Tokyo has so many great train-spotting locations, but KITTE near Tokyo Station is one of the most famous.
Having visited many times with my kids, I’ve put together everything you need to know — from how to get there without getting lost, to how to spend your time and what to watch out for. I hope this guide helps you enjoy the train view to the fullest with your little ones!
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How to Get to KITTE Without Getting Lost
KITTE is directly connected to the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station. Head to the Marunouchi South Exit, and you’ll find the KITTE entrance right in front of you as soon as you step out.
I’ll be honest — I got lost all over Tokyo Station at first (lol). But the easiest route I found was heading to the Marunouchi Underground South Exit (丸の内地下南口) on the basement level (B1)!
Once you exit through the Marunouchi Underground South Exit, you’ll see signs on the pillars pointing you to KITTE (you can see one on the left side pillar in the photo too!). Just follow the signs straight ahead and you’ll arrive at KITTE’s B1 floor.
The elevators on B1 tend to be less crowded too, so if you’re with a stroller, it’s much easier than taking the elevator from the ground floor.
The rooftop garden “KITTE Garden” is on the 6th floor. Entry is free, and you can come and go as you please during opening hours.
📌 KITTE Garden Hours: Monday–Saturday 11:00–23:00 / Sundays & Holidays 11:00–22:00 (Hours may vary or the garden may close depending on weather conditions.)
What Can You See?
Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)
One of the best things about Tokyo Station is getting to see the colorful lineup of shinkansen — Japan’s iconic high-speed bullet trains.
- Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen: The Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama run frequently on this line.
- Tohoku/Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen: Look out for the Hayabusa, Komachi, and Kagayaki — all with their own colorful and distinctive designs.
Local Trains
The major lines running through Tokyo Station are visible in the foreground.
- Yamanote Line: The iconic yellow-green train that loops around central Tokyo.
- Keihin-Tohoku Line: A light blue-striped train running between Yokohama and Omiya.
- Ueno-Tokyo Line / Tokaido Line: Long trains in orange and green (known as “Shonan color”).
- Chuo Line: An orange train running on an elevated track, slightly higher up than the others.
The Yamanote Line and Shonan-Shinjuku Line are clearly visible in the foreground. Even at a 2-year-old’s eye level, the view is plenty good!
Limited Express Trains
Depending on timing, you might catch some limited express trains too. They run more often than you’d expect, so chances are you’ll spot at least one!
- Hitachi / Tokiwa: White trains heading toward the Joban Line direction.
- Odoriko / Saphir Odoriko: Trains heading to the Izu Peninsula. The Saphir Odoriko in particular has a stunning jewel-like blue color that really stands out.
- Narita Express (N’EX): A distinctive black and red train connecting Tokyo Station to Narita Airport — you might spot it too!
Since the viewing area is close to the shinkansen platforms, the view is fantastic. The Saphir Odoriko and Tokiwa pass right in front of you!
Hato Bus
If you look straight down from an adult’s viewpoint, you can spot the Hato Bus stop below. Hato Bus is a classic Tokyo sightseeing bus, famous for its bright yellow color.
Kids will definitely want to lean over the railing to see it — which is exactly why I’ve been keeping it a secret from mine (lol).
What to Wear
Since the rooftop garden has no roof and is fully open to the elements, it tends to be hot in summer and windy in winter. You can step back inside quickly which is reassuring, but it’s best to bring a hat and drinks in summer, and a proper jacket in winter. Even in spring and fall, it can feel chilly on windy days, so having an extra layer on hand is a good idea.
It’s a wide open space with no structures, and there are plenty of places to sit.
After rainy days, seats can look dry but actually still be wet — always check before sitting down!
Trash Cans
There are trash cans available inside the rooftop garden.
It’s really handy for tossing snack wrappers and empty drink bottles after the kids are done. Being able to lighten your load before hopping on the train home or heading out to your next stop is such a relief!
Diaper Changing
There are restrooms to the left of the elevator, with accessible (barrier-free) restrooms available for both men and women — and diaper changing is available inside.
Some restrooms don’t have space for strollers, but the accessible restroom here is spacious enough that you can bring your stroller right in, which is a huge plus!
Nursing Room
One floor down on the 5th floor, there is a nursing room. It’s fully equipped with a diaper changing table, diaper disposal bin, hot water for preparing formula, and a vending machine — so you can feel completely at ease even with a newborn.
[Side Note] A Restaurant Where You Can Watch Trains While You Eat
I asked at the KITTE information desk if there was a restaurant where you could watch trains while dining, and they recommended Kobe Rokkodo Gyunta on the 5th floor.
I actually went, and you really can see both shinkansen and local trains clearly from the window!
It’s a teppanyaki restaurant (iron griddle cooking) serving dishes like okonomiyaki — savory Japanese pancakes. I was a little worried about bringing small kids near a hot griddle, but the food is brought to you already cooked on a plate, so there’s no need to use the griddle yourself. Totally kid-friendly!
The window-side seats are zashiki style — traditional Japanese floor seating with a low table — so little ones who can’t sit still in regular chairs are totally fine here!
Strollers can’t be brought inside the restaurant, so you’ll need to leave yours at the entrance.
We visited for lunch, and it seemed popular with nearby office workers too. The window seats are limited in number, so I’d recommend going at an off-peak time, or calling ahead to check availability or make a reservation.
Final Thoughts
I’ve visited a lot of train-spotting spots, but KITTE is genuinely one of my favorites.
Trains pass by one after another without a break, and it’s not just the white shinkansen like the Nozomi — you also get to see colorful ones like the Komachi, Hayabusa, and Kagayaki, which kids absolutely love.
The left side of the rooftop tends to get crowded with people taking photos in front of the famous red brick Tokyo Station Marunouchi building, so the right side — which actually has the better train view — is usually open and easy to enjoy, especially on weekdays.
It’s a spot that everyone from little kids to adults can enjoy, so definitely check it out!
I hope this was helpful!
For kids, a Pokémon Center Tokyo DX is located close by.
