JR Shinjuku Station and Its Four Exits
Shinjuku Station, which boasts the highest annual number of passengers in the world, is like a maze due to its massive and intricate structure. Even for those living in Tokyo, it's considered a station that is very difficult to fully grasp.
In this article, we explain how to get to the four main exits of JR Shinjuku Station: the East Exit, West Exit, South Exit, and New South Exit from platform 15 of the JR Yamanote Line (toward Ikebukuro and Ueno).
*In this article, we will guide you from the point where you alight from the fifth car (as the Yamanote Line operates with 11 cars, this is approximately the middle of the train).
JR Shinjuku Station Guide
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The Ticket Gates and Exits at JR Shinjuku Station
There are a total of 10 ticket gates at JR Shinjuku Station. The main ticket gates are located at the East Exit, West Exit, South Exit, and New South Exit so it's convenient to know them when transferring to other lines or exploring Shinjuku.
*Clicking on the gate names will provide detailed information.
How to Get to the West Exit
Shinjuku Station West Exit. Photo by Pixta
If you want to go the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory and electronic retailers such as Bic Camera, head to the West Exit.
From the JR Yamanote Platform to the West Exit
First, head towards the West Exit. When you alight from the fifth car, look to your right; you will see a descending staircase nearby. Take that staircase down.
Also, please confirm the overhead yellow signboard that reads West Exit, East Exit.
Once you descend the stairs, you will immediately see the West Exit.
As this is B1F, to reach the West Exit (ground level), after exiting the ticket gate, head left first.
Proceed to the left at the first corner.
If you go up the stairs that you will see on your right, you will reach the West Exit.
This is the West Exit of Shinjuku Station.
How to Get to the East Exit
Shinjuku Station East Exit. Photo by Pixta
If you plan to visit areas like Kabukicho, department stores, and the fashion buildings at Shinjuku Sanchome, you'll need to use the East Exit.
From the JR Yamanote Platform to the East Exit
Starting from where you descended the stairs earlier, this time, proceed straight while keeping the West Exit on your left side, then at the end, you will see the East Exit on your left.
This is the B1 floor. To reach the East Exit (ground level), after exiting the ticket gate, first head diagonally to the right.
When you ascend the staircase with a signboard labeled Kabukicho area, you will arrive at the East Exit.
How to Get to the South Exit
Shinjuku Station South Exit. Photo by Pixta
If you want to go shopping at Shinjuku Lumine, Tokyu Hands, or plan to visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, it's best to use the South Exit.
From the JR Yamanote Platform to the South Exit
To reach the South Exit, after alighting, head to the left.
Shortly you will see a descending staircase, but please note that this staircase leads to the Chuo West Exit and Chuo East Exit, so be careful not to descend here. Proceed alongside the staircase.
Upon reaching this point, you will notice a staircase (indicated by the red arrow) and a pathway leading further into the platform (indicated by the yellow arrow).
Ascending this staircase (red arrow) will lead you to the South Exit.
Once you exit through the south ticket gate, you will arrive at the South Exit.
How to Get to the New South Exit
Shinjuku Station New South Exit. Photo by Pixta
If you wish to go to the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, NEWoMan Shinjuku, or Shinjuku Takashimaya, it's best to use the New South Exit.
From the JR Yamanote Platform to the New South Exit
When you get off the train, go left and head towards the pathway that leads further into the platform (indicated by the yellow arrow).
After ascending the escalator, continue straight ahead, and you will find the ticket gate of the New South Exit on your right.
Once you exit through the ticket gate, you will find yourself at the New South Exit.
The Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal is located at the top of the escalator right in front of you after exiting this gate.
Find Your Way at Shinjuku Station with Ease
Photo by Pixta
There are several exits other than the four we introduced above, but if you remember these four, you won't have much trouble getting around at Shinjuku Station.
If you ever find yourself lost, just calmly check the overhead signs. Even a complex station like Shinjuku is very convenient once you get the hang of it.
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