Known as the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku Station is a massive hub of trains, subways, stores, and passageways in the western part of Shinjuku City. Given Shinjuku’s prime location and popularity as a shopping-and-entertainment ward, it is no surprise that its station matches the lively and chaotic energy. The maze of a facility, which has over 200 exits and platforms and sees over three million people daily, is known to confuse even the most seasoned travelers. Fortunately, the city has initiated a multi billion yen renovation project to redesign and streamline the bustling station. The project began in July 2021 and is scheduled to finish in 2046.
The main station is operated by JR East and has 16 JR platforms. The complex’s other main transportation systems include the:
Odakyu Line (railway)
Keio and Keio New Lines (railways)
Toei Oedo and Toei Shinjuku Lines (subways)
Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro (subway)
Both Odakyu and Keio Station are located adjacent to the main JR station on the west side and are situated below the Odakyu Department Store and Keio Department Store, respectively. The Toei Lines along with the Keio New Line are located in the southwestern corner of the complex, while the Marunouchi Lines are situated at the north end. All lines have separate ticket gates.
In addition to train and subway stations, the facility is also connected to bus terminals. Please note that Shinkansen trains do not stop at Shinjuku Station. However, you can easily reach Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station via the JR Yamanote Line to access the Shinkansen.
The station houses a number of amenities for travelers on the go, including a tourist information center, travel centers, lost & found, currency exchanges, ATMs, police boxes (koban), luggage storage, coin lockers, and more.
Shinjuku Station’s main entrances and exits are the West, East, and South Gates. Read below for more details.