s hidden gem, Yurakucho area
- +22 22
-
-
Yurakucho (有楽町) is a Tokyo district located between the Ginza area and Tokyo Station. Despite being a modern and developed district, Yurakucho also offers an old-fashioned and relaxed atmosphere as there is a number of low-key traditional eateries lined in narrow streets. Yurakucho is a unique area where you can soak in the mixture of modern and rustic atmosphere. If you are seeking hidden gems in Tokyo, it’s definitely worth visiting this area.
What is Yurakucho Famous For?
Yurakucho is known as one of Japan’s leading business districts and many office buildings are gathered there. As it’s located next to the luxurious shopping district Ginza, Yurakucho is home to an abundance of shopping and eat-out spots as well as modern buildings and hotels.
For a comprehensive guide of the neighboring Ginza area, check our All-in-one Ginza Guide!
In this article, I’m going to introduce some of the best things to do or see in Yurakucho, so let’s check them out!
Best Things to Do in Yurakucho
1. Tokyo International Forum
One of the greatest architectural buildings in Tokyo, the Tokyo International Forum is a multi-purpose exhibition center designed by architect Rafael Viñoly. Various events and exhibitions are held here throughout the year so join one of them or simply visit to enjoy the beautiful building.
One of the most popular events held at the Tokyo International Forum is Oedo Antique Market, the largest outdoor antique market in Japan. It’s highly recommended if you want to hunt for rare items such as Japanese dishes, kimono dresses, artworks, etc. The market is usually held twice a month on the first and third Sunday.
 Access |
1-min walk from Yurakucho Station |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
7 AM–11:30 PM |
 Price |
Free |
 Official Website |
https://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/ |
2. MUJI
One of the largest MUJI stores in Japan was located in Yurakucho but closed its doors in 2018. The new global flagship store of MUJI, MUJI GINZA opened in Ginza in 2019, which can be accessed within a few minutes walk from Yurakucho Station. The store consists of not only sales floors but also an atelier, cafe, bakery, and a hotel.
| Access |
5-min walk from Yurakucho Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Official Website |
https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/shop/detail/046604 |
3. BIC Camera
BIC CAMERA is a Japanese chain store specializing in electronics products. The biggest BIC CAREMA store is located in front of Yurakucho Station, comprising 9 floors (2 basement floors and 7 floors below ground).
The shop deals with almost all kinds of electronics products in a wide price range including phones, cameras, audio products, household appliances, beauty appliances, PC, watches, and many more. Many people head to Akihabara for shopping electronics products, but the BIC CAREMA Yurakucho is highly recommended as it’s less crowded but has a massive range of products.
| Access |
Next to Yurakucho Station Central West Gate |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10 AM–10 PM |
| Official Website |
https://www.biccamera.com/bc/i/shop/shoplist/shop014.jsp |
4. Lumine Yurakucho
Lumine Yurakucho is a large shopping mall located near Yurakucho Station filled with stylish and trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. The mall comprises three parts Lumine1, Lumine2, and Lumine Street which span from B2 to the 8th floor.
Lumine Yurakucho is a part of the Yurakucho Center Building, known as Yurakucho Mullion, a large commercial complex that consists of shops, restaurants, a cinema, an event hall, and offices.
| Access |
2-min walk from Yurakucho Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Official Website |
https://www.lumine.ne.jp/yurakucho/ |
5. ITOCiA
ITOCiA is a large commercial complex located right in front of Yurakucho Station. The mixed-use building consists of shops, cafes, restaurants, a theatre, and other facilities from the B1 to 4th floors.
Inside the building, there is another shopping mall OIOI (Marui) from the 1st to the 8th floor consisting of many shops including clothes, cosmetics products, bags, and accessories. Fromthe 10th to the 20th floor, the space is used for offices.
| Access |
1-min walk from Yurakucho Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
Shops 11:00-21:00, Restaurants until 23:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.itocia.jp/ |
6. Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan
Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan is a commercial building located near Yurakucho Station, which has a number of facilities inside including a passport center, tourist agencies, clinics, schools, shops, and restaurants. Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan also has many antenna shops, selling a large selection of regional specialties from across Japan including Hokkaido and Okinawa.
| Access |
1-min walk from Yurakucho Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
8 AM–11:30 PM |
| Official Website |
https://www.kotsukaikan.co.jp/ |
7. Izakaya Under the Train Tracks
Yurakucho is one of the best drinking districts in Tokyo and a hidden paradise for foodies. There are hundreds of inexpensive, low-key Izakaya bars gathering within the area, especially under the train rail track between Shimbashi and Yurakucho stations. You can see many office workers enjoy hanging out at Izakaya after work, and many places are packed especially on Fridays.
▽Subscribe to our free news magazine!▽
Thank you for reading! For more articles about Japan, check these links!!
▽Related Articles▽
▼Editor’s Picks▼
Written by
"The world is my oyster" I'm a globetrotter and hammock lover who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, and spend over a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan!
- +22 22
-
-