Tokyo Station Guide: Shinkansen Hub, JR Pass Info, and Expert Rail Navigation Guide
Tokyo Station (東京駅): The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Central Railway Hub
Opened on December 20, 1914, Tokyo Station is the iconic red-brick gateway to Japan's capital. Situated in the heart of the Marunouchi district, it serves as the nation’s most important terminal, seamlessly connecting high-speed Shinkansen networks with extensive JR East regional lines.
Major Railway Lines & Route Connectivity
Tokyo Station is a sophisticated multi-level transit hub. For travelers, understanding the distinction between the Shinkansen platforms and conventional JR lines is key to efficient navigation.
1. Shinkansen (High-Speed Rail) Services
Tokaido Shinkansen: Direct access to Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka (connecting to Western Japan).
Tohoku Shinkansen: Routes to Sendai, Morioka, and Shin-Aomori.
Other Shinkansen Lines: Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen (access to Niigata, Nagano, and Kanazawa).
2. JR East Conventional & Suburban Lines
Yamanote Line: The essential loop line connecting Tokyo's major city centers.
Chuo Main Line: Rapid service to Shinjuku and western suburbs.
Tokaido Main Line: Southbound travel toward Yokohama and Atami.
Ueno-Tokyo Line: Through-service linking the Tohoku, Takasaki, and Joban lines.
Sobu Rapid Line: Access to Chiba and Narita Airport (via Narita Express).
Keiyo Line: The primary route for Tokyo Disney Resort (Maihama Station).
Operating Hours & Passenger Facilities
The station remains active from early morning until late night to accommodate commuter and long-distance travel schedules.
Station Gate & Access Hours
The main station gates are generally open from 04:30 to 01:00 (the following day), aligned with the first and last train departures.
JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi)
For Japan Rail Pass exchange, seat reservations, and ticket purchases:
Standard Service Hours: 05:30 – 23:00
Information Counters: Typically 09:00 – 19:00 (hours may vary depending on the specific gate location, such as Marunouchi North or Yaesu Central).
Location & Navigation
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
(〒100-0005 東京都千代田区丸の内一丁目9-1)
Interactive Map: View Tokyo Station on Google Maps
