Shinkansen Shin-Yokohama Station: Restaurants, Lockers, Ticket Gates & Platforms

Shin-Yokohama Station is a key transportation hub in Japan's Shinkansen network, connecting Tokyo with western Japan's major cities. With its efficient layout, multilingual signage, and traveler-friendly facilities, this modern station offers a more relaxed alternative to Tokyo's busy terminals.

This guide covers everything international travelers need to know about the station's services, dining options, transportation connections, and nearby attractions to enhance your journey through this important Shinkansen stop.

Shin-Yokohama Station Overview

Address and Location

Shin‑Yokohama Station is strategically located in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, making it a key gateway on the Tokaido Shinkansen line for travelers heading to and from western Japan.

Address: 2‑100 Shin‑Yokohama, Kōhoku‑ku, Yokohama‑shi, Kanagawa‑ken 222‑0033, Japan

Shinkansen Services Available at Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama Station is served exclusively by the Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo with Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Though some trains continue west to Hiroshima and Hakata via the Sanyo Shinkansen, this is a through-service—Shin-Yokohama is not a stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen line itself.

Three types of trains operate here:

Nozomi (fastest, few stops)
Hikari (semi-fast)
Kodama (local, stops at all stations)

Transportation and Access

Key Features of Shin-Yokohama Station

Concourse inside Shin‑Yokohama Station with clear signage for Shinkansen and subway directions

Shin-Yokohama Station spans multiple levels. JR Yokohama Line platforms are on the ground floor, the main concourse and gates are on the second floor, and Shinkansen platforms are on the third. Subway lines run underground. Escalators and elevators connect all areas.

Natural light fills the station through large windows, and multilingual digital signage (English, Chinese, Korean) provides real-time guidance for international travelers.

Getting to Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama Station is accessible via multiple transportation options:

From Tokyo: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (about 18 minutes), or travel via JR lines by transferring from the Tokaido Line to the Yokohama Line (approximately 45–55 minutes total).
From Yokohama Station: The Blue Line subway provides direct access (approximately 10 minutes)
From Haneda Airport: Airport limousine buses operate regular services (about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic)
From Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express to Yokohama Station, then transfer to the Blue Line subway

Major Train Lines at Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin‑Yokohama Station signboard indicating platforms for JR, Shinkansen, Sotetsu, and Tokyu lines

The station serves as an interchange between high-speed Shinkansen services and local transportation networks:

Tokaido Shinkansen: High-speed services to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and beyond
JR Yokohama Line: Connects to major stations including Machida, Hachioji, and Higashi-Kanagawa
Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line: Provides access to central Yokohama and other parts of the city
Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line: Opened in 2023, this line connects Shin-Yokohama to western Kanagawa, including Ebina and Shonandai
Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line: Also launched in 2023, this line offers direct access to central Tokyo areas such as Hiyoshi, Meguro, and Shibuya via the Tokyu network

How to Transfer Shinkansen at Shin-Yokohama Station

East transfer entrance at Shin‑Yokohama Station featuring bilingual “Shinkansen Tracks” sign and electronic schedule displays

At Shin-Yokohama Station, all Shinkansen transfers take place within the Tokaido Shinkansen line, so there is no need to exit the ticket gates. Simply disembark, follow the platform signs, and proceed to your next train.

If you're transferring between the Shinkansen and other lines—such as the JR Yokohama Line, Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, or the Sotetsu and Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Lines—you will need to exit the Shinkansen gates and follow connecting passageways or transfer gates to reach each line.

Estimated transfer times:

Shinkansen ⇔ JR Yokohama Line: approximately 2–3 minutes
Shinkansen ⇔ Blue Line subway: approximately 3–4 minutes

Shinkansen Ticket Gates and Platforms at Shin-Yokohama Station

Shinkansen at platform in Shin-Yokohama Station, framed by modern skyscrapers

Shin-Yokohama Station has clearly marked Shinkansen ticket gates located on the second floor (main concourse). After passing through the gates, you can easily access the Shinkansen platforms via escalators or elevators.

There are two island platforms with a total of four tracks for the Tokaido Shinkansen:

Platforms 1–2: For Tokyo-bound trains
Platforms 3–4: For trains to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond

Multilingual electronic displays (including English) show train details, and staff are available near the gates to assist travelers.

Shinkansen Ticket Purchase & Reservation Guide

For the most convenient and stress-free experience, we recommend booking your Shinkansen tickets through Japan Bullet Train. Their service offers:

Online booking in English and multiple other languages
Secure payment options
QR code delivery by email, which can be exchanged for a paper ticket at a Shinkansen ticket machine
Clear explanations of ticket types and seat options

For last-minute bookings or changes to your travel plans, you can also purchase tickets at the JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) at the station. These offices typically have staff who can provide assistance in English.

Station Facilities

Coin Lockers & Luggage Storage at Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama Station offers numerous coin lockers for temporary luggage storage, located on both the Shinkansen and conventional JR line levels. These lockers come in various sizes.

Most lockers accept both coins and IC cards (Suica/PASMO) for payment.

Dining Options at Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama Station features a diverse range of dining options to satisfy travelers' appetites:

Station building (Cubic Plaza Shin-Yokohama)

Cubic Plaza connected to Shin‑Yokohama Station with a spacious dining area showcasing Chinese, Western, and traditional Japanese eateries

This connected commercial complex offers a wide range of restaurants, including ramen, Japanese set meals, curry, Chinese, Western, and Italian cuisine. It's a great place for travelers with more time to sit down and enjoy a proper meal.

