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Tokyo Station Guide: Main Exits, Transfers, Nearby Spots, and More
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Tokyo Station is a major transport hub serviced by many train lines, including JR and Tokyo Metro. Our guide on Tokyo Station ticket gates, transfers, and nearby spots is complete with tips on how to find your way in this complex facility.
Written by
東京
Born in Taiwan. Currently living in Tokyo.
Currently editor in chief of MATCHA's Taiwanese website. In the past, I worked as an editor for a Japanese fashion magazine, as a Japanese language teacher at a private high school in Taipei, as an interpreter for Shiseido and other Japanese and Taiwanese companies. I've also had experience as an inbound tourism copywriter.
My Facebook page 'Tokyo beyond studying abroad' 東京、不只是留學（留学だけじゃなくて）boasts 120,000 followers.
Blogger with readers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, of which 70% are female readers. I have covered over 300 locations and stores in my articles.
Writing about the latest trends, places off the beaten path, and traditional culture. Published six books on Japan in Taiwan and Asia.
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/filmmiho/
Instagram → @mihowang47
more
Tokyo Station: The City's Central Transportation Hub
For first-time visitors, the first confrontation with the gargantuan Tokyo Station can feel daunting. Walking from the Shinkansen platform to the train line bound for Tokyo Disney Resort can take as long as 20 minutes!
Tokyo Station is used by thousands of travelers and commuters each day. With shopping and dining spots available inside and outside the station, this station is known to be very large and complex.
In this article, we offer tips on how to navigate Tokyo Station with information on ticket gates, exits, and transfers. We've included a sightseeing, shopping, and dining guide at the end!
Tokyo Station Guide: Exits, Transfers, Shopping, Dining
1. Tokyo Station Line Services
2. Train Line Colors and Symbols
3. The Two Main Exits at Tokyo Station
4. Four Main Ticket Gates
5. Head to 1F for Transfers and Ticket Gates
6. How to Take the JR Lines
7. How to Transfer from the JR Lines to the Shinkansen
8. How to Board the Shinkansen
9. How to Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Lines
10. How to Board the Train for Tokyo Disney Resort
11. From Tokyo Station to Narita Airport: Train or Bus?
12. JR Ticket Offices
13. Shopping, Coin Lockers, and Meeting Places at Tokyo Station
14. Marunouchi Exit: Best Places to Visit and Access
15. Yaesu Exit: Best Places to Visit and Access
Tokyo Station Line Services
JR Lines
1. Regular JR Lines
Tokaido Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line, Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Rapid Line, Yokosuka Line, Keiyo Line, Musashino Line
2. Shinkansen Lines
Tokaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku (via Nagano), Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, Hokkaido
Subway
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
We highly recommend travelers use the JR Pass (for JR Lines and Shinkansen) and the Tokyo Subway Ticket (for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway) to save money on transportation.
These discounted passes not only help with navigating to and around Tokyo Station but throughout the rest of Tokyo and beyond.
Distinguish Train Lines by the Color of their Symbols
The simplest way to avoid getting lost at Tokyo Station is to look at the color of your train line. As long as you know the name and color of the train line you need to take, all you have to do is follow the signs.
JR lines are indicated by white rectangles on signs. The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and other subway lines, which are located outside the JR ticket gates, are indicated by circles on yellow signs.
The color code for JR train lines is as follows:
- Yamanote Line: yellow-green
- Chuo Line: orange
- Keihin Tohoku Line: light blue
- Tokaido Main Line: deep orange
- Yokosuka Line/Sobu Line Rapid Service: blue
- Keiyo Line: red
- Musashino Line: red
Tokyo Station's Two Main Exits: Marunouchi and Yaesu
Remember the Yaesu and Marunouchi exits and you should be fine.
The Yaesu Exit, situated on the east side of the station, is relatively close to the boarding locations for the Shinkansen and is near the Daimaru Department Store.
The underground shopping mall beneath the Yaesu exit, the Tokyo Station Ichiban-gai, is home to plenty of souvenir shops as well as the Tokyo Character Street, with merchandise featuring many famous characters from anime and manga.
