Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Shinjuku Station in Tokyo

Shinjuku Station: Train line overview

Shinjuku Station serves 11 railway lines, with the majority operated by Japan Railways. Additionally, it directly connects to Keio Electric Railway, Toei Subway, Tokyo Metro, and Odakyu Electric Railway. Refer to the simplified table below for an overview, and continue reading for more detailed information on each railway line.

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JR lines

The Japan Railway network at Shinjuku Station consists of five lines: the Yamanote Line, the Saikyo Line connecting Saitama Prefecture with Tokyo, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Yokohama and Enoshima, the Sobu Line and Chuo Line connecting Chiba Prefecture with Tokyo, and the Narita Express (N'EX) linking Narita Airport with central Tokyo.

If you plan to explore areas such as Nikko, Karuizawa, or Lake Kawaguchi, opt for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on JR East lines for three consecutive days and is especially cost-effective for using the Narita Express.

Odakyu lines

To visit nearby areas like Kamakura and Enoshima, take the Odakyu Romancecar. This limited express train reaches Katase-Enoshima Station in about 65 minutes. For Hakone, known for its historic hot springs, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku. The journey to Hakone-Yumoto Station takes about 80 minutes.

Keio lines

Mount Takao is an incredibly popular spot for viewing the fall foliage, attracting crowds of visitors each year. From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station, a journey of about one hour. Upon arrival, you can choose to either take the cable car or hike up the mountain.

Additionally, the Keio Line also provides access to attractions like Yomiuriland amusement park and Hana Biyori flower park. Consider planning a day trip to explore these exciting destinations.

Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro lines

If you're planning to stay within central Tokyo, consider utilizing the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to reach shopping hubs like Ginza, Tokyo Station, and Ikebukuro. Hop on the Toei Oedo Line to enjoy the night views in Roppongi or explore the cafe scene in Kuramae. The Toei Shinjuku Line will take you straight to Jimbocho, famous for its bookstores.

For hassle-free travel, consider getting the Tokyo Subway Ticket, available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options.

Shinjuku Station: Ticket gates and exits

Shinjuku Station has over 50 exits, which might seem overwhelming at first glance. However, as long as you remember the ticket gates' locations, you won't get lost when getting off the train if you head towards the right floor. JR Shinjuku Station has a total of nine ticket gates, mainly divided into three directions: East Exit, West Exit, and South Exit. Here are the ticket gate locations for each platform and exit:

B1F: Ticket gates for East Exit and West Exit
1F: Train platforms
2F: Five ticket gates for the South Exit

The above chart summarizes the directions of each ticket gate and provides information on transferable railway lines for reference.

The ticket gates for South Exit and Southeast Exit on the second floor are in the same area, while the other three ticket gates are in another area. Finding the four ticket gates on the B1 floor is relatively straightforward, just follow the signs inside the station. What requires more attention is that the ticket gates on the second floor are divided into two areas, and you need to take different staircases when coming up from the platforms.

However, since all five exits lead to the South Exit direction, it's easy to find the correct position after exiting the station.

How to read the station map

When exiting from the ticket gates on the B1 floor, both the East Exit and West Exit lead to the Underground Concourse, where you can walk to the ground level after exiting the station. The five green JR symbols on the right side of the map indicate the locations of the five ticket gates in the direction of the South Exit.

The East Exit, West Exit, and South Exit of Shinjuku Station refer to the overall direction of the station exits. As mentioned earlier, ticket gates are distributed on the second floor and B1 floor. Therefore, it's recommended to refer to the above-ground map when exiting from the ticket gates in the direction of the South Exit on the second floor, and when exiting from the East and West Exits on the B1 floor, refer to the underground map to avoid confusion.

Head to the East Exit for Kabukicho

On the B1 floor, the East Exit and Central East Exit are adjacent and closer to platforms 7-12. Exiting from here leads directly to the Lumine Est Shinjuku department store. For iconic Shinjuku spots like Kabukicho and the Shinjuku Toho Building, use the East Exit. Nearby, there are elevators to the Tokyo Metro subway. After exiting, you can easily access Seibu-Shinjuku Station for convenient transfers.

Head to the West Exit to transfer to Tokyo Metro lines

The West Exit, also located on the B1 floor, is close to platforms 13-16. Nearby, there are elevators leading directly to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. The Central West Exit provides direct access to the ticket gates for the Odakyu Line and connects to the Keio Line.

Head to the South Gate for the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

The South Exit has a total of five ticket gates, all located on the second floor. The South Ticket Gate, closer to platforms 13-16, provides access to ticket gates for the Odakyu Line, Toei Oedo Line, Toei Shinjuku Line, and Keio New Line. The Southeast Ticket Gate, closer to platforms 1-4, leads to ground level and connects to Tokyo Metro Subway's Shinjuku Sanchome Station.

The New South Ticket Gate is linked to the department store NEWoMan and the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal. The Miraina Tower Ticket Gate connects to the commercial building JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower. Adjacent to the New South Ticket Gate, the Koshu Kaido Ticket Gate leads directly to the main street and connects to the South Exit on the ground level.

