Tokyo station guide. How to change the trains, Shinkansen, Narita Express and other local trains.

Station information
Tokyo station Marunouchi building. (C) JP Rail
Looking to track#9 and 10 (Tokaido Rapid trains) from track#20 for Tohoku Shinkansen at Tokyo Station (C) JP Rail

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

All lines on conventional lines have a line color, such as orange color for Chuo line. (C) JP Rail

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

Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen is shown by blue and Tohoku and other four Shinkansens are shown by Green.

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

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 lineDestination
1,2■Chuo lineShinjuku, Hachioji, Takao
3Keihin Tohoku lineAkihabara, Ueno, Omiya
4■Yamanote lineAkihabara, Ueno, Ikebukuro
5■Yamanote lineYurakucho, Shinbashi, Hamamatsucho, Shinagawa, Shibuya
6■Keihin Tohoku lineHamamatsucho, Shinagawa, Yokohama, Ofuna
7,8■Ueno Tokyo lineUeno, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, Omiya, Mito
Limited Express Hitachi, Tokiwa
9,10Tokaido lineShinagawa, 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.

Akita Shinkansen and Tokaido Shinkansen at Tokyo station (C) James Chuang
Track#Name of lineDestination
14-19Tokaido ShinkansenNagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata
20-23Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku (Nagano), Akita, Yamagata ShinkansenSendai, 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

Narita Express at Sobu underground platform

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 lineDestination
1,2■Yokosuka lineRapid 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 lineRapid 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
At Marunouchi Central Exit. Don’t exit here. Take the way to right and follow the sign Marunouchi Underground Central Exit. (C) JP Rail

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 some moving sidewalks and escalators on the way to Keiyo line tracks. Keiyo line platforms are far away from other platforms. (C) JP Rail

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 lineDestination
1,2■Keiyo lineLocal train to Shin-Kiba, Maihama, Soga, Matsudo, Limited Express Wakashio to Katsuura, Awakamogawa, Limited Express Sazanami to Tateyama
1-4■Keiyo lineLocal train to Shin-Kiba, Maihama, Soga, Matsudo
Signs are shown in both Japanese and English. (C) JP Rail

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 line20 minutes
 Tohoku Shinkansen
Hokkaido Shinkansen
Joetsu Shinkansen
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Akita Shinkansen
Yamagata Shinkansen
Tokaido Shinkansen10 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 line20 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 line20 minutes
 Yamanote line
Keihin-Tohoku line
Chuo line
Ueno Tokyo line
Limited Express Odoriko
Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa
10 minutes
Keiyo line15 minutes
 Ueno Tokyo line
Limited Express Odoriko
Limited Express Hitachi/Tokiwa
Keiyo line15 minutes

Luggage storage facility and coin lockers

Coin lockers are available many many places in Tokyo station at both inside and outside the ticket gates.

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

  1. Jo says:

    Dear Takeshi san,

    I would like to visit Narita Omotesando from Tokyo station. If I am using the JR pass, may I know what is the best way to travel?

    Thank you
    Jo

  2. Patrick M. says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    Thank you for the great information.
    I am staying at Disneyland Hotel. Our next stop is Kyoto Station via our Green JR Pass.
    My plan is to go Mahaima Station and get on local train to Tokyo Station, but not sure which train to take to get there. Then get off and find Tokaido Shinkansen transfer gate to get to Kyoto. I have already reserved my seats.
    I am giving myself 2 hours, any suggestions or advice to find the gates and trains?
    Thank you,
    Pateick

    • Hi Patrick san,

      You will take Keiyo line local train at Maihama station. Just take a train for Tokyo and you will get Tokyo station.

      You will arrive at Keiyo line platform in Tokyo station which is track #1, 2, 3 or 4. These are located in the deep underground. It is in Tokyo station but this area is isolated from most part of Tokyo station.

