How to Board the Shinkansen at Ueno Station: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
Important: Before You Use Ueno Station
No Shinkansen to Kyoto or Osaka from Ueno
Ueno Station serves Shinkansen lines to northern and Hokuriku areas, including Sendai, Akita, Niigata, Nagano, and Kanazawa. For Kyoto, Osaka, or western Japan, use Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station instead.
Note: For more about major stations in Tokyo, see our Shinkansen Station Guide.
Shinkansen Platforms Are on B4F
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.
Station Overview
Exits and Shinkansen Gates
To reach the Shinkansen platforms at Ueno Station, you need to pass through two ticket gates.
- Enter JR Ueno Station through a regular JR ticket gate.
- Follow the green “Shinkansen” signs inside the station and pass through the Shinkansen Transfer Gate.
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.
Shinkansen Platforms
- Tracks 19–20: Shinkansen trains heading north and away from Tokyo, such as trains to Sendai, Niigata, Nagano, Kanazawa, Akita, and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
- Tracks 21–22: Shinkansen trains heading toward Tokyo
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Board the Shinkansen from Keisei Ueno Station
Step 1 – Go to JR Ueno Station
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.
Step 2 – Get Your Shinkansen Ticket
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.
Step 3 – Pass Through the Ticket Gates
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.
Step 4 – Go Down to B4F
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.
Step 5 – Find Your Car and Wait in Line
Check the platform display for your car number.
Wait at your car number until the train arrives.
Step 6 – Board the Shinkansen
Board the train when the doors open.
Find your reserved seat using your ticket. If you have oversized luggage, use the free space near the back of the car.
The Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen do not use the advance reservation system for seats with oversized luggage space.
Alternative Routes to the Shinkansen Gates
No matter which route you take, head toward the Central Ticket Gate area. This is the most direct way to reach the Shinkansen platforms.
From the Subway
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.
From JR Local Lines
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.
From Outside the Station
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.
If You Arrive Early
Rest Areas
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.
Shops
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.
Ready for Departure
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.