Which exit? A guide to Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo stations
Published: 2026-10-17
Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo stations have so many exits that it's easy to come out on the wrong side. Here's which exit to use for each place, with maps.
The short version
| Where you're going | Exit |
|---|---|
| Kabukicho, Shinjuku-sanchome | Shinjuku Station East Exit |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, skyscrapers | Shinjuku Station West Exit |
| Busta Shinjuku (highway and airport buses) | Shinjuku Station South Exit / New South Gate |
| Hachiko statue, Shibuya Crossing | Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit |
| SHIBUYA SKY, Shibuya Hikarie | Shibuya Station Central Gate (3F) |
| Imperial Palace, the red-brick building, KITTE | Tokyo Station Marunouchi side |
| Character Street, Ramen Street, highway buses | Tokyo Station Yaesu side |
Inside stations, yellow signs show each exit's name and what's nearby. Find the place you want and follow its arrow.
Shinjuku Station
Said to be the busiest station in the world. Remember three exits: East, West and South.
Tap the map to move it
- Kabukicho (Ichiban-gai gate) — A short walk from the East Exit↓ about 3 min walk
- East Exit — For Kabukicho, Shinjuku-sanchome and the department stores↓ 🚉 Through the station to the other side
- West Exit — For the skyscrapers and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building↓ about 9 min walk
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — Free observation decks↓ about 12 min walk
- Busta Shinjuku (South Exit / New South Gate) — Terminal for highway and airport buses
- East Exit: Kabukicho, Shinjuku-sanchome and the department stores on Shinjuku-dori.
- West Exit: the skyscraper district; you can walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation decks.
- South Exit / New South Gate: Busta Shinjuku, the highway and airport bus terminal. The South Exit is also handy for Shinjuku Gyoen.
The East and West exits are on opposite sides. If you come out on the wrong one, walking back through the station is usually faster than going around outside.
Shibuya Station
Renovation work is ongoing, so passages and gates often move.
Tap the map to move it
- Hachiko statue (Hachiko Exit) — Shibuya Crossing is right in front↓ about 3 min walk
- Shibuya Scramble Square (SHIBUYA SKY) — Nearest to the Central Gate (3F)↓ about 3 min walk
- Shibuya Hikarie — East side of the station, linked by walkway from the Central Gate
- Hachiko Exit: the Hachiko statue and Shibuya Crossing. The Hachiko Gate moved in January 2025 and no longer opens straight onto the square, so follow the "Hachiko Exit" signs.
- Central Gate (3F): Shibuya Scramble Square with the SHIBUYA SKY observation deck, Shibuya Hikarie and Shibuya Stream.
Passages can change with the works. Trust the signs in the station.
Tokyo Station
The station splits into the Marunouchi side (west) and the Yaesu side (east), and it's hard to cross between them outside the ticket gates. Decide which side you need first.
Tap the map to move it
- Imperial Palace Outer Garden — Walk straight out from the Marunouchi Central Exit↓ about 11 min walk
- Marunouchi Station Building (Marunouchi side) — The red-brick building, facing the Imperial Palace, offices and KITTE↓ 🚉 Through the station to the other side
- Tokyo Station Ichibangai (Yaesu side) — Character Street and Ramen Street, right by the Yaesu Underground Central Gate↓ about 4 min walk
- Yaesu South Exit (highway buses) — Highway and airport bus stops
- Marunouchi side: the red-brick Marunouchi building, the Imperial Palace, the office district and KITTE. Come here for photos of the station building.
- Yaesu side: where most Shinkansen gates are. Right outside the Yaesu Underground Central Gate, Tokyo Station Ichibangai has Tokyo Character Street (character shops) and Tokyo Ramen Street.
- Yaesu South Exit: highway and airport bus stops.
Tips for not getting lost
- Check the exit name in your map app. Google Maps directions sometimes tell you which exit to use.
- Lost? Show a station attendant the name of where you're going. The window by the ticket gates is the quickest help.
- Meet at a named exit. "Shinjuku Station" alone almost never works.
Frequently asked questions
I came out of the wrong exit at Shinjuku. What now?
Go back through the station's passages to the other side. It's usually faster than walking around outside.
Where is Shibuya's Hachiko Exit?
The Hachiko Gate moved in January 2025. After the gate, follow the "Hachiko Exit" signs to reach the statue and the crossing.
How do I get between the Marunouchi and Yaesu sides of Tokyo Station?
It's hard outside the ticket gates. Use the passages at the north or south end, or, if you're changing trains, cross inside the gates.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
Read next
What to Do With Big Luggage in Tokyo: Coin Lockers, Luggage Storage and Hands-Free TravelSightseeing while dragging a big suitcase is no fun. Here's how to travel light in Tokyo, from station coin lockers and storage services to sending bags ahead to the airport or where you're staying.2026-10-06
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Hotel Chains, Luxury Hotels and the Best AreasTokyo has everything from reliable chain hotels to world-class luxury hotels, traditional ryokan and capsule hotels. Here are the types of places to stay and the areas that make getting around easy.2026-10-06
How to Ride Trains in Tokyo: Suica, Tap-to-Pay, Transfers and Rush-Hour EtiquetteTokyo's rail map looks overwhelming, but it's easy once you know the basics. Here's how to pay, transfer, dodge the crowds and fit in on board.2026-10-05