      Anyway when you arrive in Tokyo station from Maihama by Keiyo line local train, you will go up by escalators or elevators. All you have to do is just following signage. Most of passengers from Keiyo line go to main part of Tokyo station. Just follow all other passengers and you will get the ground floor. There are lots of signage of the Shinkansen for Kyoto. You cannot miss it. Usually it takes 15 minutes from arrival at Keiyo line platform to the Shinkansen transfer gate.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Melanie Koca says:

    Hello there,
    We will be arriving Narita Airport at 19:10 pm. Our hotel is by Hatchobori metro station. What would be the best way to get to the hotel? I am a bit concerned since it will be later in the evening.

    Will NEX or Keisei offices be open for purchasing our train tickets?
    And which train would be more convenient NEX or Keisei skyliner?
    Thank you

    • Hi Melanie,

      There are several routes available but I recommend you to take the following route:
      Narita (Skyliner) Ueno (Tokyo Metro Hibiya line) Hatchobori

      There is no direct routes. You have to change trains at least once. This is the easiest way.

      You will find the signage to the walkway to Hibiya line.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. Ann says:

    Hi,

    This would be my first time travelling to Japan and I will be travelling there alone too, until my friend would meet me up at Shin Osaka. I do have a JR Pass and I also learned that I have to take the Narita Express to Shin Osaka. I just don’t know where to proceed next once I am at Tokyo Station. Would you be able to help me as to which exit to take and which platform to go to?

  5. Kaushik Bhattacharjee says:

    Hello Takeshi san,
    My first visit to Japan. This regarding Shinagawa station:
    1. How much time would require to get JR Pass and board Shinkansen for Kyoto?
    2. Which gate[North or South] Shinkansen for Kyto? I will be coming from Narita Airport using Narita Express.
    3. Is Reservation included in JR Pass for Shinkansen? Or extra money needs to be paid for reservation even though I will have JR Pass?

    Regards,
    Kaushik

    • Hi Kaushik san,

      1. You are asking me about Shinagawa station but you will arrive in Narita. So you will exchange JR pass in Narita airport station.
      Please expect to spend at least 30 minutes to exchange the pass. You may spend more. It depends on how busy Narita airport station JR travel center is. I spent 30 minute when I got there in the last few years.
      You will spend 10 minutes to change trains from Narita Express to Shinkansen at Shinagawa.

      2. You can use either North and South. You can proceed to the platform of the Shinkansen to Kyoto from either gates.

      3. It is included. You can book it when you exchange the pass at Narita Airport station.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Kaushik Bhattacharjee says:

        Hello Takeshi san,
        Thanks for your reply.
        Is Shinagawa station JR Travel counter less crowded compared to Narita Airport?
        Also, What are JR Travel counter opening and closing time at Narita Airport?
        Does opening and closing time vary at different places?

        Regards,
        Kaushik

        • Hi Kaushik san,

          I have never exchanged JR Pass in Shinagawa station but I think Narita is much busier than Shinagawa. However if you exchange the pass in Shinagawa, you have to pay for Narita Express which is covered by JR pass. The fare and seat fee for Narita Express is around 3,000 yen. If you really want to save your time, that is okay. You can pay for that and exchange the pass at Shinagawa. You can find the hours of all JR pass exchange offices in the link below:
          http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Kaushik Bhattacharjee says:

            Hi Takeshi san,
            Thanks I didn’t know NEX covered by JR Pass.
            Are the following in Narita Airport can be used for to buy or exchange JR Pass?
            Terminal 2・3 – Ticket Office 6:30-8:15, 20:00-21:45
            OR only JR Travel Service Center?

            Regards,
            Kaushik

  6. Leo says:

    We are planning to take Asakusa line to Tokyo station to connect to Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto. What is the best way when we arrive at Tokyo Station to find the platform for our Shinkansen train?

  7. Felicia angkasa says:

    Hi There, I am planning to go from Tokyo to Kyoto by Nozomi Shinkansen. Depart point from Tokyo Station. Since this is my first time and I am coming with my family of 5, I need your help to answer my few questions: Could you please tell me which entrance of the station should I get off? What is the easier way to go to platform? Will the platform be on the ground floor? What would be the platform number for Nozomi Shinkansen? How to identify if your shinkansen is Nozomi? Thank you Felicia

    • Hi Felicia,

      >Could you please tell me which entrance of the station should I get off?
      >What is the easier way to go to platform?

