Tokyo station is the biggest station in Japan. And most of you use this station to get on Shinkansen, Narita Express or Tokyo local trains. But this station is very complicated because it is too big and too many platforms.
In this post, I would like to explain about this station and how to change the train in Tokyo station.
Overview
First of all, please see Tokyo station map on JR East website.
Tokyo station structure is divided into three parts, ground floor, underground (Sobu line/Rapid, Narita Express) and another underground (Keiyo line/local train to Maihama, TDL). I think this is the reason why Tokyo station is very complicated. There are 20 tracks at the ground floor. Another 4 tracks each at both underground floor. There are many trains arriving and departing every minutes. Overall the following trains depart and arrive at Tokyo station:
- Shinkansen (high speed long distance train running on the designated track)
- Limited Express trains (the fastest train on conventional tracks)
- Rapid trains (suburban commute train)
- Urban commute train
I think many of you will change these trains at Tokyo station.
Ticket gate/Exit
There are more than 10 exits (ticket gate). These exits are divided broadly into two sides, Yaesu and Marunouchi. The exits looking toward the east (lower side on the map) are called “Yaesu (八重洲)”. The exits looking toward the west (upper on the map) are called “Marunouchi (丸の内)”. Each sides have North exit, Central exit, South exit and some more exits. When you exit/enter, just make sure Marunouchi (west) or Yaesu (east). You don’e need to be nervous about North, Central and South. You can move easily after you exit.
At Yaesu side, there are many exits.
For all trains — Yaesu South, Yaesu Central, Yaesu North
For Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen (to Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata) — Yaes South, Yaesu North Central, Yaesu North, Nihonbashi
For Tohoku, Joetsu, Nagano, Akita, Yamagata Shinkansen (to Sendai, Shin-Aomori, Niigata, Nagano, Akita, Yamagata) — Nihonbashi
When you get on Shinkansen, you need to go through Shinkansen ticket gate or transfer gate. If you get on Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo station Yaesu side, you can use Shinkansen ticket gate at Yaesu south exit, Yaesu central north exit or Nihonbashi exit (north side of Yaesu north exit). These three exits are only for Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen passengers. Be careful! You cannot get on Tohoku, Joetsu, Nagano, Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen from these exits. These Shinaksens are completely different from Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Only Nihonbashi exit can be used for all Shinkansen lines. Otherwise enter Tokyo station from South, Central or North and go through Shinkansen transfer gate. But Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen is completely different line from Tohoku, Joetsu, Nagano, Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen. Shinkansen transfer gate is different. There are lots of sign. But please make sure before go through. Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen
Hotels in Tokyo Station – Tokyo, Japan
Hotels in Shinagawa Station – Tokyo, Japan
Hotels in Shinjuku Station – Tokyo, Japan
At Marunouchi side, it is very simple. Six exits, South, Central and North at both ground and underground. There is no Shinkansen ticket gates. So if you get on Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo station Marunouchi side, you can go through any exits and enter Tokyo station anyway. After you enter Tokyo station, you need to go through one more ticket gate, Shinkansen transfer gate.
If you transfer from any conventional line trains, just go through Shinkansen transfer gate. You don’t need to exit the station.
And also there are one more exits at underground, Keiyo underground Yaesu exit near Keiyo line tracks.
Tracks and platforms
There are 20 tracks / 10 platforms on ground floor and 4 tracks / 2 platforms each at both underground.
Ground floor
You can get on Local commute train, Rapid service and limited express trains on conventional lines at track #1-10.
| Track# | Name of line | Destination |
| 1,2 | ■Chuo line | Shinjuku, Hachioji, Takao |
| 3 | ■Keihin Tohoku line | Akihabara, Ueno, Omiya |
| 4 | ■Yamanote line | Akihabara, Ueno, Ikebukuro |
| 5 | ■Yamanote line | Yurakucho, Shinbashi, Hamamatsucho, Shinagawa, Shibuya |
| 6 | ■Keihin Tohoku line | Hamamatsucho, Shinagawa, Yokohama, Ofuna |
| 7,8 | ■Ueno Tokyo line | Ueno, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, Omiya, Mito Limited Express Hitachi, Tokiwa |
| 9,10 | ■Tokaido line | Shinagawa, Yokohama, Odawara, Atami, Izukyu-Shimoda, Shuzenji Limited Express Sunrise Seto / Surise Izumo, Limited Express Super View Odoriko / Odoriko, Rapid Moonlight Nagara, Other rapid trains *Some trains depart from track #7, #8. |
There are 4 tracks / 2 platforms for Tohoku, Joetsu, Nagano, Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen and another 6 tracks / 3 platforms for Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen.