Ekiben (station bento) shops

Kiyoken Shiumai boxed lunch wrapped in signature yellow box, shown stacked at station ekiben stand

Located both inside and outside the ticket gates—including on the Shinkansen platforms—you’ll find several Delica Station outlets and bento stands. A popular choice unique to Shin-Yokohama is the Shiumai Bento by Kiyoken, a beloved local specialty known for its flavorful steamed dumplings.

Station concourse

Convenience stand located directly on the Shinkansen platform at Shin‑Yokohama Station

Fast-food outlets, bakeries, and coffee shops are ideal for grabbing a quick bite before boarding. Several shops open early in the morning, making them convenient for early travelers.

The station’s food options include both Japanese and international cuisines, with many establishments displaying food models or picture menus that make ordering easy for international visitors.

Smoking Areas at Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama Station provides several designated smoking areas both inside and around the station, in accordance with Japan's indoor smoking regulations. These include:

Shinkansen concourse smoking rooms: Located inside the Tokaido Shinkansen ticketed area, these enclosed rooms support both regular and heated tobacco products. There are no smoking spots on the platforms—only in the concourse areas before boarding or after arrival. These facilities are available during Shinkansen gate operation hours.
Cubic Plaza Shin-Yokohama: Smoking rooms are available on the 1st and 10th floors of Cubic Plaza Shin-Yokohama, the station’s directly connected commercial complex. These spots are convenient for travelers taking a break from shopping or dining.
Outdoor public smoking areas: Just outside the station's North Exit, public smoking zones are available on both the east and west sides. These are spacious, easily accessible within a one-minute walk, and useful for both station users and visitors to nearby facilities.

All other areas within the station—including platforms, waiting rooms, and dining areas—are strictly non-smoking.

Foreign Traveler Support

Tourist Information Center & Foreign Language Assistance

Tourist information center inside Shin‑Yokohama Station where international travelers can access multilingual assistance

A tourist information center is conveniently located on the second floor of Shin-Yokohama Station, directly across from the East Shinkansen ticket gates. The center offers:

Maps and brochures in multiple languages
Guidance on local attractions and transportation options
Basic translation assistance

Multilingual staff proficient in English, Chinese, and Korean are available to assist international travelers. For more specialized language assistance, translation apps or portable translation devices are recommended.

Free WiFi, Pocket WiFi, and eSIM Options

Shin-Yokohama Station offers free WiFi services through the JR-Central_Free network. This service is available in specific areas such as around the Shinkansen ticket gates, waiting rooms, and designated spots on the Shinkansen platforms.

Please note that free WiFi coverage may not be available throughout the entire station. For consistent and secure internet access, consider using Japan Wireless's services.

JR-Central_Free: Available near the Shinkansen ticket gates, waiting rooms, and designated spots on the Shinkansen platforms.
Japan Wireless: Provides nationwide Wi-Fi coverage, allowing unlimited internet access throughout the station and beyond.
Japan Wireless eSIM: Ideal for travelers who prefer not to carry additional devices; offers instant activation with unlimited data plans.

ATMs & Currency Exchange Services

Shin-Yokohama Station and its vicinity offer various options for accessing cash and exchanging currency:

ATMs Accepting Foreign Cards: Multiple ATMs from banks such as Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC, Japan Post Bank, and Seven Bank are available in and around the station. These ATMs support major international cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay.
Currency Exchange Services:
- Hotel Associa Shin-Yokohama: A currency exchange machine is located near the reception desk on the 10th floor.
- Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel: The 1st-floor lobby houses a currency exchange machine accepting eight currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP.
- Travelex: For a broader range of currencies, Travelex offers services at its Yokohama Porta branch.

While many establishments accept major credit cards, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller shops and vending machines.

Nearby Attractions & Sightseeing

Top Attractions Near Shin-Yokohama Station

Several notable attractions are within easy reach of Shin-Yokohama Station:

Nissan Stadium

One of Japan's largest sports venues, located just a short walk from the station

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

A food-themed amusement park recreating Tokyo streets from 1958, featuring ramen shops from across Japan

Shin-Yokohama Park

A pleasant green space perfect for relaxation between travels

These attractions provide excellent opportunities to experience Japanese culture, history, and modern lifestyle without venturing too far from the station.

Recommended Day Trips from Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama's strategic location on the Shinkansen network makes it an ideal starting point for day trips to several famous destinations:

Tokyo: Explore the capital's diverse neighborhoods and attractions (just 18 minutes by Shinkansen)
Kamakura: Ancient capital featuring the Great Buddha and numerous temples (about 1 hour by train)
Hakone: Famous for hot springs, beautiful nature, and views of Mt. Fuji (approximately 1 hour by train)
Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko: Experience Japan's iconic mountain and scenic lake. From Shin-Yokohama, take the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line Express to Shibuya, then transfer to the Fuji Excursion Limited Express from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes)
Nagoya: Visit the castle and Toyota museum (around 1 hour by Nozomi Shinkansen)

Plan Your Visits

Shin-Yokohama Station serves as a convenient transportation hub for international travelers. Its strategic position on the Tokaido Shinkansen line provides excellent access to major destinations throughout Japan, while offering a more relaxed travel experience than busier Tokyo terminals.

For the most convenient Shinkansen experience, booking tickets through Japan Bullet Train is highly recommended. This service designed for international visitors offers multilingual support, simple online booking, and straightforward ticket collection via QR code.

Whether planning a day trip to Tokyo, a cultural visit to Kyoto, or a multi-city journey, Shin-Yokohama provides an excellent jumping-off point for your adventures. Book your tickets in advance through Japan Bullet Train, arrive early for your departure, and enjoy Japan's efficient, comfortable travel system as you begin your journey.