JR Shibuya Station Guide: Transfer Tips, Main Exits, and Ticket Gates
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This guide to Tokyo's JR Shibuya Station explains how to get from the Yamanote Line platforms to the main exits and how to transfer to other lines such as the Tokyo Metro lines, the Keio Inokashira Line, and the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
In recent years, various construction projects have been ongoing around the JR Shibuya Station. As a result, the locations of ticket gates and passageways related to transferring to other rail lines are changing all the time!
This time, we will introduce how to reach every exit at Shibuya Station and make transfers to other lines.
Start from the JR Yamanote Line Platform on the 2nd Floor
Shibuya Station is served by several lines, but let's use the JR Yamanote Line platforms (1 nd 2) as our starting point. These platforms are located on the 2nd floor, near the Hachiko Exit, Central Exit, and South Exit.
When you go up the stairs on the platform, you will find the Central Exit; going down leads to the Hachiko Exit and South Exit.
The platforms for transferring to the JR Saikyo Line, Rinkai Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and Narita Express near the New South Exit are also on the 2nd floor. They are a bit away from the Yamanote Line platform, and we will explain their locations shortly.
JR Shibuya Station has a total of four ticket gates, with one or two exits connected to them. The exit that leads to popular tourist spots is the Hachiko Exit, so as a rule of thumb, remembering this gate should suffice.
Shibuya Station is served by five JR lines (Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Rinkai Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and Narita Express) and six other lines: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, and Keio Inokashira Line.
As a result, many people transfer from JR Shibuya Station to other lines. Please note that when you transfer to another line, you usually have to exit the JR ticket gate and enter the ticket gate of that particular line.
In the table below, you can check which JR ticket gate to aim for when transferring to another line from JR Shibuya Station.
Shimokitazawa, Maidaimae, Kichijoji, Inokashira-koen, etc.
1. From the JR Yamanote Line Platform to the Hachiko Exit
When you get off the train, look for the signs with the station name. At Shibuya Station, the name "Shibuya" is in the center, with the names of the neighboring stations on either side.
The Hachiko Exit is located at the end of the platform in the direction marked Harajuku.
When you go to the end of the platform, you will find stairs going down.
Go down these stairs and you will immediately see the Hachiko Gate.
This is the Hachiko Gate at JR Shibuya Station!
To get to the Scramble Crossing and the loyal dog Hachiko's statue, use the exit to the left after passing through the ticket gates, known as the Hachiko Exit.
If you are heading to Miyashita Park, use the Miyamasuzaka Exit, which is located to the right after exiting the Hachiko Gate.
Landmarks near the Hachiko Exit
The Scramble Crossing unfolds in front of the Hachiko Exit. Photo by Pixta
The bustling area around the Hachiko Exit is home to landmarks such as SHIBUYA 109 and Miyashita Park are clustered.
There are also numerous izakaya bars and restaurants, including conveyor belt sushi restaurants like Uobei, famous ramen shops like Ichiran, and a yakiniku spot where you can enjoy delicious Japanese beef, Tachigui Yakiniku Jiromaru.
If you walk a bit further, you will reach the area known as Oku Shibuya, which offers a calm atmosphere. Here, you can find stylish cafes and miscellaneous goods shops like Fuglen Tokyo. If you feel a bit tired of the lively Shibuya scene, it might be a good idea to visit this area for a change of pace.
A commercial facility with many shops for women in their teens to early twenties. It features fashion, cosmetics, cafes, and restaurants.
Tokyu Hands
A nine-floor facility handling lifestyle goods, cosmetics, bags, stationery, and more.
Shibuya Center-Gai
A shopping street with restaurants, fashion outlets, game centers, and more. The entrance is located beside TSUTAYA (*currently closed for renovations; set to reopen in April 2024), just across the Scramble Crossing.
Transfering to the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line.
Transferring to the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line is easy if you use the Hachiko Exit.
First, after passing through the ticket gate, take the stairs immediately to your right (indicated by the red arrow), or use the escalator (indicated by the yellow arrow) to go down to the lower level.
Using these stairs, continue descending further down.
Once you descend the stairs, you should come across the ticket gates leading to the platforms for the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line.
2. From the JR Yamanote Line Platform to the Central Gate
To reach the Central Gate, you will need to take the stairs or escalator located in the middle of the platform.
All the stairs going up lead to the Central Ticket Gate, so remember to take the stairs up for the Central Gate and you should have no trouble finding it.
Outside the Central Gate. Photo by Pixta
Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will find the Central Gate immediately.
