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, Just want to makes sure My plan is correct.
We have the JR East (nagano Niigata area) Pass and heading over to Nagano.
We will be arriving in Narita, Take the Narita Express to Tokyo and then transfer to Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hopefully Kagayaki line) to Nagano. Had a few questions:
1. How much time should be slowed in Narita Airport to get bags, go through customs, exchange JR Pass to Ticket, and book seats on the train?
2. How much time should be allowed at Tokyo to transfer to Hokuriku Shinkansen, (get tickets again I am assuming?). The article above lists 10 minutes – just want to make sure that it includes the transfer and getting the ticket
Thank you!
Hi Ella,
1. Please expect to spend 2 to 3 hours. It depends on how busy immigration and JR pass exchange office. I spend more than 30 minutes just to exchange the pass before.
2. I said 20 minutes in the post above. 10 minutes is Shinkansen to Shinkansen transfer and too tight to change from Narita Express to Shinkansen. 20 minutes is more comfortable.
You can book all seats at Narita airport when you exchange the pass. You just need to change trains at Tokyo station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
Flying in via Haneda Airport then going straight to Nagano for 5 days. Am getting to Tokyo station via the Tokyo Monorial then JR Yamanote. I plan to store one of my baggage at Tokyo Station and then buy a bento meal before travelling to Nagano.
I have a couple of questions, hope you can help
1) Should I store my baggage at Nagano or Tokyo Station?
**If storing at Tokyo is better, are there baggage center/lockers within the inner side ie not going outside (*scared can’t find the place when we are back)
2) How do I go from JR Yamanote line to get to the Shinkansen for Nagano?
3) Can I get any bento meal while on the inside?
Many thanks for your help!
Hi BeeHong san,
1. Tokyo station is better if you have plenty of the time there. It’s easier to travel to Nagano.
If you want to leave your luggage inside the ticket gate, you can find lockers and baggage hold service underground lavel, “Gransta Tokyo”.
http://www.tokyoinfo.com/en/#section4
There are lots of Bento shops there too.
2. Move from track #4 to Hokuriku Shinkansen ticket gate. But all you have to do is following the signage. It’s a big station but it’s easy to find.
3. As I mentioned, above, you can find many shops near Baggage service area. But there are many more in the station. There are many and you cannot miss it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can I use JR East Pass travel by JR Tokaido Line from Shinagawa station to Yokohama Station?
Tks
Alice
Hi Alice,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I will go from Tokyo to Osaka by train on November 9th. To be exact, I will go from Uguisudani station in Tokyo. I will have to change from JR train to Shinkansen Nozomi at Tokyo station.
So here is what made me confused. When using Hyperdia to check the train schedule and ticket price, I saw that it is the same price, which is 14,450 yen, to go from Uguisudani station to Osaka; as well as from Tokyo station to Osaka.
Is Hyperdia not correct in this case, or is it true that the trip from Uguisudani station (with transfer in Tokyo station) costs the same as the trip from Tokyo station?
Also, I will be using a Suica card in Tokyo. For the above trip, I assume I will use the Suica card to go from Uguisudani station to Tokyo station. At Tokyo station, I will use up the e-money, and return the card to get back the 500 yen deposit, and then buy a ticket for Shinkansen to Osaka. Upon arrival in Osaka, I will buy a ICOCA card to use with public transport in Osaka. Am I planning rightfully?
I go to Japan for the first time so I am a bit confused with the complex system. Thank you very much for your time!
Hi Thanh san,
The base fare is same from either Tokyo or Uguisudani. Actually you can start at any stations on Yamanote line at same base fare. So you don’t need to use Suica from Uguisudani to Tokyo. You can start using base fare ticket at Uguisudani and use Shinkansen ticket when you enter Shinkansen platform in Tokyo station.
You can get a refund of Suica at most of stations in downtown Tokyo. But unfortunately you cannot do it at Uguisudani. You can get a refund at Ueno or Nippori.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Very informative! So can I buy the ticket for Uguisudani to Osaka at Uguisudani station? If not, maybe I can buy this ticket the day before when I travel around Tokyo. Also, on November 9th, I may depart from Uguisudani a little bit earlier so that I will have some more time at Tokyo station to get refund of the Suica card. Thanks!
Hi Thanh san,
You cannot purchase a ticket at Uguisudani because this station does not have a reservation ticket window. You have to go to other major station. Nippori and Ueno are closest station.
And you cannot refund it at Tokyo station because you cannot exit Tokyo station because you will start using a ticket at Uguisudani. You have to exit to get a refund. Please do it in advance at other major stations, such as Ueno, Nippori.
