Researched guide · Checked on Oct 20, 2026
Tokyo Station is the main gateway to the rest of Japan: the Shinkansen, the Narita Express and many JR lines all start here. It is also huge, with 28 platforms and around 460,000 passengers a day. This guide explains the two sides of the station, where to find the trains you need, where to leave your bags, and what to see in the restored red-brick Marunouchi building.
Quick answer
Two sides: Marunouchi (west, red-brick building, Imperial Palace side) and Yaesu (east, Shinkansen side). Walking from one side to the other takes about 10 minutes.
Shinkansen: Tokaido Shinkansen from platforms 14–19, Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen from platforms 20–23.
Narita Express: from underground platforms 3 and 4 (B5F), reached from near the Marunouchi Central Gate.
Marunouchi side and Yaesu side
The station runs north to south between two districts. The Marunouchi side faces the business district and the Imperial Palace, and has the red-brick station building. The Yaesu side faces Nihonbashi and has the GRANROOF, a roughly 230-meter-long canopy. If you are catching a Shinkansen, the station recommends using the Yaesu side, because it takes about 10 minutes on foot to walk from the Marunouchi side to the Yaesu side.
Finding your train
| Train | Platform | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen (Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata) | 14–19 | Look for the blue-colored Shinkansen ticket gates. |
| Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen (Sendai, Nagano, Kanazawa and more) | 20–23 | Also through the blue Shinkansen ticket gates. |
| Narita Express (to Narita Airport) | Underground 3 and 4 (B5F) | Go down from near the Marunouchi Central Gate. All seats are reserved. |
- For the Shinkansen, put your basic fare ticket and Shinkansen (limited express) ticket into the gate together, then take both back.
- Check the platform number on the departure board inside the ticket gates, then wait at the marked spot for your car number.
- If you have a Japan Rail Pass, see our Japan Rail Pass guide. For tickets and seats, see our Shinkansen guide.
Lockers and baggage storage
- Coin lockers are spread around the station. You can check real-time availability of Suica lockers online or in the “TOKYO STATION NAVI” app.
- Outside the gates: Shinkansen Parcel Service & Baggage Storage outside the Yaesu South Gate (5:30–23:00), and the JR EAST Travel Service Center at the Marunouchi North Gate.
- Inside the gates: cloak services in GRANSTA TOKYO on B1.
- Big suitcase? See our luggage guide for hotel delivery and storage options.
The red-brick Marunouchi building
Tokyo Station opened on December 20, 1914. Its roof and domes were damaged during World War II, and the building was rebuilt as a two-story station in 1947. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2003, and a restoration completed in 2012 brought back the original three-story look, including the North and South Domes.
- Inside the domes: look up to see restored reliefs of eagles and eight of the twelve zodiac animals.
- Marunouchi Station Square: the open plaza in front of the building, fully opened in 2017, is the classic photo spot.
- Zero milestone: Tokyo Station is the starting point of the Shinkansen lines and the Tokaido, Chuo and Tohoku lines.
- Gin-no-Suzu (Silver Bell): the station’s best-known meeting point, in the underground central passage inside the gates.
Food, shopping and money
- GRANSTA TOKYO (inside the gates) and the shopping areas around the station have many places to eat and buy bento for the train. The official shopping guide lists halal and vegan-friendly options.
- ATMs that accept foreign cards are easy to find, including Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs outside the gates. See our money guide.
- Currency exchange and free Wi-Fi are also available. Check the official station map for locations.
Taking the Shinkansen? Pick up a station bento first: see ekiben at Tokyo Station.
FAQ
Which side of Tokyo Station is the Shinkansen on?
Use the Yaesu side. The Tokaido Shinkansen leaves from platforms 14–19 and the Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen from platforms 20–23.
Where does the Narita Express leave from at Tokyo Station?
From underground platforms 3 and 4 on B5F. Go down from near the Marunouchi Central Gate.
How long does it take to walk from Marunouchi to Yaesu?
About 10 minutes on foot.
Where can I store luggage at Tokyo Station?
In coin lockers around the station, at the baggage storage outside the Yaesu South Gate, or at the cloak service in GRANSTA TOKYO inside the gates.
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Sources
Platforms, routes, facilities and history come from Tokyo Station City’s official website (checked October 20, 2026). Station facilities can change, so please check before you go.