| Track# | Name of line | Destination |
| 14-19 | Tokaido Shinkansen | Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata |
| 20-23 | Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku (Nagano), Akita, Yamagata Shinkansen | Sendai, Shin-Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Nagano |
There is a lot of tracks. But it is not complicated to transfer the trains on ground floor. I think 10 minutes is enough to transfer any trains on ground floor.
I have several movies in regards to the transfer between Shinkansen and other trains in my YouTube channel:
From Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen to Narita Express and other JR line
From Narita Express to the Shinkansen
Underground Sobu (地下総武) – Narita Express, Rapid Airport Narita
There are 4 tracks / 2 platforms that are located at deep underground, basement fifth floor. If you take the trains to/from Narita airport, you will use these underground tracks.
| Track# | Name of line | Destination |
| 1,2 | ■Yokosuka line | Rapid train to Yokohama, Ofuna, Yokosuka, Narita Express from Narita airport to Shinagawa, Yokohama, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Omiya,Limited Express Shiosai/Ayame from Choshi, Kashima-Jingu |
| 3,4 | ■Sobu line | Rapid Airport Narita to Chiba, Narita airport, Narita Express from Shinagawa, Yokohama, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Omiya to Narita airport, Limited Express Shiosai/Ayame to Choshi, Kashima-Jingu |
These underground platforms can be accessed beside Marunouchi central exit. There are many signs that say “Narita Express” or “Sobu line” or “Yokosuka line”. When you transfer to other trains from Narita Express or Airport Narita, you just take escalator or stairs to go up. But if you transfer to Narita Express or Airport Narita, you should remember to follow the sign that says Marunouchi Central or Marunouchi Underground Central. You may be able to get there faster.
I recommend you to have 15 minutes to transfer between this underground platform and other platforms on ground floor. Especially Shinkansen’s platform is located at other side. However if you transfer from Narita Express or Airport Narita to Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen (to Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima or Hakata), you can transfer at Shinagawa. Shinagawa station is a big station too. But it is smaller than Tokyo station and all platforms are located at ground floor. It is much easier and faster to transfer. Please see the map of Shinagawa station at JR East website.
Underground Keiyo (地下京葉) – local train to Maihama, Soga, Matsudo
There are 4 tracks / 2 platforms that are located at deep underground, basement fourth floor. If you take the trains to/from Maihama (the nearest station of Tokyo Disney Land), you will use these underground tracks.
| Track# | Name of line | Destination |
| 1,2 | ■Keiyo line | Local train to Shin-Kiba, Maihama, Soga, Matsudo, Limited Express Wakashio to Katsuura, Awakamogawa, Limited Express Sazanami to Tateyama |
| 1-4 | ■Keiyo line | Local train to Shin-Kiba, Maihama, Soga, Matsudo |
These underground platforms can be accessed beside Yaesu South exit. There are many signs that say “Keiyo line”. But this platform is very far. It is 600 m away from Yaesu South. So I recommend you to have 15 minutes to transfer between this underground platform and other platforms on ground floor. Especially most of local lines, such as Chuo line, Yamanote line and Keihin-Tohoku line, are located at other side. Please remember to go to Yaesu South and find the way to Keiyo line tracks.
If you transfer from Sobu line, such as Narita Express or Rapid Airport Narita, it takes at least 20 minutes. If you can find Underground south exit at Underground Sobu, exit Tokyo station and go through Marunouchi Jiyu Tsuro (丸の内自由通路). This way is a bit faster than going through Tokyo station.
I have two movies which shows you the transfer to/from Keiyo line.
