Shinagawa Station is one of the easiest places in Tokyo to board the Shinkansen. Once you know where to go, getting around is simple and quick.
This guide shows you exactly where to go and what to do, so you can board your train smoothly without stress.
Shinagawa Station may not be as famous as Tokyo Station, but many travelers find it easier to use for boarding the Shinkansen. To make your journey smooth, it helps to understand the basic layout in advance.
Side | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Konan Side | East | Shinkansen entrances and major exit for taxis, buses, and office areas |
Takanawa Side | West | JR local lines, Keikyu Line, and exit for hotels |
The Shinkansen gates are located inside the JR concourse, closer to the Konan (east) side.
If you are coming from the Takanawa side, do not enter the regular JR ticket gates. Follow the signs for “Shinkansen” and go to the dedicated Shinkansen ticket gates.
There are two main Shinkansen ticket gates in the JR concourse, as well as transfer gates for passengers coming from JR lines inside the station.
Location | Gate | Best for |
|---|---|---|
JR concourse | North Entrance | Cars 6–16 |
JR concourse | South Entrance | Cars 1–5 |
Transfer area (inside JR lines) | North Entrance for Transfer | Passengers transferring from JR lines |
Transfer area (inside JR lines) | South Entrance for Transfer | Passengers transferring from JR lines |
All gates lead to the same Shinkansen platforms. If you are unsure which car you have, either gate works — just allow a little extra time.
The Shinkansen platforms at Shinagawa Station are numbered 21 to 24.
Platform assignments may vary depending on the train and time of day.
Always check the departure board or your ticket to confirm the correct platform before going down.
This is the most common route for travelers arriving from Haneda Airport. Follow these steps in order.
When you exit the Keikyu Line, do not leave the station building. Head toward the “Transfer to JR Line Gate” (JR lines transfer gate).
Look for green signs that say “JR” and follow them.
You will pass through a “Transfer to JR Line Gate.” Insert your Keikyu ticket or tap your IC card. This gate connects the Keikyu area to the JR side of the station.
After the transfer gate, you are inside the JR concourse.
You do not need to exit the station or pass through regular JR ticket gates. Walk straight and follow the signs for "Shinkansen."
You will pass several JR local train platforms along the way.
Keep going straight without turning.
The Shinkansen gates are at the far end of the concourse.
This walk takes about 3–5 minutes.
You need a Shinkansen ticket before passing through the Shinkansen ticket gates. If you don’t have your ticket yet, you can get it here in the JR concourse.
With large luggage (total dimensions over 160 cm), you need to reserve a seat with oversized baggage space in advance. See our guide on oversized baggage for details.
Find the “South Entrance for Transfer” gate.
Insert your paper ticket(s) into the gate. Make sure you insert all required tickets if you have more than one.
The gate will open and return your ticket(s), so be sure to take them.
After passing through the gate, you are inside the Shinkansen area.
You cannot re-enter without your ticket, so make sure you have everything before you go through.
Signs overhead and on the walls show which platforms they lead to.
Take the escalators or elevators down to the platform.
On the Shinkansen platform, there is a large electronic departure board.
Find your train and check the following:
The board updates in real time, and train names and destinations are shown in English.
Note: For help reading your ticket and the departure board, see our guide on how to read Shinkansen tickets and departure boards.
Check the car number using the overhead displays or the signs on the platform screen doors. These show where each car will stop.
Find your car number and wait in line.
The Shinkansen stops for only about 1–2 minutes at Shinagawa, so be ready to board quickly and find your seat.
For information on where to store your luggage on the Shinkansen, see our guide to luggage storage options.
The Narita Express (N'EX) stops at Shinagawa Station. Exit the N'EX platform and follow the signs for “Shinkansen.”
The N'EX is a JR train, so you are already inside the JR area. You do not need to exit the station or pass through regular JR ticket gates. Walk directly to the Shinkansen ticket gates and continue with ticket pickup and boarding.
If you arrive by Yamanote Line, Tokaido Line, or another JR line, you are already inside the JR area.
Follow the signs for "Shinkansen." No transfer gate is needed.
Look for the Shinkansen entrance located inside the station, closer to the Konan (east) side.
Both the North Entrance and South Entrance lead to the same platforms. However, if you want to use the waiting room or larger smoking area, it is better to enter through the North Entrance.
If you want to choose a gate based on your car number, use the following as a guide:
Arrive 20–30 minutes early (or 40 mins if picking up tickets). Here is what you can do while you wait.
Once you pass through the Shinkansen ticket gates, there are only small kiosks and limited bento options inside. If you want to buy food for your trip or do some shopping, we recommend the following:
ecute Shinagawa is a shopping area inside the JR concourse, before the Shinkansen gates. It sells ekiben (station bento boxes), snacks, drinks, and sweets. This is one of the best places to buy food for your journey. Many travelers stop here to pick up a meal before boarding.
atré Shinagawa is a larger shopping and dining complex on the Konan (east) side, outside the JR gates. It has restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores. Visit here if you want a sit-down meal before your journey.
Inside the Shinkansen concourse, there are small kiosks, ekiben shops, and vending machines. You can buy drinks, snacks, or a quick bento just before boarding.
A waiting room is available inside the Shinkansen concourse near the North Entrance. You can sit and wait here.
You will also find benches on the platforms.
Designated smoking rooms are available inside the Shinkansen concourse.
There is a larger room on the North Gate side.
A smaller one is on the South Gate side.
For information about the station’s facilities, see our Shinagawa Station guide. This guide also covers nearby attractions and popular destinations that you can easily visit from Shinagawa Station.
Shinagawa Station is a convenient and easy place to board the Shinkansen. The layout is simple, the gates are clearly signposted, and the walk to the platform is short. You can pick up your tickets, grab some food, and find your car without hassle.
Arrive a little early, check your platform, and head to your boarding position with confidence.
Book your Shinkansen tickets in advance with Japan Bullet Train for a smooth and stress-free journey.