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Ueno Station is a convenient Shinkansen hub, especially if you arrive from Narita Airport on the Keisei Skyliner or stay near Asakusa, Ueno, or Akihabara. It is a practical starting point for trips to Tohoku, such as Sendai, Akita, and Aomori, without passing through busy Tokyo Station.
This guide explains how to board from Keisei Ueno Station, with alternative routes from the subway, JR local lines, and outside the station.
Ueno Station serves Shinkansen routes to northern Japan and the Hokuriku region, including Sendai, Nagano, and Kanazawa. For Kyoto, Osaka, or other destinations in western Japan, use Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station instead.
If you are still deciding between Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Ueno, see our guide to choosing a Shinkansen station in Tokyo.
The Shinkansen platforms at Ueno Station are on B4F, the fourth basement floor. It takes about ten minutes to walk from the Central Ticket Gate to the platform, so allow extra time, especially with heavy luggage.
To reach the Shinkansen platforms at Ueno Station, you need to pass through two ticket gates.
For the easiest route, enter through the Central Gate. If you are coming from Keisei Ueno Station, head toward the Hirokoji Exit or Shinobazu Exit side of JR Ueno Station first.
Note: For more details about Ueno Station, see our Ueno Station Guide.
Exit Keisei Ueno Station through the ticket gates.
JR Ueno Station is a separate building nearby. Exit Keisei Ueno Station and go outside first.
Walk about five minutes from Keisei Ueno Station to JR Ueno Station.
You can also enter JR Ueno Station from the Shinobazu Exit, but the Hirokoji Exit is easier for reaching the Shinkansen gates.
After entering JR Ueno Station, find the machines or ticket counter near the gate.
Buy or receive your ticket at the ticket machine or ticket counter.
If you booked through Japan Bullet Train, scan your QR code at the ticket machine and receive your paper ticket.
Head toward the Central Gate.
Insert your ticket into the gate. Collect it on the other side.
Look for the Shinkansen Transfer Gate.
Pass through the Shinkansen Transfer Gate.
Before going down to B4F, buy any food, drinks, or ekiben you may want for the train. On the Shinkansen platforms on B4F, there are only drink vending machines.
Check your platform and car number.
Go down to the fourth basement floor. This is where the Shinkansen platforms are located. It may take longer than expected to reach the platform.
Check the platform display for your car number.
Wait at your car number until the train arrives.
Board the train when the doors open. Find your reserved seat using your ticket.
If you have large luggage, use the overhead rack or a luggage storage area, if available. You can also use the shared space behind the last row without blocking the seats.
You do not need to reserve luggage storage space in advance on JR East Shinkansen services from Ueno Station.
No matter which route you take, head toward the Central Ticket Gate area. This is the most direct way to reach the Shinkansen platforms.
If you arrive by Tokyo Metro, look for signs marked "Shinkansen."
Follow the underground passage toward JR Ueno Station. The Ginza Line and Hibiya Line gates are far apart, so check the signs carefully.
Head up to the first floor and enter through the Central Gate.
If you transfer from a JR local line, such as the Yamanote Line, follow the green Shinkansen signs above the platform.
Ueno Station's local line platforms are split into upper and lower groups, which can be confusing. Since the Shinkansen platforms are on B4F, head down to the first floor first.
Follow the signs to the Shinkansen Transfer Gate.
If you arrive on foot or by taxi, aim for the Central Gate, Asakusa Exit, or Front Exit, all on the first floor. Tell your taxi driver one of these exit names for the shortest walk. Avoid the Park Exit or Iriya Exit, since they lead to the third floor and a longer route.
Inside the Shinkansen gate area at Ueno Station, you can find a waiting room, benches, and a smoking room on B3F.
If you want to spend time at a cafe, Atre, the shopping facility connected to JR Ueno Station, is a good option. You can also find many restaurants around Ueno Station.
If you want to buy ekiben or drinks, you can use the ekiben shops or convenience stores inside the ticket gate area.
However, the number of shops is limited. If you want more choices for lunch boxes or snacks, we recommend shopping at Atre or Ameyoko before entering the ticket gates.
Note: For more details about Ueno Station, see our Ueno Station Guide.
If you are traveling from the Tokyo area to Tohoku or other destinations north of Tokyo, Ueno Station can be a convenient choice, especially if you want to avoid the crowds at Tokyo Station.
Book your Shinkansen ticket online through Japan Bullet Train. The service is easy to use, and multilingual support is available by phone from staff based in Japan if you need help.