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 San / JPrail.com ,
Is both office below can be also reserve seat when I exchange JRpass?
Japan Rail Pass exchange office
Yaesu North exit & Yaesu Central Exit JR Central (Tokai) ticket center.
Hi Fanny san,
You can exchange the pass at these following offices:
JR EAST Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North)
JR-CENTRAL Ticket Office (Yaesu North)
JR Tokai Tours Tokyo Office
You can book a seat when you exchange the pass at these locations as well.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
If I am at Narita Airport and require to go to Tokyo Station, how do I take the train, do I need to change trains?
From Tokyo station, how do I get to Cup Noodles Museum and how to go to Tokyo Disneyland?
Where should I go and take the bullet train to Osaka from Tokyo?
After alighting at Osaka, how can I go to USJ?
Hi Jarod,
Please see the links below:
Narita Express
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
Tokyo train network
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
*Cup noodle museum is in Yokohama
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train)
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Train network in Osaka
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, My family and I will be travelling from Maihama to Universal City and I would like to clarify regarding train transfer using paper tickets. Do we exit every station and buy another ticket for the next station or I can buy ticket from maihama to tokyo, tokyo to shin-osaka(nozomi), then shin-osaka to universal city?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Kath,
You can use one ticket from Maihama to Universal city. You don’t need to exit at each station but you need to go through Shinkansen transfer gate at Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
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
Dear,
I buy JR 7 days, When I take prior JR ticket with reserved seat for my itinerary ( Tokyo – Kyoto 10AM ) , But then I change it ( tokyo-kyoto 2PM ), what I have to do with my prior JR ticket with reserved seat? i have to cancel it or not? if i have to cancel, where I can do it ?
best regards.
Hi Ken,
I recommend you to cancel the ticket. Because someone might have a chance to book a seat. You can return your ticket at the reservation window in any most of JR stations which is called “Midori no Madoguchi”. You don’t need to pay any extra charge when you cancel.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi we will be staying at Nishitetsu Inn at Shinjuku and would like to travel by Japan Rail to Osaka using the Hikari train. Please tell us if there is a Shinkansen from Shinjuku to Osaka? Must we change trains?
Hi Irene,
You have to go to either Tokyo station of Shinagawa station. You cannot catch Shinkansen at Shinjuku.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi!
i’m planning to buy a shinkansen ticket (tokyo – kyoto). if i buy it from shinjuku station, do i use IC card for my shinjuku – tokyo trip, then use the base fare + train ticket when entering the shinkansen gate? i’m a little bit confused, hope you can clarify for me 🙂
Hi Tin,
You don’t need to use IC card. When you buy a ticket, you can buy Shinjuku-Tokyo-Kyoto. You can start using base fare ticket and you don’t need to exit at Tokyo. You can enter Shinkansen gate at Tokyo station by base fare ticket and Shinkansen ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thank you for that clarification, takeshi! 🙂 oh, i would like to add.. what if i want to buy an ekiben from ekiben matsuri— can i still do that before entering the shinkansen gate?
Hi Tin,
It’s inside ticket gate, so you can drop by before entering Shinkansen gate.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thank you so much for the info! your posts are always helpful, i’m saving this for later! 🙂
No worries, Tin.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. Im planning to take the shuttle bus from Narita to Tokyo Central Station. To get to the Chuo Line to Shinjuku, do i need to go through any stairs since it is on ground floor? I have a big luggage. Thanks
Hi Mary,
There are stairs because the platform is located on second floor. However there are escalators and elevators too. Luggage is not an issue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I’m wondering about taking the Narita Express from the airport. It says I can transfer to other JR East train. My hotel is next to Yotsuya-sanchome station which has the Marunouchi line running there. Can I take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and transfer to that train with one ticket?
Thanks!
Hi Josh,
You need to purchase a ticket for Narita Express and subway separately. At Tokyo station, just purchase a ticket for subway at the vending machine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I will be using JR Keihin Tohoku/Negishi local line from Shinagawa to come to Tokyo station in the morning to catch Shinkansen Kagayaki 503.
I have couple of questions.
Can I use my JR pass to go from Shinagawa to Tokyo ?
How much time I should allow to transfer from local line to shinkansen track # 21?
Where can I get a detailed plan of Tokyo station different levels?
Hi Sanjay,
>Can I use my JR pass to go from Shinagawa to Tokyo ?
Yes
>How much time I should allow to transfer from local line to shinkansen track # 21?
10 minutes is okay as I mentioned in the post above.
>Where can I get a detailed plan of Tokyo station different levels?
See the map in the link below:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e1039.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hello Takeshi
I have looked at the JR East map of Tokyo station but i am still not very clear how to reach the Keiyo line when i arrive at 16:40 at Track No.19 [SHINKANSEN HIKARI 470] from Okayama. I need to find Track No.3 of the Keiyo line for a train at 17.04 towards Soga.
From your helpful post, i now know i need to go to basement fourth floor – and you say that i should go to Yaesu South exit to find the access. Are there escalators there to the basement fourth floor? Have you any suggestions for finding Yaesu South exit after i arrive at Track no 19?
thank you very much for your help – i dont want to miss the Keiyo train!
Hi Rosie,
There are escalator and elevator.
There are lots of signage of Keiyo line. Just follow the sign to get there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai Takeshi, i have a question regarding tokyo station.
With my JR Pass, I’m planning to take NEX from shinjuku to tokyo station, then board shinkansen hikari to osaka. I know that it will be easier for me to transfer at shinagawa, but i will have my luggage stored at tokyo station (which i will do the day before), so i need to get it before i go to osaka.
Is it really complicated to go from NEX underground to platform 14 for hikari? I already study the map at JR East website, but i’m still a little confused. And if i do that, how much time should i allocate to transfer?
The only reason i’m taking NEX to tokyo station is because of rush hour, i’m planning to take 9:33 hikari, so if i take yamanote or marunouchi, they will be packed.
Since I already have my luggage stored, i will only need to bring a stroller, 1 hand carry, and a toddler. Is it doable?
Hi Selvia,
I agree with you to take Narita Express to avoid morning peak hours. And also Narita Express from Shinjuku does not stop at Shinagawa. Even if you want, you cannot. Only Narita Express from Yokohama stops at Shinagawa.
15 minutes is okay to transfer at Tokyo. Just go up from underground to ground level. Actually there are lots of signage. You cannot miss it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for your reply! Then I will go ahead with the plan. One last detailed question, just to make sure I get everything right. So at shinjuku, i show my JR pass to manned gate, board NEX train and disembark at Tokyo Station right? I assume i will have to exit manned gate again first, then re-enter at shinkansen gate? Also, is it necessary to reserve seat at NEX train? It should be free with my JR pass.
Hi Selvia,
At Tokyo station, you need to exit the gate. Just follow the signage of Shinkansen. You will get Shinkansen transfer gate. And then show your pass at the gate to proceed Shinkansen platform. Other procedure is okay.
Narita Express has only reserved seat. I recommend you to book a seat for even short ride. It’s covered fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com