      Shinkansen platform is located at the Yaesu side (east side) of the station. You may enter Yaesu Central or Yaesu North gate to get Shinkansen platform.

      >Will the platform be on the ground floor?
      It’s on the second floor.

      >What would be the platform number for Nozomi Shinkansen?
      It departs from track #14 to #19. All 6 tracks are used for the Shinkansen train to Kyoto which are Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama.

      >How to identify if your shinkansen is Nozomi?
      You can find it at the departure information board and the signage on the train. Please see the link below:
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/signage-and-announcement-in-the-station-and-train.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • felicia says:

        Hi Mr Takeshi,

        Thank you for your prompt reply.

        Is that easy to locate escalator to go to second floor?

        How long will it takes to walk from Yeasu Central exit to the platform, considering on normal waking speed?

        If for example I missed the train, can I board on the next train available?

        Do I have to enter the shinkansen gate with the base fare first or directly with shinkansen ticket?

        Also, could you please guide me the same on the way back from Kyoto to Tokyo. Depart point from Kyoto JR station also with Nozomi Shinkansen.

        Thank you
        Felicia

    • Jennifer says:

      Konnichiwa Takeshi san,
      My husband and I are visiting Japan arriving Oct 1st at Haneda airport. Here are my questions to ask for your help:
      1) is the monorail to Hammastucho station easy to find after we clear customs? 2) where can we exchange our JR 7 day pass? 3) from Hammastucho station, where do we go to get the Yamanote line for Tokyo station? 4). At Tokyo station, how do we get to the Shinkansen going to Kyoto? 5) Lastly, do exits also mean entrances in a train station like Tokyo station? We have to take a bus to Kawaguchiko on Oct 8 and based on what I have read, it tells you to go to Yaesu South exit to catch the bus. We are coming from our hotel. So where would Yaesu South exit be?
      Many thanks for your kind assistance.

  8. Tom Huang says:

    What is the best way to transfer from Marounouchi Subway line to Tokaido Shinkansen t at Tokyo Station? And how much time should I allow for the transfer on a Monday morning for the 9:30 am Hikari 507 train to Kyoto? Thanks.

    • Hi Tom,

      You can enter Tokyo station at any ticket gates of Marunouchi side. Once you get the station, you can find the Shinkansen signage easily. There are lots lots of the signages and you cannot miss it. Just follow the signage to get Shinkansen ticket gate.

      15 minutes is minimum connecting time but 20 minutes is more comfortable.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. Winnie says:

    Dear Takeshi san ,
    We will be in Tokyo on March 18 and be leaving for Osaka on the 21st. I have bought the tickets already online. From our hotel , we will just take the taxi to go to Tokyo station. My question is which entrance will I look for ? From that entrance how will I go straight to the Shinkansen tracks 14-19 Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Osaka? Please help. I’m confused. This is my first time riding a train to Osaka. Thank you so much

  10. Baimon says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I will be arriving Narita airport terminal 1 at 9.10 am. I need to exchange JR east pass (tohoku) at the JR office and get on to narita express at 10.45 am to Tokyo to transfer to Yamagata Shinkansen which leaves at 12 pm. It would be my first time at Tokyo station and narita airport. I would like to know if my plan above leave enough time between each train. Could you please let me know?

    Thank you

    • Hi Baimon san,

      It will be tight at Narita Airport because you have only 1.5 hours from arrival time to Narita Express departure time. You may be able to do it but it depends on how busy immigration and JR East ticket window. I usually spend 45 minutes to 1 hour for immigration, custom and baggage pick up. And then go to JR ticket window. I waited for more than 30 minutes in last year.

      If everything is not busy and very smooth, you may be able to do it. But it may be gamble. If I were you, I will take one later train and if I can make it, I will take the earlier one.

      At Tokyo station, you have less than 15 minutes. It will be very tight too for the first timer. 20 minutes is more sufficient.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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