The Area around the Central Gate
The passageway leading from the station to Shibuya Hikarie
The Central Gate on the 3rd floor is convenient for accessing the commercial facilities directly connected to Shibuya Station.
As you exit the ticket gate, you will find the Shibuya Scramble Square.
Descend the escalator and proceed through the front passage to reach Shibuya Hikarie or take the right passage to reach Shibuya Stream.
These areas are all connected indoors, allowing you to move between them without needing an umbrella, even on rainy days.
Landmark
Description
Shibuya Hikarie
A commercial facility offering a wide range of fashion styles from sophisticated to casual, accessories, and cosmetics, as well as cafes and restaurants.
This commercial facility is home to SHIBUYA SKY where you can oversee Tokyo from 229 meters above ground, along with restaurants and lifestyle goods stores.
Shibuya Stream
A commercial facility housing cafes, restaurants, a hotel, a hall, and more.
Transfering to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Upon exiting the central ticket gate and turning left, you will find the ticket gates for the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
It is within walking distance, so you should have no trouble finding it.
And if you're wondering why is a metro line platform located on the third floor above ground, just remember that Shibuya is a valley surrounded by five hills (Dogenzaka, Miyamasuzaka, Spain-zaka, etc.) and everything should come into place. :)
Transfering to the Keio Inokashira Line
When transferring to the Keio Inokashira Line, using the Central Gate is convenient.
Although it may be a bit of a distance, you can use indoor passageways to access it without getting wet on rainy days.
First, after exiting the Central Gate, proceed in the direction indicated by the red arrow in the photo.
Continuing straight along this path will lead you to a spacious area with high ceilings. On your left is "The Myth of Tomorrow," the famous mural by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto.
Once you reach this point, keep going a bit further! Follow the direction indicated by the red arrow.
You've reached the ticket gate for the Keio Inokashira Line!
3. From the JR Yamanote Line Platform to the South Gate
The South Gate, which takes you to the East Exit and West Exit of JR Shibuya Station, is located on the station's first floor.
From the Yamanote Line platform, if you descend any staircase other than the one leading to the Hachiko Exit, you will arrive at the South Gate.
This is the South Gate.
If you go left after exiting the ticket gate, you will find the West Exit, and if you go right, you will find the East Exit.
The Area around the South Gate
The area around the Shibuya Station's West Exit
Exiting from the West Exit, you will see an area with several bus stops. Going to the right leads to the Hachiko Exit, while on the left side, you will find various dining facilities. The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is located on the left side.
About a 10-minute walk away, you will come across Tokyo Kenkyo, a cafe known for its delicious sandwiches but also offering rice plate sets and traditional Japanese meals. Since it opens at 8:00, it could be a nice spot to grab breakfast here while taking a leisurely walk.
Exiting from the East Exit, you will find escalators leading to the subway ticket gates straight ahead, the entrance to Shibuya Scramble Square on the right, and access to Miyamasuzaka Exit on the left.
Landmark
Description
Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
A commercial facility housing the famous rooftop restaurant bar CÉ LA VI, the Pepper PARLOR where you're served by robots, and other restaurants and shops.
Transfering to the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line
For transferring to the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line, head to the East Exit from the South Gate.
First, take the escalator located at the East Exit to descend to the lower level.
Upon descending the escalator and proceeding straight ahead, you will find the ticket gates leading to the platforms for the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line.
4. From the JR Yamanote Line to the New South Gate
The New South Gate is located a few minutes' walk from the JR Yamanote Line platform. You'll first have to reach the JR platforms of the Narita Express, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and the Rinkai Line.
So first, check the signboards and aim for Platforms 3 and 4.
Once you reach Platforms 3 or 4 using the escalator, continue straight ahead. Keep walking, and you will come to the end of the platform where there is an escalator leading up. Take this escalator up.
Upon ascending by the escalator, you will immediately see the New South Gates.
The Area around the New South Gates
The New South Exit of Shibuya Station. Photo by Pixta
The area around the New South Gates provides a stark contrast to the bustling image of Shibuya that we often envision; it is a remarkably calm area.
Near the station, you can find buildings hosting establishments like the Hotel Mets and several dining facilities.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling area near the Hachiko Exit and wish to enjoy a leisurely meal, exploring the eateries in this serene area could be a great alternative.
If in Doubt, Check the Signboards for Guidance!
We introduced the main exits and ticket gates of JR Shibuya Station. Because Shibuya Station is served by several private railway and subway lines, transferring between lines can be quite confusing.
If you take the wrong exit, you might end up taking a detour, so if you ever feel lost, stay calm, check the signs and information boards, or ask nearby station staff for help.
We hope you can smoothly reach your destination using this article as a guide.
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