Shinjuku Station: How to Board Fuji Excursion and Narita Express

Shinjuku Station is widely recognized as the busiest railway station in the world, serving around 3.5 million passengers daily. It connects multiple JR and private rail lines and has more than 200 exits across interconnected stations.

Many visitors find it confusing at first. This guide helps you navigate with confidence, whether you are heading to Mt. Fuji, Narita Airport, or transferring to the Shinkansen.

Quick Start for Limited Express Users

Shinjuku Station is served by more than ten railway and subway lines in total, including JR lines, and the JR section alone has 16 platforms.

If you have a reserved seat on the Fuji Excursion or Narita Express or, start here. Arriving at the wrong gate can waste precious time and may cause you to miss your train.

Which Gate Should You Use

• Fuji Excursion: Use any JR gate, follow signs for the Chuo Line limited express platforms around Tracks 9–10.  
• Narita Express: The closest and simplest access is from the New South Gate, Koshu-Kaidō Gate, or Miraina Tower Gate. From other JR gates, follow the red signs and arrows for Tracks 5–6.

If you feel lost at Shinjuku Station, return to a main JR concourse and check the large departure boards before trying again.

Shinjuku Station Map

Avoid the Wrong “Shinjuku” Station

The Shinjuku area has several stations with similar names. Before anything else, confirm you are at the correct station.

Station Layout

Shinjuku Station has many gates and exits. Here is a simple overview of the three main sides and what you can access from each.

Note: You can access Fuji Excursion from any JR gate at Shinjuku Station.

Express Trains from Shinjuku

Fuji Excursion

Platforms

Fuji Excursion departs from Platforms 9 and 10, which are shared with other limited express trains.

• Fuji Excursion: Connected to the "Kaiji" train. Only Cars 1, 2, and 3 will take you to Mt. Fuji.
• Kaiji: Connected to the Fuji Excursion, but stays on the main line.
• Azusa: A limited express to Matsumoto. It does not go to Kawaguchiko.

Fuji Excursion runs together with the Kaiji train until Otsuki Station. For Kawaguchiko, board Cars 1–3.

Rules

All seats on the Fuji Excursion are reserved. There is no non-reserved seating. If the train is full, you may receive a Seat Unassigned Ticket and sit in any seat with a red overhead lamp. If a reserved passenger arrives, move to another red-lamp seat.

At Otsuki Station, the Fuji Excursion cars separate from Kaiji trains. Always check the train name and your car number before boarding.

For schedules, seat types, and booking tips, read our full Fuji Excursion guide.

Narita Express

Nearest Gate

Use the following gate:

• New South Gate
• Koshu-Kaidō Gate
• Miraina Tower Gate

These gates provide the most direct access to Platforms 5 and 6. Entering from other gates may require a longer walk through the station.

Platforms

Narita Express departs from Platforms 5 and 6. These platforms are shared by two limited express services:

• Narita Express: JR East’s airport limited express to Narita Airport.
• Tobu Limited Express: A sightseeing train running to Nikko and Kinugawa through cooperation between JR and Tobu Railway.

If you are transferring from another JR line, allow at least 15 minutes. Platforms 5 and 6 are located at the far south end of the station.

Rules

All seats are reserved. Get your ticket before going to the platform.

When booking or purchasing your ticket to the airport, be sure to select Narita Airport Station (Narita Airport Terminal 1 / Terminal 2, 3). Do not select Narita Station, which is a regular city station and does not provide access to the airport.

For stops, timetables, ticket types, and boarding at Narita Airport, see our Narita Express guide.

Shinkansen Transfers

Shinjuku Station does not have Shinkansen service. To catch a Shinkansen, you must first travel to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

• To Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line (Orange) from Platforms 7–8. This is the fastest route, taking about 13–15 minutes.
• To Shinagawa Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line (Green) from Platform 14. The trip takes about 20–25 minutes.

Buy Express Train Tickets

If you plan to take the Fuji Excursion or Narita Express from Shinjuku, book in advance.

During weekends and peak seasons like cherry blossom or autumn, tickets may sell out, and ticket offices often have long lines.

Step 1: Book Online

Reserve your ticket through the Japan Bullet Train website.

Japan Bullet Train is a multilingual reservation service based in Japan, making it especially convenient for international visitors.

Step 2: Receive Tickets at Shinjuku

Because Shinjuku Station is large and busy, choose the most convenient pickup method:

• Ticket Machines: Ideal if you prefer self-service. Machines are located near most JR exits, so you can exchange your ticket without walking far.
• JR East Travel Service Center: Accessible from the New South Gate or the East Gate. English-speaking staff are available.

You will receive two types of tickets:

• Base Fare Ticket: Covers the distance traveled (can be substituted with a Suica or other IC card).
• Limited Express Ticket: Required for Fuji Excursion or Narita Express.

Step 3: Enter Through Ticket Gates

Insert both the Base Fare Ticket and the Limited Express Ticket into the ticket gate at the same time.

If you use a Suica or another IC card for the base fare, you still need a limited express ticket (paper or digital) to board.

Services

Luggage Storage

Coin lockers in small, medium, and large sizes are available throughout Shinjuku Station. Below are some of the most convenient large locker areas.

Tourist Information Center

The Shinjuku Tourist Information Center is a short walk from the East South Gate.

English-speaking staff can help with station maps, local train schedules, and questions about things to do in the Shinjuku area.

Ekiben and Convenience Stores

There is no food or drink trolley service on either the Fuji Excursion or the Narita Express. We recommend buying food and drinks inside the station before boarding.

• The Bento Experience: Visit “Ekiben-ya Matsuri Select”. This popular shop offers a wide selection of ekiben — Japanese boxed meals specially designed for train travel.
• Quick Drinks & Snacks: Look for “NewDays” convenience stores on or near the platforms. They sell drinks, onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and other easy-to-carry snacks.

FAQ

Which line is Shinjuku Station on?

Shinjuku Station is a massive hub served by JR, Odakyu, Keio, and several Subway lines.

Which side of Shinjuku Station is best?

It depends on where you’re going. The West Side is best for Odakyu and Keio lines and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the East Side for subway connections and Kabukicho, and the South Side for Busta Shinjuku.

How busy is Shinjuku Station?

Shinjuku Station is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s busiest railway station, serving about 3.5 million passengers daily.

How do I get to Mt. Fuji from Shinjuku?

Take the Fuji Excursion limited express from Platforms 9 or 10. It runs directly to Kawaguchiko Station with no transfers. Alternatively, you can take the Azusa or Kaiji to Otsuki Station and transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko.

How do I get to Narita Airport?

Take the Narita Express from Platforms 5 and 6 to Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station or Narita Airport Terminal 2, 3 Station. Do not select Narita Station, which is a regular city station.

Plan Your Visit

Shinjuku Station connects airport trains, Mt. Fuji access, and major rail lines in one place, making it one of Tokyo’s most convenient transport hubs. Whether you are heading to Narita Airport, Kawaguchiko, or transferring to the Shinkansen, you can start your journey here with ease.

To secure your seat on the Fuji Excursion or Narita Express, book in advance through Japan Bullet Train. Reserve online and collect your ticket quickly at the station for a smooth departure from Shinjuku.