Shinkansen Stations in Japan: Station Navigation Hub for Visitors

Japan’s Shinkansen network connects major cities and key travel destinations across the country with speed and comfort.

This page serves as your central navigation hub for Shinkansen station guides on Japan Bullet Train.

Whether you are planning a trip to Kyoto, heading north to Hokkaido, or exploring the southern coast of Kyushu, find the right station to start your journey here.

📍 Find Stations by Region

Tokyo & Kanto Area

Tokyo Station

The ultimate gateway. As Japan’s largest Shinkansen terminal, it is the starting point for almost all lines heading north, west, and central.

Best for: Travelers staying in Marunouchi, Ginza, or near Tokyo Disneyland.

Shinagawa Station

The smart alternative to Tokyo Station. Located in southern Tokyo, it is often less crowded and offers faster transfers to Haneda Airport.

Best for: Accessing Haneda Airport or staying in Shibuya/Shinjuku areas.

Ueno Station

A convenient sub-hub for heading north. It connects travelers to the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku lines without navigating the massive Tokyo Station complex.

Best for: Staying in Asakusa, Ueno, or Akihabara.

Omiya Station

A major Shinkansen junction north of Tokyo, where multiple lines branch toward Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Niigata. Many northbound trains stop here before leaving the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Shin-Yokohama Station

An important stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen, commonly used by travelers heading to Yokohama or transferring from central Tokyo without passing through Tokyo Station.

Odawara Station

The gateway to Hakone. Stop here to transfer to local trains for hot springs, Lake Ashi, and views of Mt. Fuji.

Kansai Area (Kyoto & Osaka)

Kyoto Station interior, a major Shinkansen station serving Kyoto and the Kansai area.

Shin-Osaka Station

The Shinkansen hub of Western Japan. Please note: The Shinkansen does not stop at Osaka Station; you must use Shin-Osaka.

Key Connections: Sanyo Shinkansen (to Hiroshima/Fukuoka) and Limited Express trains to Kansai Airport (Haruka).

Kyoto Station

The ancient capital’s modern entrance. The station itself is a massive complex with hotels, shopping, and immediate access to buses for temples and shrines.

Central Japan (Chubu & Hokuriku)

Nagoya Station

A vital stop on the "Golden Route" between Tokyo and Osaka. Use this station to transfer for Takayama (Hida) or the Ise Shima region.

Nagano Station

Your access point to the Japanese Alps. Famous for snow monkeys and world-class skiing (Hakuba/Shiga Kogen).

Niigata Station

The terminal station of the Joetsu Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo with the Sea of Japan coast and the capital of Niigata Prefecture.

Kanazawa Station

The cultural heart of the Hokuriku region. Known for its stunning architecture, it connects travelers to traditional gardens and fresh seafood markets.

Western Japan & Kyushu

Hiroshima Station

The primary stop for visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island.

Okayama Station

Known as the connection hub for Shikoku Island (via the Seto Ohashi Bridge) and the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Kokura Station

A key Shinkansen stop in northern Kyushu, serving as a connection point between the Sanyo Shinkansen and destinations across Kyushu.

Hakata Station (Fukuoka)

The lively gateway to Kyushu. It serves as the terminal for the Sanyo Shinkansen and the starting point for the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Northern Japan (Tohoku & Hokkaido)

Sendai Station

The largest hub in the Tohoku region, offering easy access to Matsushima Bay and northern festivals.

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station

Currently the northernmost point of the Shinkansen network, located in Hokkaido. Transfer here for trains to Hakodate City or Sapporo.

🚄 Shinkansen Stations by Line

Shinkansen on Japan’s high-speed rail network, used to travel between major cities

If you already have a specific route in mind, choose your station by the Shinkansen line.

Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo ⇄ Osaka)

Key Stops: Tokyo / Shinagawa / Nagoya / Kyoto / Shin-Osaka

Sanyo Shinkansen (Osaka ⇄ Fukuoka)

Key Stops: Shin-Osaka / Okayama / Hiroshima / Hakata

Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo ⇄ Aomori)

Key Stops: Tokyo / Ueno / Sendai

Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo ⇄ Tsuruga)

Key Stops: Tokyo / Nagano / Kanazawa

Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo ⇄ Niigata)

Key Stops: Tokyo / Ueno / Niigata

Kyushu Shinkansen (Fukuoka ⇄ Kagoshima)

Key Stops: Hakata / Kumamoto / Kagoshima-Chuo

✈️ Major Limited Express & Airport Access Stations

Limited express train serving major stations and airport routes across Japan

Airport & Limited Express Hubs

Shinjuku Station

A major hub for limited express trains such as Narita Express and trains to Hakone, Mt. Fuji, and Nikko.

Narita Airport

The main international gateway to Japan, with direct limited express trains to Tokyo and beyond.

Kansai International Airport

The primary international airport for western Japan, connected to Osaka and Kyoto by limited express trains.

📖 How to Use Our Station Guides

Each station listed above links to a detailed, practical guide designed for international travelers. Inside each guide, you will find:

Platform Navigation: How to find your track without getting lost.
Transfer Tips: Smooth connections to JR lines and local subways.
Facilities: Locations of coin lockers, restaurants, and Ekiben (station box lunch) shops.
Maps: Visual layouts of the station concourse.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to start your journey?

Navigating Japan’s rail network doesn’t have to be complicated. Japan Bullet Train simplifies your travel planning with up-to-date schedules, detailed station guides, and easy route finding.

Whether you are heading to a major city or a regional gem, use our platform to secure your seats and travel with confidence.