The Tokyo International Forum is most notable for its striking architecture. You could also visit for the weekday food trucks or the monthly flea market, and admire the building from the outside.
Tokyo International Forum - image © Florentyna Leow
The Tokyo International Forum is an architectural work of art, and draws millions of visitors every year. Most, no doubt, are here to admire the building. Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 1996, the complex is shaped like an elongated ship, with gorgeously curved bows of steel and heavy use of glass.
Tokyo International Forum - image © Florentyna Leow
It fulfills many civic functions. It plays host to many concerts, conferences and events over the course of a year; it has a library, an art gallery, and a 24-hour multimedia theatre; and, like any major building in this part of Tokyo, has plenty in the way of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Tokyo International Forum - image © Florentyna Leow
On weekdays, the open space between its two buildings sees several food trucks catering to hungry office workers. Even though Shake Shack has a branch in the building, choosing a hearty box of Yokote yakisoba (fried noodles) or a stewed chicken rice bowl from one of the food trucks is a no-brainer.
Tokyo International Forum - image © Florentyna Leow
Another reason to visit the Tokyo International Forum - or at least, the space between its two buildings - is the monthly Oedo Flea Market. Billed as the largest outdoor antique market in Japan, the event attracts shoppers from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for a cheap bargain or a rare gem from the 1880s, you’re sure to find something for your budget. Haggling is best very early in the morning or towards the end of the day, though you can spend the whole day browsing.
English name:
Tokyo International Forum
Japanese name:
東京国際フォーラム
English address:
3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005
Japanese address:
〒100-0005 東京都千代田区丸の内3-5-1
Opening hours:
7am-11:30pm
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Train: 1-minute walk from the Tokyo International Forum exit of Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Tokyo International Forum on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-5221-9000
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Tokyo International Forum is located in Tokyo's Tokyo Station and Marunouchi district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
