Complete Guide to Shinjuku Station Tokyo World’s Busiest Railway

Navigating Shinjuku Station: The World's Busiest Railway Hub

Shinjuku Station, located in the heart of Tokyo, is renowned as the world's busiest railway station, handling over 3.6 million passengers daily. This sprawling transit hub is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Tokyo, but its complexity can be daunting. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Shinjuku Station with ease.

Overview of Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station is a massive complex that serves as an essential transit hub for the Tokyo rail and subway network, as well as rail links throughout the greater Kanto region. It is aligned along a north-south axis and straddles the Yamanote Line, one of the busiest railways in Japan.

Train Lines and Platforms

Shinjuku Station is served by 11 different railway lines, including JR lines, Keio Electric Railway, Toei Subway, Tokyo Metro, and Odakyu Electric Railway. Here’s a breakdown of the main JR lines and their platforms:

• JR Lines:
  • Platforms 1-4: Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and connections to various other lines.
  • Platforms 5 and 6: Narita Express (N’EX) for Narita Airport, Nikko and Kinugawa limited express, Akagi limited express, and Super View Odoriko.
  • Platforms 7 and 8: Chuo Line (Rapid) and Chuo Line Azusa and Kaiji limited express services.
  • Platforms 9 and 10: Chuo Line Azusa and Kaiji limited express services for Kofu and Matsumoto.
  • Platforms 11 and 12: Chuo Line (Rapid) for Nakano, Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachioji, and Takao.
  • Platform 13: Chuo-Sobu Line for Ochanomizu, Akihabara, Nishi-Funabashi, and Chiba.
  • Platform 14: Yamanote Line for Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, and Tokyo.

Other Railway Lines

• Odakyu Lines: For visiting areas like Kamakura and Enoshima, take the Odakyu Romancecar. This limited express train reaches Katase-Enoshima Station in about 65 minutes and Hakone-Yumoto Station in about 80 minutes.
• Keio Lines: To visit Mount Takao or attractions like Yomiuriland amusement park and Hana Biyori flower park, take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station.

Navigating the Station

Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits and many platforms spread out over a large area. Here are some tips to help you navigate:

• Main Gates: There are four major access points: the West Gate, East Gate, South Gate, and New South Gate. Each gate has multiple smaller exits in between.
• Department Stores and Landmarks: The station is surrounded by department stores, which can help you orient yourself. For example, the West Gate is near the Odakyu Shinjuku Mylord department store, while the East Gate is near the Lumine Est Shinjuku.
• Using a Map or App: Due to the station's complexity, it’s highly recommended to use a map or a navigation app specifically designed for Shinjuku Station. These tools can help you find the correct platforms and exits.

Nearby Attractions and Areas

Shinjuku Station is not just a transit hub but also a gateway to various vibrant areas of Tokyo:

• West Side: Office workers and tourists alike flock to this area, which includes famous sites like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.
• East Exit: This exit leads to the lively nightlife area of Kabukicho, known for its bars, restaurants, and karaoke rooms.
• Shopping Districts: Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s biggest shopping districts, with numerous department stores and shopping malls.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Language: While many signs are in English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Japanese phrases to ask for directions.
• Crowd Management: Be prepared for large crowds, especially during rush hours. It’s easy to get lost, so stay alert and follow signs carefully.
• Special Passes: If you plan to explore areas outside Tokyo, consider purchasing a JR Tokyo Wide Pass, which allows unlimited travel on JR East lines for three consecutive days.

Redevelopment and Future Changes

Shinjuku Station is undergoing a long-term redevelopment to ease navigation and improve travel efficiency. The new incarnation, known as Shinjuku Grand Terminal, aims to make the station more user-friendly while maintaining its status as a global transportation hub.

By understanding the layout, train lines, and practical tips for navigating Shinjuku Station, you can make your travel experience in Tokyo smoother and more enjoyable.