Near the Marunouchi Exit, which is on the station's west side, you will find the multipurpose commercial complexes KITTE and the Marunouchi Building, and a direct connection to the Tokyo Station Hotel. This exit is convenient if you want to go to the Otemachi area or the Imperial Palace.
The repairs to the roof and interior of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi building, which were damaged during World War II, were finally completed in 2012. The building’s red brick facade has returned to its original beauty. The Tokyo Station Hotel is housed in the Marunouchi building and had its post-renovation grand opening in the same year.
Tokyo Station's Four Main Ticket Gates
The ticket gates at Tokyo Station are mainly divided into two areas:
- The Marunouchi exits (to the west) are where you will find Marunouchi Square and the Imperial Palace.
- The Yaesu exits (to the east) are where you’ll find the express bus terminal, DAIMARU, and Ramen Street.
Did you accidentally leave the wrong ticket gate on the opposite side? Don’t worry, you can still use the north passage to get to the other side.
There are ticket gates in six places on the first floor and five places on the basement floor.
The four main ticket gates are the Marunouchi Central Exit and Yaesu Central Exit on the first floor, and the Marunouchi Underground Central Exit and Yaesu Underground Central Exit on the basement floor.
| 1F Yaesu Central Exit | B1F Yaesu Underground Central Exit (outside) |
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| 1F Marunouchi Central Exit | B1F Marunouchi Underground Central Exit |
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Head to 1F for Transfers and Ticket Gates
As there are many exits, passages, and stores in the station, the first thing you should determine is where you are now and where you want to go.
When lost, ask yourself these two questions: “What floor am I on (1F or B1F)?” and “Which direction am I going (Yaesu or Marunouchi)?”
Trains on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and major JR lines (*) arrive and depart from platforms on the second floor. First, make your way down to the first floor after alighting the train via the stairs or escalators.
Every floor will have shops selling bentos (lunch boxes) and souvenirs, restaurants, and coin lockers. There are many places on the basement floor with seating that make great meeting spots.
*1: The JR Yokosuka Line, Sobu Line, Keiyo Line, and Musashino Line platform is on the basement level.
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How to Take the JR Lines
Many JR lines service Tokyo Station. It doesn’t matter which ticket gate you enter, but the closest routes to each line are as written below.
- Tokaido Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line, Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo Line: Enter through any ticket gate on the first floor and head to the second floor train platform.
- Sobu Rapid Line/Yokosuka Line: Enter through the Marunouchi Central Exit on the first floor or Marunouchi Underground Central Exit and head to the basement fourth floor.
- Keiyo Line/Musashino Line: Enter through the Yaesu South Exit and head to the basement floor by walking through Keiyo Street and Bay Road. Another option is to walk through Art Road near the Marunouchi Underground South Exit and enter through the Keiyo Underground Marunouchi Exit. Both routes are about 10 minutes on foot.
How to Transfer from the JR Lines to the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen gates are all on the Yaesu side of the station on the first floor. If you are transferring to the Shinkansen from a JR line platform, then go up to the first floor once and head towards the Shinkansen transfer gates.
There are separate transfer gates for the Tokaido Shinkansen and all other Shinkansen lines.
- Tokaido Shinkansen (blue): Central Transfer, South Transfer
- All other Shinkansen lines (green): North Transfer, South Transfer
It would be safer to give yourself about 15 - 20 minutes of extra time to transfer lines.
How to Board the Shinkansen
You can enter the platform for the Tokaido Shinkansen directly from the ticket gates if you use the Yaesu Central North Exit or the Yaesu Central South Exit on the first floor.
For all other Shinkansen lines, you must first enter through the JR ticket gates then go through a Shinkansen transfer gate.
The closest entrance to the tracks is the Yaesu Central Exit on the first floor, but you can reach any of the platforms without a problem even if you enter from any other gate or the Marunouchi side of the station by following the signs.
Platforms 14 through 23 at Tokyo Station are for all Shinkansen trains.
