Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday as investor sentiment was bolstered by the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar, which lifted exporter issues which in turn buoyed the broader market.

In the opening minutes of trade, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 155.03 points, or 0.76 percent, from Wednesday to 20,465.49.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 10.33 points, or 0.62 percent, to 1,678.25.

Mining, insurance and marine transportation-linked stocks comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes from the morning bell.