Shinjuku Station Guide
Master the world's busiest train station — 3.5 million passengers daily, 200+ exits, and 12+ railway lines.
Why Shinjuku Station Is Challenging
Shinjuku Station handles over 3.5 million passengers daily and holds the Guinness World Record as the busiest station on Earth. With more than 200 exits, dozens of underground passages, and connections to 12 railway lines, it's easy to get lost. This guide helps you navigate Shinjuku Station efficiently, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.
Shinjuku Station Exits by Area
Shinjuku Station is divided into three main areas: East Exit, West Exit, and South Exit / New South Exit. Knowing which exit to use before you arrive saves real time and confusion.
East Exit (東口)
The center of shopping and nightlife.
- • Isetan Department Store
- • Lumine EST
- • Kabukicho
- • Golden Gai
- • Omoide Yokocho
- • Don Quijote
West Exit (西口)
Skyscrapers, offices, and nostalgic alleys.
South / New South Exit
Modern meeting spots and bus terminal.
- • Takashimaya Times Square
- • NEWoMan
- • Lumine 1 & 2
- • Busta Shinjuku (Bus Terminal)
- • Suica Penguin Statue
- • Shinjuku Gyoen (Okido Gate)
Railway Lines Serving Shinjuku Station
| Line | Operator | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| JR Yamanote Line | JR East | Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno |
| JR Chuo Line | JR East | Tokyo Station, Tachikawa, Takao |
| JR Sobu Line | JR East | Akihabara, Chiba |
| JR Saikyo Line | JR East | Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Omiya |
| Keio Line | Keio Corp | Sasazuka, Hachioji, Mt. Takao |
| Odakyu Line | Odakyu | Sangubashi, Machida, Hakone (Romancecar) |
| Marunouchi Line | Tokyo Metro | Ginza, Tokyo Station, Ikebukuro |
| Shinjuku Line | Toei Subway | Bakuro-yokoyama, Moto-yawata |
| Oedo Line | Toei Subway | Roppongi, Daimon, Tsukiji |
| Fukutoshin Line | Tokyo Metro | Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama |
Nearby Subway Stations (Shortcuts)
Depending on your destination, using nearby subway stations can save you a lot of walking:
- Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Marunouchi / Fukutoshin / Shinjuku Lines) — Closest to Isetan, Golden Gai, and Hanazono Shrine.
- Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Marunouchi Line) — Direct access to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Oedo / Fukutoshin Lines) — Near Kabukicho and entertainment district.
- Nishi-Shinjuku 5-chome Station (Oedo Line) — Close to skyscraper district and TMG Building.
- Tochomae Station (Oedo Line) — Directly under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
- Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line) — Near Kabukicho and entertainment area.
Busta Shinjuku — Highway Bus Terminal
Located above the New South Exit, Busta Shinjuku is Tokyo's largest highway bus terminal. It connects Shinjuku to destinations across Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Mt. Fuji, and the airport limousine buses. If you're taking a day trip to Hakone or Mt. Fuji, the Odakyu Highway Bus and various tour buses depart from here.
Pro Tips for Shinjuku Station
Use an IC Card
Get a Suica or Pasmo card to avoid buying individual tickets. Works on all JR, metro, and bus lines. You can also use it for convenience store purchases.
Follow the Yamanote Line
The JR Yamanote Line loops around the outside of Shinjuku Station. If you see the green train line, you can always orient yourself.
East and West Are Far Apart
The East and West exits are not close. Walking from one to the other outside takes 10-15 minutes. If you go out the wrong exit, it may be faster to go back through the station.
Underground Passages
Shinjuku Station connects to underground shopping malls (Subnade, Lumine, etc.). Follow the signs carefully — they are color-coded by exit.