Platforms 14-19 are for the Tokaido shinkansen and Sanyo shinkansen trains. Travelers headed to cities in western Japan like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima will board from these platforms.
Platforms 20-23 are for the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains. People headed to the ski slopes at Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture or Kami-Kochi in Nagano Prefecture will board from these platforms.
How to Transfer to Tokyo Metro Lines
Do you need to transfer to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line at Tokyo Station from a Shinkansen or JR line? Then you’ll want to head to the basement floor without going through a ticket gate on the first floor.
Exit a JR ticket gate (Central, North, or South) on the basement floor on the Marunouchi side of the station and continue walking while following the signs. You will eventually arrive at the ticket gates for the Marunouchi Line.
The line is also directly connected to Otemachi Station via an underground passage. It takes about 7 minutes to reach Otemachi from Tokyo Station via this passage.
Otemachi Station is served by four Tokyo Metro lines: Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, Chiyoda Line, and Marunouchi Line. When transferring from JR Tokyo Station to the Tozai, Chiyoda, and Hanzomon Lines, remember that you should use Otemachi Station.
How to Board the Train for Tokyo Disney Resort
As the Keiyo Line was constructed relatively recently, it is located far away from many of the other station platforms, on the B5F level. Head straight down the passageway before Uniqlo and go down several floors to reach the Keiyo Line platform.
Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea) is a 15-minute ride away at Maihama Station.
People going to Disneyland for the first time might be a bit anxious about how to get to the Keiyo Line, but you’re on the right track if you see the walkway in the photo above, so keep going!
From Tokyo Station to Narita Airport: Train or Bus?
There is a 1,300 yen bus from Tokyo Station that goes directly to Narita Airport, and it leaves from the Yaesu exit. The bus stop is diagonally across from the Daimaru department store.
The Access Narita bus, also bound for the airport, departs from the Yaesu south exit. Both buses take about an hour to reach Narita.
If you take the train, ride the Narita Express to reach the airport in under an hour. The boarding location is underground on the Marunouchi side, just like the Yokosuka and Sobu Lines. There are signs for the Narita Express, so you shouldn’t have to worry about getting lost.
Use a Shared Taxi for Narita Airport! How to Book and Use nearMe.Airport
Step 1: Go to the reservation page (Japanese/English*), and input your destination, departure time, desired time of arrival, number of passengers and luggage.
Step 2: You will be notified within 24 hours of the availability of a pick-up shuttle. The vehicle's arrival time will be sent to the passenger no later than 18:00 on the day before the ride.
Step 3: On the day of your reservation, board the vehicle from the designated spot and head to your destination.
*As of June 2023, only two languages are available. Three more languages will be added in the future.
Book a ride with nearMe.Airport
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JR Ticket Offices
Ticket vending machines are found near every ticket gate (excludes the Gransta Underground North Exit).
Manned ticket offices (JR Ticket Office) are as follows:
B1F: Near the Marunouchi Underground North Exit (outside the ticket gates)
Outside 1F Ticket Gates: Near the Marunouchi South Exit, Yaesu North Exit
Inside 1F Ticket Gates: Near the Shinkansen North Transfer, Shinkansen South Transfer Gates
Shopping, Coin Lockers, and Meeting Places at Tokyo Station
Next, let’s take a look at the facilities and spots inside the Tokyo Station ticket gates.
Bento Boxes
There are numerous stores on each floor where you can purchase bento boxes, pastries, and other snacks. Ekibenya Matsuri is a popular shop where you can buy famous ekiben, or bento boxes for the train ride, from around the country and is found on the first floor of the ecute and Gransta malls.
Desserts and Souvenirs
Popular dessert shops like Maple Mania and Jiichiro are on the first floor of the ecute and Gransta malls. The basement floor is concentrated with stores in the Marunouchi Underground South Exit area and near the Yaesu Central Exit by Gin no Suzu (“silver bell”).
