Shinagawa is one of the terminal station in Tokyo. It is the transfer point of Tokaido Shinkansen (Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka), Keihin Kyuko (Haneda airport), Narita Express (Narita airport), Yamanote line (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo) and many more lines.
There are many railway lines and it seems to make you be overwhelmed. But this is not very complicated, actually. In this post, I will show you how to transfer among these trains in this station, Shinagawa.
- Station structure, tracks and platforms
- Ticket gate/Exit
- How to transfer between the Shinkansen and JR lines (Yamanote line, Narita Express, other than Shinkansen)
- How to transfer between JR trains and Keihin Kyuko Railway
- JR Pass, JR East Pass and Tokyo Wide Pass sales and exchange place
- Minimum connection time
Station structure, tracks and platforms
Please see the map at JR East official website.
At Shinagawa station, there are three railway companies, JR Central (Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka), JR East (Yamanote line, Tokaido line, Yokosuka line, Narita Express) and Keihin Kyuko Railway (a.k.a Keikyu to Haneda airport, Yokohama).
On the ground floor, all JR companies’s platforms are located. Only Keihin Kyuko Railway’s platforms are located at overhead. All platforms are connected with overpass. All ticket gates and exits are located at overpass too. All ticket gates and exits are located on pedestrian walkway. You can access both west (Takanawa exit) and east (Konan exit). You can go through this walkway without ticket.
All platforms and tracks of Shinagawa station are the following:
Keihin Kyuko Railway
Track# | Lines/Trains | Destination |
1 | Keihin Kyuko Railway | Keikyu-Kamata, Haneda Airport, Yokohama, Misakiguchi |
2 | Keihin Kyuko Railway | Sengakuji, Asakusa, Osiage, Aoto, Narita Airport |
3 | Keihin Kyuko Railway | Peak hours trains only |
All JR lines
Track# | Lines/Trains | Destination |
1 | Yamanote line | Inner loop to Tokyo, Akihabara, Ueno |
2 | Yamanote line | Outer loop to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro |
4 | Keihin Tohoku line | Tokyo, Ueno, Omiya |
5 | Keihin Tohoku line | Kamata, Yokohama, Ofuna |
6,7 | Ueno Tokyo line | Tokyo, Ueno, Omiya, Utsunomiya, Takasaki |
6,7 | The limited express Odoriko, Super View Odoriko | Tokyo |
8 | Seasonal operation or special train only | |
9 | Ueno Tokyo line (limited express to Joban line) Limited Express Hitachi, Tokiwa | Tokyo, Ueno, Kashiwa, Tuchiura, Mito, Iwaki |
10,11 | Ueno Tokyo line (to Joban line) | Tokyo, Ueno, Matsudo, Kashiwa, Toride, Tuchiura, Mito, Takahagi |
11,12 | Ueno Tokyo line Tokaido line The limited express Odoriko, Super View Odoriko | Yokohama, Odawara, Atami, Ito Izukyu-Shimoda, Shuzenji |
13,14 | Sobu-Yokosuka line Narita Express | Tokyo, Chiba, Narita Airport |
14,15 | Sobu-Yokosuka line | Yokohama, Kamakura, Zushi, Kurihama |
21,22 | The Tokaido Shinkansen | Tokyo |
23,24 | The Tokaido Shinkansen | Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata |
So basically you can transfer any trains at same level. This is the biggest reason why I recommend you to transfer from Narita Express to Shinkansen. If you transfer at Tokyo station, Narita Express arrive at deep underground platform. And also it is located at the west side of Tokyo station. On the other hand, Shinkansen’s platform is located at the east end. So you have to take escalator to go up and go through Tokyo station from west end to east end. I think minimum transfer time is 15 minutes.
If you transfer at Shinagawa station, 5 minutes is enough as long as you have a ticket for Shinkansen. You can book Shinkansen ticket at Narita Airport station too.
Ticket gate/Exit
Now I explain you how to transfer among Shinkansen, other JR lines (Yamanote line, Narita Express, etc) and Keihin Kyuko Railway.