Transfer from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Keiyo line
Transfer from Keiyo line to Narita Express
Minimum connecting time
Tokyo station is the biggest station. When you change trains in Tokyo station, you must have some extra time. I will show you the minimum connecting times in Tokyo station. This is set for the first time traveler who has never been to Tokyo station. You may be able to change trains a bit quicker. However if you have this connection time, you can change trains with no stresses:
| Tokaido Shinkansen | |
|---|---|
| Tohoku Shinkansen Hokkaido Shinkansen Joetsu Shinkansen Hokuriku Shinkansen Akita Shinkansen Yamagata Shinkansen | 10 minutes |
| Yamanote line Keihin-Tohoku line Chuo line | 15 minutes |
| Ueno Tokyo line Limited Express Odoriko Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa | 10 minutes |
| Narita Express Sobu rapid train | 20 minutes |
| Keiyo line | 20 minutes |
| Tohoku Shinkansen Hokkaido Shinkansen Joetsu Shinkansen Hokuriku Shinkansen Akita Shinkansen Yamagata Shinkansen | |
|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen | 10 minutes |
| Yamanote line Keihin-Tohoku line Chuo line | 15 minutes |
| Ueno Tokyo line Limited Express Odoriko Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa | 10 minutes |
| Narita Express Sobu rapid train | 20 minutes |
| Keiyo line | 20 minutes |
| Narita Express Sobu rapid train | |
|---|---|
| Yamanote line Keihin-Tohoku line Chuo line | 15 minutes |
| Ueno Tokyo line Limited Express Odoriko Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa | 15 minutes |
| Keiyo line | 20 minutes |
| Yamanote line Keihin-Tohoku line Chuo line | |
|---|---|
| Ueno Tokyo line Limited Express Odoriko Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa | 10 minutes |
| Keiyo line | 15 minutes |
| Ueno Tokyo line Limited Express Odoriko Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa | |
|---|---|
| Keiyo line | 15 minutes |
Luggage storage facility and coin lockers
Tokyo station has huge numbers of coin lockers. But in daytime, most of lockers are full in even week days. If you go to the station in late evening or early morning, you may find the space easier. And also there are several luggage storage spaces available in Tokyo station. Please see the links below to find the information about the luggage storage services and coin lockers.
Coin Lockers/Baggage Storage at Tokyo Station, Tokyo Station City official site
Sagawa Express Transportation, Tokyo Service Center
*Sagawa Express is one of major cargo transportation companies.
JR Pass and JR East Pass exchange office
There are four places where you can exchange JR pass in Tokyo station:
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (near Marunouchi north ticket gate)
- JR-CENTRAL Ticket Office (Yaesu Central)
- JR-CENTRAL Ticket Office (Yaesu North)
- JR Tokai Tours Tokyo Office (Yaesu North)
If you use JR East Pass Tohoku, JR East Pass Nagano Niigata, Tokyo Wide Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass, JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass, you can exchange/purchase it at JR East Travel Service Center only.
Comments
Hello Takeshi!
After reading your article, I need to check if I understand the information correctly.
I will come from Ikebukuro Station to Tokyo Station using Yamanote Line (Track 4)
I need to go to Shinhakodate Hokuto Station via Tohoku Line, Train Hayabusa 19 (1220 Noon, Tracks 20-23).
These tracks are on the ground floor only.
The transfer from Yamanote Line to Tohuko will take me 10 minutes only.
Did I get the information correct?
What time should I leave Ikebukuro Station to ride the Hayabusa 19 train by 1220 Noon? Will 10AM departure from Ikebukuro Station give me enough time to transfer to Tohoku Line (Hayabusa 19 train)
Thank you very much!
Best regards,
Tessa
Hi Tessa,
Leaving Ikebukuro at 10:00 am is too early. It takes less than 30 minutes to get Tokyo from Ikebukuro by Yamanote line. If you leave Ikebukuro at 11:20, it’s okay. If you really worry to miss train, you can leave at 11:00. But 1 hour is enough in my opinion.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much Takeshi for your prompt response.
You have a very informative article. Happy to know I got most of the information correct.