Coin-Operated Lockers
Lockers where you can temporarily store your belongings are located in various places both inside and outside the station ticket gates. For example, there are plenty of lockers near Ekibenya Matsuri in the first floor central passage, near the Marunouchi South Exit, and on the south side of Square Zero on the basement floor.
Numerous lockers are also available in the north passage outside the ticket gates.
You can also reserve a locker or check which lockers are vacant through an online service provided by certain lockers. Please feel free to take advantage of this service.
Meeting Places and Rest Spots
There are spots where you can sit and rest by Gin no Suzu and Square Zero on the basement floor. There aren’t many spaces, but the dine-in area on the first floor of ecute is another option.
Other Services and Facilities
Nursing rooms are located near the Shinkansen North Transfer on the first floor and near Square Zero and Gin no Suzu on the basement floor.
Information centers are located in the first floor central passage, near the Marunouchi Central Exit, and near the Marunouchi Underground Central Exit on the basement floor. Visit a center if you’re lost or need help.
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Marunouchi Exit: Best Places to Visit and Access
There are many food, shopping, and photo spots near Tokyo Station. In this section, we’ll introduce six spots by the Marunouchi Exit.
Marunouchi Square
A square where you can take a photo outside the classic Tokyo Station building. It is right outside the Marunouchi ticket gates and exits on the first floor.
Marunouchi Building
Directly connected to Tokyo Station via an underground passage, this is a commercial facility with about 150 shops and restaurants. Its fifth-floor terrace provides panoramic views of the Tokyo Station Building.
The Marunouchi Building has a Tokyo Tourist Information Counter so drop by if you ned any guidance and travel tips.
Marunouchi Illumination
- Marunouchi Central Exit/Marunouchi South Exit
Exit any of the Marunouchi exits and head to Marunouchi Naka-dori Street from Gyoko-dori Avenue on the left-hand side. It has a skating rink and Disney character statues decorating the park.
* Illuminations take place annually from mid-November to mid-February
Shin-Marunouchi Building
This sophisticated high-rise office building stands in front of Tokyo Station right outside the first-floor Marunouchi exits. A general store, apparel shops, and restaurants are found in this building.
KITTE Marunouchi
Situated opposite the station’s Marunouchi Exit, this is KITTE. A multipurpose commercial complex opened by Japan Post, the stores here stock Western apparel and foodstuffs as well as general goods and accessories with a Japanese flair.
There are also restaurants where patrons can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes and regional cuisine.
Imperial Palace
The palace is within walking distance from any Marunouchi exit. The Japanese imperial family spends their time here, but visitors are free to stroll through the lush outer garden.
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Yaesu Exit: Best Places to Visit and Access
Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit faces the Nihonbashi district, a bustling area with department stores and a classic charm.
The Tokyo Station Bus Terminal is also located at this exit. Here are a few of the landmarks in the area.
DAIMARU Department Store
A department store connected to the station and immediately accessible from any Yaesu exit.
Tokyo Station Bus Terminal
The Tokyo Station Bus Terminal is serviced by highway bus lines for Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and other destinations in eastern Japan. The bus terminal can be accessed via the first-floor Yaesu South Exit.
Tokyo Ramen Street
Go out the Yaesu Underground Central Exit and walk south to find Tokyo Ramen Street, home to eight famous ramen shops from around Japan!
We particularly recommend Rokurinsha and Ikaruga, two spots where you’ll definitely need to join a queue.
On Keiyo Street inside JR Tokyo Station, you can find vegan-friendly ramen at T’s Tantan, with noodles made using zero animal products. The kitchen uses the natural flavors of vegetables and fruit to create an addictively spicy, sweet broth which is very refreshing. The chewy noodles are made with Japanese flour and no eggs, and form a delicious pairing with the broth.
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu
A new shopping complex that held its grand opening in 2023. It is directly connected to the station from the Yaesu Underground Central Exit via an underground mall.
Tokyo Character Street
Go out the Yaesu Underground Central Exit and walk north to find rows of character goods shops for popular shonen (boys) comics, anime, and more.
Nihonbashi
Located to the north after leaving through any Yaesu exit.
