Tokyo Station (Tokyo Eki)

The Basics

Tokyo Station (Tokyo Eki) is Japan’s busiest; it sees more than 3,000 trains and 400,000 passengers pass through it every day. Tokyo Station is served by both Japan Railways—including many Shinkansen (bullet train) high-speed rail lines—and the Marunouchi Line on the Tokyo Metro network. An underground walkway connects passengers to the Mita Line on the Toei underground railway network.

If you’re not taking a train but still want to watch the futuristic-looking bullet trains hurtle past, you can purchase a Platform Ticket, which grants you access to the platforms but not the trains.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tokyo Station is a must-visit for travelers interested in architecture and transportation.

• Look out for the commemorative plaques that mark the site of two presidential assassinations.

• The station has accessible routes and restrooms for wheelchair users and travelers with strollers.

• Smoking is prohibited inside the station and in the surrounding streets.

• You can leave your luggage at the JR EAST Travel Service Center at the Marunouchi North Exit.

How to Get There

Served by multiple railway lines, Tokyo Station is easy to get to from anywhere in the city. The station is also a major bus terminus; most buses arrive and depart from the Yaesu Exit on the eastern side of Tokyo Station. The station is a 10-minute walk from the Imperial Palace.

When to Get There

If you want to see Tokyo Station at its busiest, time your visit to coincide with rush hour (early morning or late afternoon), when thousands of commuters squeeze into train carriages. The opening hours of shops and restaurants vary throughout the station.

Around Tokyo Station

Within easy walking distance of the Marunouchi exit of Tokyo Station are Kitte Marunouchi, a shopping and dining hub housed within an old post office; the Mitsubishi Ichigokan museum of Western art; Tokyo International Forum convention and concert center; and the lively Yurakucho, a drinking and dining area that spans a network of small alleys.

Ways to explore

Tokyo Station is served by both Japan Railways—including many Shinkansen high-speed rail lines—and the Marunouchi Line on the Tokyo Metro network. An underground walkway also connects passengers to the Mita Line on the Toei underground railway network.

If you’re not taking a train but still want to watch the futuristic-looking bullet trains hurtle past, purchase a Platform Ticket, which grants you access to the platforms but not the trains. You can also pass the station on a guided or self-guided walking tour of the area.

Accessibility

The station has accessible routes and restrooms for wheelchair users and travelers with strollers.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bags for ease of movement through the busy station and on crowded trains

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, lightweight layered clothing that’s easy to take on and off between air-conditioned spaces

Not allowed

Taking photos on railway platforms, speaking on cellphones while riding the train

Amenities

Luggage storage and coin lockers, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange

Address

Served by multiple railway lines, Tokyo Station is easy to reach from elsewhere in the city. It’s about a 10-minute walk east of the Imperial Palace.

Driving

Driving in central Tokyo isn’t recommended, due to the traffic and difficulty of parking—plus, many people go to Tokyo Station to catch an onward train. If you must drive, there are many paid parking lots and garages in the area.

Public transportation

The JR Yamanote, Chuo, Ueno Tokyo, Yokosuka Sobu, and Keihin-Tohoku lines run through Tokyo Station, as well as Shinkansen trains and Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi Line. Additionally, Tokyo Station is a major bus terminus; most buses arrive and depart from the Yaesu Exit on the southern side of Tokyo Station.

Best times to visit

Avoid the morning (8–9am) or evening (5–6pm) rush hours for a more comfortable travel experience. The opening hours of shops and restaurants vary.

Best days to visit

The best day to visit depends on what you’re hoping to do at Tokyo Station. The station tends to be busier with commuters on weekdays, but the Shinkansen long-distance services are more frequented on weekends and holidays.

Best months to visit

Tokyo Station, and the city as a whole, is busy year-round, but Tokyo is most appealing for tourists in spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when the weather is generally mild and dry.

Special events

Tokyo’s transportation is especially crowded around major holiday periods, such as Golden Week (late-April through early May) and the August Obon holidays (mid-August), when many Japanese people take annual leave.