Uguisudani station is one of few minor stations in downtown Tokyo. This station has only the vending machine for short distance ride.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I need to know how to get to Fukushima City from Tokyo by train and how much it will cost.
Thank you,
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
You can take Tohoku Shinkansen. Please use hyperdia to find the fare and timetable:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi, for quick response.
Do I buy the ticket at the station or need to order the ticket ahead of time?
It is a day trip so do I need to buy a round trip ticket or buy the ticket for the return trip at the Fukushima Station?
Do I need to buy the reserved seating which doubles the price of the ticket?
Hi Sandy,
You can buy a ticket on the day of travel or in advance. It’s up to you.
You also can purchase either one way ticket or return trip ticket. It’s up to you too. The cost is same. Round trip discount is valid for much longer trip.
You have to pay seat fee anyway when you take Tohoku Shinkansen. I think you compare base fare and base fare/seat fee combined price. Base fare does not cover Shinkansen trip. There is non reserved seat fee available. When you check the price hyperdia, please click seat fee ane you can find non reserved seat fee which is around 500 yen cheaper.
If you pay base fare only, you have to take commute trains all the way. You have to change trains several times and trip time is much much longer. It is not a realistic choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your information – I will purchase the train tickets on the day of travel and will pay for the full fare which includes the seat assignments.
Very helpful, many thanks,
Sandy
No worries, Sandy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi,
I’m planning to go to tokyo from KIX using JR pass this december , and have 2 choices of hotel ( haven’t decided yet) , first around kanda station and 2nd around nishi nippori station/mikawashima station, how do I get there after arrive in tokyo using shinkansen ? Can I asked which one is better choice ( for the hotel area) if I want go to gala yuzawa, hakone/kawaguchiko or yokoham?
And do I need to reserve seat to go back to osaka ? ( planning stay at tokyo for 3 Nights)
Thank’s before
Best regards
Hi Pauline,
Kanda is better because it is closer to Tokyo station. It’s just one station away from Tokyo by Yamanote line or Chuo line. You can take Joetsu Shinkansen to get Gala, rapid train to Yokohama, Shinkansen to Odawara (Hakone) from Tokyo. When you go to Lake Kawaguchi, you can get Shinjuku first and then take Limited express train to get Otsuki. Please see the links below to find more info:
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san!
Thank you very much for all these information.
May I ask from Tokyo Station, how can I go to Gala Yuzawa.
Thank you very much!
Hi Michelle san,
You can take Joetsu Shinkansen. It takes you from Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa directly.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/joetsu-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
A further question to my one below – which is which exit side do I need from the Yamanote line – Yaesu side or Marunouchi side?
Again I find your guide great but this time I still have a question about transfer. We will be transferring from the Yamanote line, coming from Ebisu. I gather from this that we will arrive at track 4 on the ground level. We then get the Shinkansen Hayabusa 15 travelling to Shin-Hakodate. I think this is leaving from track 20. Is this correct? The table here does not mention this as a destination from tracks 20 to 23. Am I right in thinking we look for the Shinkansen gate and that this is also on the ground floor? Thank you for your advice on this excellent site.
Hi Ian san,
Yamanoe line is located at Marunouchi side and Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen is at other side, Yaesu.
Shinkansen leaves from one of the tracks of 20 to 23. You can enter Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen ticket gate and proceed one of these platforms. You can find which one you go at the ticket gate. You can find the departure information board there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Again I find your guide great but this time I still have a question about transfer. We will be transferring from the Yamanote line, coming from Ebisu. I gather from this that we will arrive at track 4 on the ground level. We then get the Shinkansen Hayabusa 15 travelling to Shin-Hakodate. I think this is leaving from track 20. Is this correct? The table here does not mention this as a destination from tracks 20 to 23. Am I right in thinking we look for the Shinkansen gate and that this is also on the ground floor? Thank you for your advice on this excellent site.
Hello Takeshi san,
I absolutely love and appreciate your guide. I am a fan of trains myself and sometimes I just read the guide because of that!
My group is planning to head to Hakodate from Osaka via the Shinkansen. Our scheduled train arrives in Tokyo at 9:10AM and the train to Hakodate departs at 9:36AM. Would this be enough time to transfer between trains? Is there even time to grab some food & drinks (ekiben, etc.) before boarding?
Thank you so much!
Hi Elliott san,
Yes. You can change trains in 10 minutes. So you have enough time to buy something to eat and drink. There are some shops on the platform. And in the worst case, you still can purchase it on board. On board service is available in Shinkansen to Hakodate.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com