Ginza
Located about 15 minutes on foot to the south after leaving through any Yaesu exit.
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FAQ
What are the two sides of Tokyo Station?
Tokyo Station has two distinct sides: the Marunouchi side facing the upscale Marunouchi - Otemachi business district known for its historic red brick buildings and elegant surroundings located close to the Imperial Palace, and the Yaesu side facing the bustling Yaesu business district with the Tokyo Station Bus Terminal and a mix of offices, shops, and restaurants, offering a dynamic and lively atmosphere. The Marunouchi side is characterized by luxury and proximity to landmarks like the Imperial Palace, while the Yaesu side provides a vibrant urban experience with various dining and shopping options, catering to different preferences and activities for visitors in central Tokyo.
Is Marunouchi the same as Tokyo Station?
Marunouchi is not the same as Tokyo Station, but rather, Marunouchi is the name of the district where Tokyo Station is located. Tokyo Station serves as a major railway station in Tokyo, Japan, situated in the Marunouchi business district, one of Tokyo's prestigious commercial areas.
Marunouchi is known for its upscale atmosphere, featuring modern office buildings, luxury hotels, high-end shops, and various dining establishments. In contrast, Tokyo Station is the primary intercity rail terminal in Tokyo, serving as a major transportation hub connecting various parts of the city, including other regions of Japan through its extensive rail network.
While Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi district are closely intertwined geographically, with Tokyo Station being a prominent landmark in Marunouchi, they represent distinct entities - one being a transportation hub and the other a business and commercial district.
What is the beautiful station in Tokyo?
Tokyo Station is often considered one of the most beautiful and iconic train stations in Tokyo. Known for its historic and elegant architecture, Tokyo Station features a striking red brick façade on the Marunouchi side, which is particularly renowned for its grandeur and classic design. The station's Marunouchi building, designed by architect Kingo Tatsuno, exudes an atmosphere of sophistication and charm, making it a prominent landmark in the city. With its combination of classic and modern elements, Tokyo Station stands out as a beautiful blend of architectural styles that reflect Japan's rich heritage and modern prominence.
What is special about Tokyo Station?
Tokyo Station, a significant railway hub in Tokyo, stands out for its historic architecture, particularly the red brick Marunouchi building designed by architect Kingo Tatsuno. Tokyo Station was completed in 1914 and underwent several renovations since then. Located in the central Marunouchi district, the station serves as a key transportation hub connecting various train lines, including the Shinkansen. Beyond its functional role, Tokyo Station holds cultural significance, offering a mix of shopping, dining options, and hosting special events. With its historical charm, central location, and continuous upgrades, Tokyo Station remains a cherished and iconic landmark in Tokyo.
Where is a popular place to meet at Tokyo Station?
A popular place to meet at Tokyo Station is on the Marunouchi side, at the Marunouchi North entrance or the central Marunouchi Chuo Entrance. These entrances are facing the prestigious Marunouchi business district. The Marunouchi entrance is easily recognizable by its historic red brick exterior.
Navigate Tokyo Station Efficiently
Hopefully reading this article has made the massive Tokyo Station somewhat less intimidating. For travelers riding the Shinkansen trains, going to Disneyland, or shopping around Tokyo Station - remember the tips we gave you to navigate effectively in the station and enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Hotels near Tokyo Station
Read also
Born in Taiwan. Currently living in Tokyo.
Currently editor in chief of MATCHA's Taiwanese website. In the past, I worked as an editor for a Japanese fashion magazine, as a Japanese language teacher at a private high school in Taipei, as an interpreter for Shiseido and other Japanese and Taiwanese companies. I've also had experience as an inbound tourism copywriter.
My Facebook page 'Tokyo beyond studying abroad' 東京、不只是留學（留学だけじゃなくて）boasts 120,000 followers.
Blogger with readers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, of which 70% are female readers. I have covered over 300 locations and stores in my articles.
Writing about the latest trends, places off the beaten path, and traditional culture. Published six books on Japan in Taiwan and Asia.
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/filmmiho/
Instagram → @mihowang47
more
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