Regards,
Tessa
No problem, Tessa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We are planning to take the NEX train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, arriving on Track 1 at 9.27am and then transferring to the shinkansen Hayabusa to Shin-Aomori on Track 20 at 9.36am. Is this possible or should I just take the 10.20am train instead?
Thanks!
Hi Chin san,
It’s not impossible. But even for me, it’s very tight. Because Nex arrive at the other side of Tokyo station and it’s underground. So you need to go up and then move through Tokyo station from west to east.
You can try but 10:20 is more comfortable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you so much for your reply, will take the 10.20am train then.
Best regards,
Chin
No problem, Chin san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi San
I will be arrive from Shinagawa Station to Tokyo Station by Shinkansen Hikari at platform 14. After that i will move to platform 17 and go directly to Osaka.
I will travel with my wife, 2 children and 1 big luggage+stroller.
My question:
1. Is it difficult to change from platform 14 to 17? since i bring luggage and stroller.
2. How much time i need, to change from platform 14 to 17? I only have 5-10 minutes spare, is it enough?
Thanks
Hi Aditya san,
1. You need to take escalator or elevator to go down and go up again.
2. 10 minutes is recommneded.
By the way, why do you need to go to Tokyo from Shinagawa? You can take Shinkanse at Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will bring my 2 children under 5.
I’m afraid when i take the train from shinagawa to osaka in the morning, the train already crowded and i can not have a seat.
Also i will bringing luggage, and stop time in shinagawa only couple minutes right? I’m worried it will be difficult for me to board quickly since i bring 2 children.
What is your suggestion? Better i board from tokyo or shinagawa?
Hi Adit,
Why don’t you reserve your seat? If you use JR Pass, it’s free to book. If not, it costs 500 yen up per seat. If you can share your seat with your kids, it’s free for kids.
If you show up early at Shinagawa station platform, you cannot miss it. This is much better way to go to Tokyo station and change the trains. It’s much bigger job for you. I don’t think it’s a good idea.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thanks for your suggestion.
I will take un reserve seat, so my child can take 1 seat.
Is it train will be crowded if i board from Shinagawa? Is there any possibilities that i dont have a seat?
Hi Adit san,
You may be able to get a seat if you take a train at Shinagawa but I don’t think you get seats side by side.
I’m not sure 100% but you may need to pay full child fare if your child use one seat. Basically you can give a seat to your child without any extra charge. However I have heard many times that parent had to pay extra to use the seat for kids under 5 years old. You may be charged 2 x child rate even though your children is under 5 years old.
When I took my daughter to Japan, she was 4 years old. But I purchased child rate JR pass because she was too big to stay on my lap and I wanted to secure the seat for her.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.
I am currently at myokokogen and have injured my ankle skiing. Unfortunately the Nagano ski shuttle bus direct to Narita airport is fully booked for the day we leave. We will therefore have to catch the train from myokokogen to Narita. I presume we will go to Nagano Tokyo and then to Narita. I just have concerns how far I need to walk at Tokyo station to transfer onto the line for Narita express. Any suggestions for other routes with less walking?
Hi Kathy,
Unfortunately there is no way to avoid walking in the Tokyo station. Narita Express platform is located underground and it’s located at the other side of Shinkansen platform. Sorry but you have to walk at least 5 minutes. But you are injured. You will spend at least 10 minutes to walk. You can find Youtube movie from Narita Express platform to Shinkansen platform.
https://youtu.be/ykJprIwr98s
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Is it easy to do a transfer from NEX to the Tokyo Marunochi line at Tokyo station?
Hi Nur san,
I cannot say it’s easy. But as long as you exit at Marunouchi underground exit, you will find the signage of Marunouchi line. Just follow the sign and you will find it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will be traveling with a large group. We will be going from Tokyo Station to Nagano. As some of us will be arriving from the Narita Express on the day itself, and some will have arrived days earlier and hence will board directly at Tokyo Station. Would you be able to suggest where might be a good meeting place for everyone?
I was not sure if Marounachi Central Gate (at ground floor) or Nihonbashi gate, would be better.