Navigating between the exits

Let's take a look at the routes between different exits in Shinjuku Station.

East-West Passageway

The East-West Passageway opened in July 2020, allowing passengers to move between the east and west sides of the station without exiting through ticket gates or walking outside from one side to the other.

The passageway is 100 meters long and 25 meters wide, with added elevators connecting to the platforms, each capable of accommodating up to 24 people.

East to South Exit

If you want to go from the East to the South Exit, first exit from the East Ticket Gate and turn right, walk until you reach the East-West Passageway, then follow the signs until you reach a staircase marked with the South Concourse.

After exiting the station via the staircase, you will see the Aozora Bank. Walk straight ahead along the bank, and you'll see the massive building of the department store NEWoMan ahead. Take the stairs on the right, and you'll see the Southeast Exit of Shinjuku Station. Then proceed along the main road, and you'll arrive at the South Exit.

As you climb the stairs, you'll see the Aozora Bank. Continue straight ahead along the bank, and you'll see the NEWoMan shopping mall ahead on the road.

South to West Exit

From the South Exit to the West Exit, exit the station and follow the signs towards the West Concourse. Pass through Mosaic Street, exit the station briefly, and you'll see the Odakyu Department Store. Proceed ahead to Odakyu Shinjuku Station West Exit, then follow signs for the JR Line downstairs. Walk to the right to find the ticket gates for the West Exit.

Major sightseeing spots around Shinjuku Station

Read on for the major sightseeing spots and shopping malls around Shinjuku Station.

West Exit: Omoide Yokocho, Yodobashi Camera, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks

Just a three-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, you'll find Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alley packed with lively izakaya bars. Nearby, there are plenty of shopping facilities including Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera. Don't miss the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for stunning night views across Tokyo—entry is free!

South Exit: Lumine 2, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The South Exit of Shinjuku Station is directly connected to the trendy shopping mall, Lumine 2. Across from it, you'll find the shopping complex NEWoMan and the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. Additionally, it's about a ten-minute walk to the famous cherry blossom viewing spot, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which is a must-visit attraction during spring.

New South Exit: Shinjuku Takashimaya, NEWoMan, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

The New South Exit is located just across from the South Exit. Besides being connected to the NEWoMan shopping mall and the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal, it's also adjacent to the Shinjuku Takashimaya and Shinjuku Southern Terrace, where you can take a stroll in its open-air plaza.

East Exit: Lumine Est Shinjuku, Kabukicho, Shinjuku Alta

Exiting from the East Exit, you can head straight to the shopping mall Lumine Est Shinjuku, which is a five-minute walk from Kabukicho, Tokyo's renowned nightlife district.

Along the way, you'll pass by trendy shopping spots like Shinjuku Alta. Nearby, discover nostalgic izakaya bars and restaurants of Shinjuku Golden-Gai, as well as Hanazono Shrine.

Other subway stations near Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station boasts 11 railway lines, offering convenience for travel and transfers. However, depending on your destination, using nearby stations might be more efficient. Read on for the details.

Seibu Shinjuku Station: Seibu Shinjuku PePe, Shin-Okubo

From Shinjuku Station's East Exit, head towards Lumine Est Shinjuku, then turn left after crossing the street to reach Seibu-Shinjuku Station, connected to the Seibu-Shinjuku PePe shopping complex. About a seven-minute walk away is JR Shin-Okubo Station, known for Korean shops and restaurants.

The Seibu Railway Line connects Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and places like Kawagoe and Chichibu. Explore popular attractions like the Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park and Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma.

Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station: Lumine Est Shinjuku

From the West Exit of Shinjuku Station, follow the signs for the Toei Oedo Line and walk for about ten minutes underground to reach Toei Subway Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station. The station is close to Lumine Est Shinjuku, and there are numerous stations along the Toei Oedo Line. You can enjoy monjayaki (savory pancake dish) in Tsukishima, admire the architecture of the National Stadium, enjoy cafe hopping in Kiyosumi Shirakawa, or visit the Hama-rikyu Gardens near Shiodome.

Shinjuku-sanchome Station: Shinjuku Isetan, Muji, Sekaido

From Shinjuku Station's southeast ticket gate, it's about a seven-minute walk to Tokyo Metro Subway Shinjuku-sanchome Station. Along the way, pass through the underground passage marked with E10 entrance. Nearby, you'll find Muji Shinjuku, Isetan Shinjuku, and Sekaido, a famous stationery store.

Minami-Shinjuku Station: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogi Park

Minami-Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Line is situated between JR Shinjuku Station and Yoyogi Station. Away from the shopping malls and crowds, it's ideal for enjoying leisurely walks in nature like the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park during spring and autumn. After exploring Shinjuku, you can also take the Odakyu train from here for day trips to Hakone or Odawara.

Discover Shinjuku Station

For a convenient and budget-friendly exploration of Tokyo and its surrounding areas, consider getting the JR Tokyo Wide Pass or the Tokyo Subway Ticket for a hassle-free journey in Tokyo's city center, and don't forget to save this guide for your next visit to Shinjuku Station.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.