Shinjuku

Shinjuku Station is the busiest railway station in the world - and it earns that title every single day. Over 3.5 million passengers pass through its 50-plus platforms, served by multiple rail operators including Tokyo Metro, Toei, JR East and private railways. If you arrive without a plan, the labyrinthine corridors and 200-plus exits will test your patience. But once you understand the layout, Shinjuku becomes one of the most convenient transit hubs in all of Japan.

What makes Shinjuku genuinely fascinating is the contrast packed into a single postcode. Step east and you're in Kabukicho - Tokyo's most famous entertainment district, all neon signs and all-night izakayas. Step south and the mood shifts completely: department stores give way to Shinjuku Gyoen, a sprawling national garden that becomes one of the best cherry blossom spots in the city every spring. Few stations in the world offer this kind of range within a ten-minute walk.

Station Overview

Shinjuku Station opened in 1904 and has grown into a station complex unlike anything else on earth. Tokyo Metro operates the Marunouchi Line here, while Toei runs the Shinjuku and Oedo Lines. JR East adds the Yamanote, Chuo and Sobu lines. The station is entirely underground at the metro level, though parts of the JR complex are elevated. Fares are distance-based using IC card - tap in and tap out with your Suica or Pasmo.

Lines and Connectivity

The Marunouchi Line runs east through central Tokyo, connecting Shinjuku to Shinjuku-sanchome, Yotsuya, Ginza and Tokyo Station. It loops back west via Ikebukuro, making it one of the most useful cross-city routes. The Toei Shinjuku Line heads east toward Akihabara, Jimbocho and Motoyawata in Chiba Prefecture. The Oedo Line forms a loop through central and west Tokyo, linking Shinjuku to Roppongi, Ryogoku, Ueno-okachimachi and Tochomae. For JR connections - including the Yamanote Line clockwise or anti-clockwise - follow signs to the JR East gates.

Station Layout and Facilities

Shinjuku Station is underground at the metro level with multiple concourses connecting the different operators. The East Exit faces Kabukicho and Studio Alta. The South Exit is closest to Shinjuku Gyoen and department stores. The West Exit leads to the Nishi-Shinjuku skyscraper district and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Facilities throughout include toilets, ATMs, coin lockers (various sizes), Wi-Fi, a wide range of shops and cafes, and staffed information counters. Pick up a station map at any information point - it is genuinely useful here.

Travel Tips

• Shinjuku has over 200 exits - decide your destination before you arrive and check the exit number on Google Maps or the station map app.
• Tap in and out with a Suica or Pasmo IC card to avoid buying paper tickets at the machines.
• The South Exit is your best bet for Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku Takashimaya and Shinjuku Station South Gate shopping.
• For the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free observatory (open until 23:00), head to the West Exit and walk north-west about 10 minutes.
• Golden Gai - a grid of tiny atmospheric bars near the East Exit - is best visited after 20:00 when most bars open.
• Morning rush (08:00–09:30) is relentless. If your schedule allows, arrive before 07:30 or after 09:30.

Nearby Attractions

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - 10 min walk south. One of Tokyo's finest gardens, mixing French, English and Japanese landscaping. The best cherry blossom viewing spot in Shinjuku each spring (late March to early April).

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - 10 min walk north-west. The twin-tower complex by Kenzo Tange has two free observation decks open until 23:00 on most nights. One of the best free views in the entire city.

Kabukicho - 5 min walk north-east. Tokyo's biggest entertainment district, packed with restaurants, karaoke boxes, clubs and izakayas running 24 hours. Safe to explore and genuinely exciting at night.

Golden Gai - 8 min walk north-east. A cluster of tiny bars, most seating fewer than eight people, with distinct themes ranging from jazz vinyl to horror films. An unmissable Tokyo experience.

Isetan Department Store - 3 min walk via Shinjuku-sanchome. One of Japan's finest department stores, particularly well regarded for its food hall and fashion floors.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Tokyo Metro services at Shinjuku run from approximately 05:00 to just after midnight daily. Morning peak runs hard from 08:00 to 09:30, with the station platforms at their most crowded. Evening peak is 17:30 to 19:30. Quieter windows are late morning (10:00–12:00) and mid-afternoon (13:30–16:30). Shinjuku is at its most atmospheric - and most intense - on weekend evenings. Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) draws large additional crowds to Gyoen and the surrounding streets.