How to Get on the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station: Step-by-Step Guide

Tokyo Station is Japan's busiest railway hub and your gateway to incredible destinations across the country. Whether you're heading to Kyoto's ancient temples, Osaka's vibrant districts, or Hiroshima's historic sites, your Shinkansen journey begins here. This guide will help you navigate Tokyo Station smoothly and board your Shinkansen with confidence.

Don't worry if this is your first time using Japan's train system. With the clear directional signs and intuitive station layout, you'll find the process much easier than expected. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a stress-free boarding experience.

Station Overview: Understand the Layout and Exits

What are the Two Sides of Tokyo Station?

Tokyo Station has two main sides that serve different purposes.

Marunouchi Side: This is the historic side with the famous red brick building. It faces the Imperial Palace and Tokyo's business district. Many hotels and office buildings are located on this side.
Yaesu Side: This is the modern side with tall buildings and shopping areas. Most importantly for Shinkansen travelers, all bullet train platforms are located on this side of the station.

Where Do You Enter Tokyo Station for Shinkansen?

The easiest way to reach the Shinkansen is through the Yaesu Side on the 1st floor. Look for these entrance points:

Yaesu North Exit
Yaesu Central Exit
Yaesu South Exit

All three exits will get you to the Shinkansen area. If you arrive at the Marunouchi side, don't worry - you can still reach the Shinkansens by following the signs inside the station.

Which Platform is for the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station?

Tokyo Station has different platform numbers for different Shinkansen lines, and they are color-coded to help you find the right one easily:

Platforms 14-19: Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen

These trains go to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata (Fukuoka)
Look for blue-colored signs

Platforms 20-23: Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen

These trains go to Sendai, Niigata, Kanazawa, and northern destinations
Look for green-colored signs

The platform numbers are clearly marked in both Japanese and English, so you won't get lost.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transfer to the Shinkansen from JR Local Lines

Step 1 – Exit the Local Train and Follow the Signs

When you arrive at Tokyo Station on a JR local line, look for signs that say "Shinkansen." These signs are located on every platform and will guide you toward the Shinkansen area.

Tokyo Station JR platform showing transfer signs to the Shinkansen area

Take the escalator, stairs, or elevator down to the 1st floor. You'll see more Shinkansen signs pointing the way forward.

Escalator exit at Tokyo Station leading to Shinkansen transfer signs

You'll arrive at the 1st floor level.

Tokyo Station 1F hallway with signs for Shinkansen platforms, coin lockers, and restrooms

Continue following the directional signs as they guide you forward.

Tokyo Station 1st floor hallway with overhead signs for Shinkansen transfers and live departure boards

You'll start to see the Shinkansen boarding area coming into view.

Directional stairs at Tokyo Station guiding travelers to northbound and westbound Shinkansen lines

At Tokyo Station, the Shinkansen platform layout is organized as follows:

Platforms 14-19: Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen (to Nagoya, Shin-Osaka, and Hakata) Platforms
Platforms 20-23: Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen

Make sure to check your destination carefully to avoid going to the wrong platform area.

Directional sign at Tokyo Station showing platform numbers for Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Tokaido Shinkansen lines

You'll arrive at the Shinkansen ticket gates.

Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen entrance at Tokyo Station with live platform departure board for Kyoto and Osaka-bound trains

Step 2 – Buy or Receive Your Shinkansen Ticket

Before entering the Shinkansen area, you need a valid ticket. You have two main options:

If you already have a ticket: Great! You can go directly to the ticket gates.

If you need to get your ticket: Look for the ticket machines near the Shinkansen entrance. These machines have multilanguage options and accept cash or cards.

For travelers who booked online with services like Japan Bullet Train, you can exchange your QR code for paper tickets at these same machines. The process is quick and the machines provide clear instructions in multilanguage.

Shinkansen ticketing machines at Tokyo Station for reserved and non-reserved seats

Tip: Ticket machines are usually faster than the staffed ticket office, especially during busy times.

● Related Information: How to receive your Shinkansen ticket | Japan Bullet Train

Step 3 – Go Through the Shinkansen Ticket Gate

Insert your ticket into the ticket gate. Don't forget to take your ticket from the machine - you'll need it during your journey and when you exit at your destination.