How to transfer between the Shinkansen and JR lines (Yamanote line, Narita Express, other than Shinkansen)
Please see the movie below to find how to transfer from Narita Express to the Shinkansen which is bound for Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
Please see the movie below to find how to transfer from Yamanote line to the Shinkansen which is bound for Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
There is the Shinkansen transfer gate between Tokaido Shinkansen and other JR lines. If you transfer between JR trains and the Shinkansen, you do not have to exit the ticket gate. Just go through Shinkansen transfer gate. The Tokaido Shinkansen (JR Central) and other JR trains (JR East) are strictly the different companies. But both companies are under JR group and you can use one same base fare ticket for both JR trains and the Shinkansen. If you use JR Pass, both trains are covered except Nozomi that is the fastest train of the Tokaido Shinkansen.
You can find Shinkansen transfer gate at the bottom of JR East Shinagawa station map. You will find two gates, “Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen South Transfer” and “Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen North Transfer”
How to transfer between JR trains and Keihin Kyuko Railway
These are completely different companies. But you don’t need to exit. For example, if you take Keihin Kyuko train at Haneda airport station, you can purchase one ticket for both JR and Keihin Kyuko Railway.
There is a transfer gate. If you have a ticket for both JR and Keihin Kyuko Railway, you just go through the machine gate. You can find it at the top of JR East Shinagawa station map. It says “Keikyu transfer only” in the map.
The movie below shows you from Keihin Kyuko to the Shinkansen platform.
If you want to take the Shinkansen from Keihin Kyuko Railway, you can go through transfer gates twice, Keihin Kyuko gate and Shinkansen transfer gate.
JR Pass, JR East Pass and Tokyo Wide Pass sales and exchange place
Please see JR East Shinagawa station map again. Both JR Pass and JR East Pass exchange place are shown by red star beside Central gate. There is one more place to exchange JR Pass. That is JR Central ticket office beside Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen north gate. It’s shown by green solid color at the bottom of the map. Both place are open from 9:00 to 19:00.
If you purchase JR East Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass on the spot, you have to go to JR East Travel Center that is called “びゅうプラザ” (View Plaza). It is located in front of Central gate and it is shown by blue star.
Minimum connection time
These times are minimum. That means you just need to transfer. If you need to purchase a ticket, you have to add some more time.
- Keihin Kyuko Railway to/from Yamanote line or Keihin Tohoku line (to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Akihabara) – 5 minutes
- Narita Express to/from Shinkansen – 5 minutes
- Keihin Kyuko Railway to/from Shinkansen – 10 minutes
Comments
hello!
we are planning to land on Narita airport but want to go dirrectly to KYOTO from there. from what i could tell we can find a direct line, is this correct? thank you so much in advance!
Hi Laura,
Narita Express and Shinkansen are your choice and you can transfer at Shinagawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We plan to travel to Nikko and Kinugawa for a day trip from Tokyo.
1. Can we go from Shinagawa as we are staying in that area?
2. Which train should we take?
3. What pass or ticket would you recommend? I have read about the Tobu railway and its “2 Days Nikko Pass” but it says that we also need to pay for the limited express ticket ( not sure how much). Does Tobu train run from Shinagawa?
Many thanks in advance!
Hi James,
1. There is no direct access from Shinagawa. You need to go to Asakusa, Shinjuku or Tokyo.
2. There are many trains.
3. No. You need to get Asakusa first. Please see the link below to find more about trip to Nikko.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. If I use Tokyo Wide Pass, does it cover use Tokyo Wide Pass, it covers Fuji and Hakone as well ?
Hi James,
Lake Kawaguchi is fully covered. There is no JR line in Hakone. You can get Odawara but you need to pay after Odawara. Please see the link that I gave you and check JR East site.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Can I transfer to the haneda airport limo bus towards Mount Fuji? Can I buy the limo bus tickets at shinagawa station?
Hi Richard,
You can take this bus at Shinagawa. I think you can purchase a ticket from driver but not 100% sure.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I would like to take a Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Kyoto using the JR all-Japan Rail Pass, for a train at 17:40. If I want a reserved seat, do I go to JR Central midori no maguchi or JR East midori no maguchi, or is it not possible from this station? Also, how much time would it take at the station to be able to get the reservation?