Appreciate your advic
Hi Eliza,
Actually this is very hard. It’s hard for even resident in Japan.
Probably Marunouchi central is better than Nihonbashi because it’s easier to find. At Marunouchi side, there are three gates, south, north and central. All of you have to understand it’s “Central”. And also there are ticket gates underground at Marunouchi side too. So you have to make sure that it’s on ground level.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ok got it. Marounachi Central gate at ground level. May I confirm that those on the Narita Express would not need to exit the station? We can just wait inside for the rest?
Hi Eliza,
I don’t understand that you mean. Do you want to stay in Narita Express until your group member show up?
Narita Express stops at Tokyo station for a few minutes and it depart for the next station. You cannot stay in the train. You have to proceed to the meeting point at Marunouchi central gate.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Im going to tokyo this monday (25th January) and i will be arriving at haneda airport at 10.30pm, i’m thinking of buying the wide pass for joetsu shinkansen as soon as i reach the airport because i wanna go to gala yuzawa and mt fuji.
The problem is that it says the wide pass is valid for three days, buying at 10.30pm on 25th january will leave me only 2 days to use it isnt it? ( 26 and 27 january) , i will be staying in asakusa guest house near skytree tower, there will be no nearby places to buy the wide pass that is why i want to buy the wide pass as soon as i reach the airport. Do you have any recommendation for this takeshi san.
Hi Zac san,
You cannot purchase Tokyo Wide Pass on arrival day anyway. Please see the sale location info at the link below:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/index.html
The window at Haneda is closed at 18:30. Other windows in downtown Tokyo are closed by 20:00. Actually it’s hard to catch the last train too.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-take-tokyo-monorail-or-keihin-kyuko-for-late-arrival-and-early-departure-at-haneda.html
So you need to try to catch the train and purchase it next day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Is Yurikamome Line under cover by Tokyo Subway Ticket available at BIC camera? Many thanks.
Hi Crystal,
Yurikamome is not covered by subway pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi sir
I m going to Japan on Feb 2016. How to go to Shinkansen from nihombashi the place where I stay later. Please let me no tq
Hi Rosnah,
Please see the subway map below:
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/obj_con02.pdf
You can take Tozai line to Otemachi from Nihonbashi. Otemachi is within walking distance from Tokyo station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi sir Tq for map. I already bought bullet train for one week pass. Can I use the ticket from narita to nihombashi the place Wer I stay later. How to go from narita to nihombashi?? Is it very easy to transfer from narita airport to nihombashi? Tq
Hi Rosnah,
If you mean that you have bought JR Pass 7 days, you can take Narita Express from Narita to Tokyo station and change subway to Nihonbashi. Narita Express is covered fully by JR pass. But subway is not covered by JR pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html#Other_train_services
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi San
Tq for your input. I will study the subway map and JR pas before fly to Japan next Feb 2016. Thank you once again.
No problem, Rosnah san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I bought reserved seat tickets for my family on the Nozomi shinkansen for our train ride from Tokyo station to Kyoto. However, we will be starting our journey from Maihama, using our Suica cards. Will we have to tap out and exit then use our shinkansen tickets to re-enter at Tokyo station? Thanks!
Hi Janice san,
You don’t need to exit at Tokyo station. But you have to tap your Suica at Shinkansen transfer gate. The procedure is the following:
1. Tap Suica and enter at Mihama station
2. Slot your Shinkansen ticket at Shinkansen transfer machine gate and then tap Suica
3. Enter Shinkansen platform
Procedure 2 is very important. Don’t forget to slot your Shinkansen ticket before tap your Suica
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for this website, it’s very helpful! I think I just made a mistake though. I took the Chuo line from Shinjuku to Tokyo Station using my Suica card, but at the Shinkansen transfer gate, the agent waved me through and I didn’t slot my Shinkansen ticket or tap the Suica to exit. Does this mean that my Suica will not work when I return to Tokyo?
Julia
Hi Julia,
Even if you didn’t tap your suica, it’s still usable. When you use it next time and if you find something wrong, talk to station staff. They will make an adjustment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com