The ticket gates are clearly marked and have staff nearby if you need help.

Passengers scanning tickets at Tokyo Station Shinkansen gates before boarding

Step 4 – Wait at the Correct Car Number on the Platform

Take the escalator up to your platform.

Passengers using the escalator at Tokyo Station to access the Shinkansen boarding platform

Once there, you'll see electronic boards showing departure times and destinations.

Shinkansen departure board at Tokyo Station showing train times and destinations for Shin-Osaka and Nagoya

The platforms are long, so give yourself time to walk to the right car position.

Tokyo Station’s long Shinkansen platform with safety barriers and a departing Shinkansen

For Reserved Seats: Find the number of your train car on your ticket. Look for the corresponding car number markers on the platform. Arrive about 10 minutes before departure time.

Reserved Shinkansen car at Tokyo Station with green car signage and boarding guidance

For Non-Reserved Seats: Head to cars 1-3 for most Shinkansen lines. During busy periods, you might need to wait for the next train if the first one is full. Arriving early gives you the best chance of getting a seat.

Passengers lining up for non-reserved Shinkansen cars at Tokyo Station platform

Tip: To make the most of your precious travel time in Japan and avoid any delays, booking in advance with Japan Bullet Train is highly recommended.

Entering Tokyo Station from Outside

Use the Yaesu Side for the Most Direct Shinkansen Access

Yaesu North Shinkansen entrance at Tokyo Station for trains to Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka

If you're coming from outside Tokyo Station, the Yaesu side is the best choice for accessing the Shinkansen. From street level, look for signs pointing to the Yaesu North Exit, Yaesu Central Exit, or Yaesu South Exit. All of these entrances are on the 1st floor and lead you toward the Shinkansen area.

For Tokaido Shinkansen (to Kyoto, Osaka, etc.): You can enter the bullet train area directly through the Shinkansen ticket gates located near the Yaesu Central North or Yaesu Central South entrances. You don't need to go through the regular JR ticket gates—but make sure you have a valid Shinkansen ticket or IC card with a reserved seat.
For other Shinkansen lines (like Tohoku, Joetsu, or Hokuriku): Enter through any Yaesu exit, go through the regular JR ticket gates first, then follow the signs inside the station to reach the Shinkansen transfer gates. These paths are clearly marked and easy to follow.

Marunouchi Side Also Works—Just Allow Extra Time

Tokyo Station Marunouchi South entrance for JR Lines and Shinkansen access

The Marunouchi side is farther from the Shinkansen platforms, but you can still use it. Enter through any Marunouchi entrance, go through the JR ticket gates, and follow the signs to the Shinkansen area. This route typically takes 5 to 10 minutes longer than using the Yaesu side, depending on your walking speed and familiarity with the station.

If You Arrive Early on the Platform

Rest Areas and Smoking Rooms

Shinkansen platforms have comfortable waiting areas with seats where you can rest before your train arrives.

Tokyo station shinkansen waiting room for travelers on the platform

There are also designated smoking rooms for those who need them.

Designated smoking room on the Shinkansen platform at Tokyo Station

Vending Machines and Convenience Stores

You'll find vending machines selling drinks and snacks throughout the platform area.

Vending machines on the Shinkansen platform at Tokyo Station selling coffee and ice cream

Small convenience stores sell bento boxes, sandwiches, and travel essentials. This is perfect for grabbing last-minute supplies for your journey.

Tokyo Station Shinkansen platform mini convenience store selling drinks and bento

For detailed information about station facilities, dining options, and luggage storage, check our comprehensive Tokyo Station Guide.

Ready for Departure

Navigating Tokyo Station for your first Shinkansen ride might seem challenging, but thousands of international travelers do it successfully every day. The key is allowing enough time and following the clear signage throughout the station.

Planning your Shinkansen journey in advance makes everything smoother. Services like Japan Bullet Train allow you to book tickets online and simply receive them at the station, saving time and reducing stress on your travel day.

Your Shinkansen adventure across Japan starts at Tokyo Station. With this guide, you're ready to experience one of the world's most efficient and comfortable train systems. Safe travels!