Hi Bryan,
You can book it at any JR stations that have Midori no Madoguchi. In downtown Tokyo, you may book it at all JR stations. You don’t need to do it just before taking train. You can do it in advance at the nearest JR station when you are in Tokyo. It usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. But it depends on how busy it is. If there is a long line up, it may take longer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi!
No problem, Bryan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, i have determined that with my JR pass I can catch the Sinkansen Hikari or Kadana from Shinagawa, but the station map does not seem to have a platform for this train? Maybe 23 or 24?thanks Bevan
Hi Bevan,
Yes. Both Hikari and Kodama are Tokaido Shinkansen’s train.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Got a question to clarify,
I have bought the JR Pass and while checking out the route from Shin-Osaka to Shinjuku, i found a route where it includes taking shinkansen from shin-osaka and arriving at Shinagawa. Than taking the Narita Express to Shinjuku.
So, with the JR Pass, can we hop on this Narita Express train to Shinjuku?
Regards
Karen
Hi Karen,
You have to book it before taking Narita Express. It’s covered by JR pass but this train has reserved seat only. Even it’s short ride, you have to book before on board.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We bought the Green Pass for my trip of Osaka and Tokyo, we would like to reserve the seats, is all JR train got green cart ? Or only NEX got green cart and need to reserve seats?
Hi Jen,
Green seat is reserved so reservation is required. Most of train have Green seat.
About reservation, please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much Takeshi-san.
I will arrive in Narita around 3.45 PM on chrismas eve. will I have enough time to catch the 20.10 PM shinkansen leaving from Shinagawa? Considering maybe the long immigration? And I have to stop to several counters. E.g. Yamato to send luggage, take wifi rent at the post office, activate the JR Pass, book Shinkansen seats, etc.
Thanks Takeshi-san
Hi, if i am heading to Osaka from Narita airport, is it better i change at Shinagawa or Tokyo station?
Hi Jen,
Shinagawa is recommended. It’s much easier to transfer than Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be arriving in Shinagawa station by NEX. As I am heading to Nagoya at night and I will only have limited time to transfer, not to mention I am bringing a toddler, do you mind explaining what is the difference between south and north transfer of the tokkaido shinkansen? Which gate is for Nagoya? And will the transfer involves stair/elevator? As I will bring luggage and stroller.
Thanks in advance
Hi Crescendolls san,
South and north are the same. It has two gate for the passengers convenience. Both gate go to same platform.
There are escalators, elevators and stairs. You can choose whichever you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
I am arriving at Tokyo Haneda, and am staying at a hotel near Shinagawa Station. Is it easy to get from Haneda to Shinagawa station, and is it possible to buy the ticket when I arrive at Haneda?
The following morning I am then wanting to travel to Kyoto by Hikari/Nozomi Shinkansen. How do I go about buying a ticket? Is it possible to buy online before I arrive in Japan, or do I have to to buy it on the morning at the station? Can I get the train from Shinagawa Station? What ticket do you recommend buying?
Thanks in advance. Sorry, I just find it all so confusing!
Hi Brent,
Regarding Haneda to Shinagawa, you can catch Keihin Kyuko Railway. Ticket can be purchased on the spot at the vending machine.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
If you arrive late, please see the link below:
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
You can purchase Shinkansen ticket at Shinagawa station. Online purchase is not available unfortunately. There are reservation window that is called “Midori no Madoguchi” in most of JR stations. Of course Shinagawa station has it. You can purchase it there and not hard to book a ticket on the spot because there are many trains run to Kyoto.
If you have round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto in 7 days, JR Pass is recommended.
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
Otherwise single ticket is your option.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I am travelling from kyoto station to shinagawa station in december. is there a nozomi that will get me from kyo to shinagawa station?
Hi Helen,
Yes. You can take Nozomi to get Shinagawa. But if you use JR pass, Hikari is your choice. Nozomi is not covered by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com