How many train stations are there in Tokyo?

The city houses 822 railway station, but only 2 of them are served by the high-speed Shinkansen trains. What is more, 286 of them are metro stations, so getting around Tokyo by public transport is really very convenient.

What is the main train station in Tokyo?

As we've said before, Tokyo train station is the main railway hub of the city (as well as the busiest and the most beautiful one).

Tokyo Train Station

Tokyo train station handbook: navigating the capital with ease.

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Tokyo Station: Overview

Tokyo Station is the main railway station in Tokyo and the busiest station in Japan by train traffic, handling over 4,000 trains and 450,000 passengers daily. Located in the prestigious Marunouchi business district near the Imperial Palace, it serves as the central hub for all major Shinkansen lines and JR local trains. Tokyo Station opened on December 20, 1914, designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo as a celebration of Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War. The station survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 with almost no damage, demonstrating its exceptional engineering strength. In 1964, Tokyo Station became the central terminal for the Tokaido Shinkansen — the world's first high-speed bullet train line.

Tokyo Metro Lines and JR Lines at Tokyo Station

The core of the Tokyo train system, the amazing station is very impressive inside and out. But the Japanese train system is famous for its efficiency, so you can rest assured that beautiful interiors are not the only thing you will find inside.

JR Lines
JR East operates the majority of conventional lines at Tokyo Station, including the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo Line, and Yokosuka Line. JR pass holders can use all JR lines at Tokyo Station without additional fees. The East Travel Service Center and JR East Travel Service centers are located inside the station for ticketing assistance, JR Pass exchanges, and travel planning support.
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line has its own dedicated entrance and regular JR ticket gates separate from the JR network. This line provides direct connections to Shinjuku, Ginza, and other central Tokyo neighborhoods. Travelers using the Tokyo Metro need a separate IC card or metro ticket — the JR Pass does not cover Tokyo Metro lines.

Shinkansen Platforms at Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station's Shinkansen platforms are located on the Yaesu side of the station, with clear signage directing passengers to the appropriate shinkansen gates for different bullet train lines. Shinkansen ticket gates are separate from regular JR ticket gates — look for the green Shinkansen icons on overhead signage.
Tokaido Shinkansen (Platforms 14–19)
The Tokaido Shinkansen departs from Platforms 14–19, connecting Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka. The Sanyo Shinkansen continues directly from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima and Hakata (Fukuoka) — meaning Nozomi and Hikari services run all the way through without requiring a transfer. This is the busiest Shinkansen line in the world.
Other Shinkansen Lines (Platforms 20–23)
Other Shinkansen lines including the Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, and Hokuriku Shinkansen depart from Platforms 20–23. The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Sendai, Morioka, and Shin-Aomori, with through-service on the Hokkaido Shinkansen continuing to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. These platforms share a separate set of shinkansen entrance gates from the Tokaido line.

Underground Mall and Shopping

First Avenue Tokyo Station
First Avenue Tokyo Station is a major commercial facility located on the underground level of the station's aesu side. It houses a wide variety of shops, nice cafes, stylish coffee shops, elegant restaurants, and Japan's most famous themed shopping streets.
Tokyo Ramen Street
Tokyo Ramen Street, located in First Avenue Tokyo Station, features eight of Tokyo's most famous ramen shops, including the renowned Rokurinsha, known for its tsukemen. This is one of the most popular dining destinations in the entire station and regularly draws long queues — especially at peak lunch and dinner times.
Tokyo Character Street
Tokyo Character Street at First Avenue Tokyo Station is home to over 30 shops dedicated to Japanese pop culture icons, including official stores for Pokémon, Studio Ghibli, and Hello Kitty — making it an excellent spot for souvenirs. Whether you are looking for anime merchandise or unique Japanese gifts, Character Street is a must-visit during any stop at Tokyo Station.
Avenue Tokyo Station and Underground Passages

The station features an extensive system of underground passages connecting various platforms and commercial buildings, making navigation easier for travelers. Avenue Tokyo Station and the wider underground mall connect to nearby commercial buildings including the Marunouchi Building directly via underground passages — meaning you can shop, dine, and access the city without going outside.

Bus Terminal and Airport Access

Narita Airport
The Narita Express (N'EX) provides direct service from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport, taking approximately 60 minutes. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the airport from central Tokyo. The N'EX is the only direct train connection between Tokyo Station and Narita International Airport, and JR Pass holders can use it at no additional cost.
Haneda Airport
For access to Haneda Airport, travelers can take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Monorail, with a total journey time of about 30 minutes. Tokyo Station also provides bus services to both Narita and Haneda airports, with buses departing from the Yaesu side bus terminal — a convenient option for travelers with heavy luggage.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Direct highway buses to Tokyo Disney Resort depart from the Yaesu side bus terminal at Tokyo Station, making it easy to reach the resort without transfers. JR trains also serve Maihama Station (the nearest station to Tokyo Disney Resort) on the Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station.

Tokyo Station Facilities