Shinjuku Station: A Friendly Guide for First-Time Visitors

Let’s face it — Shinjuku Station is intimidating. With over 3.5 million people passing through every day and dozens of train lines crisscrossing underground, it’s no wonder even locals get lost sometimes. But don’t worry — if you’re a first-time visitor to Tokyo, this guide has your back.

We’ll walk you through how to find your way around, avoid common pitfalls, stash your luggage, and even discover a few hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re heading to Mt. Fuji, grabbing lunch, or just trying to get out of the station, you’ll find everything you need here.

Why Everyone Gets Lost in Shinjuku Station (and Why That’s Okay)

Let’s start with the obvious: Shinjuku Station is massive. Handling more than 3.5 million passengers daily, it holds the title of the world’s busiest train station. It’s more than just a station—it’s like a city within a city. With over 200 exits and a tangled web of train lines including JR, Odakyu, Keio, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway, navigating it can feel like solving a labyrinth.

Shinjuku’s complexity didn’t happen overnight. The station began as a modest stop in 1885 and grew exponentially as Tokyo expanded. Multiple private and public railways merged their lines here, and instead of building a cohesive layout, they simply added onto the existing structure. The result? A sprawling maze of platforms, underground walkways, shopping malls, and hidden alleys that can disorient even seasoned Tokyoites.

But here’s the good news: it’s completely normal to get lost. Even locals rely on apps and signs to get around. This guide will help you feel confident and calm, no matter how twisty things get.

Getting Around: A Simple Walkthrough for First-Time Visitors

Choosing the Right Exit (Without Losing Your Mind)

Shinjuku Station has so many exits that just picking the right one can be a challenge. Each exit leads to a completely different part of the city, so it helps to know what you’re aiming for:

• East Exit: Head here for the shopping-heavy area around Lumine EST, Studio Alta, and the start of Kabukicho.
• West Exit: This leads to the skyscraper district, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and major hotels.
• South Exit: Ideal for bus terminals, Takashimaya Times Square, and easy access to the New South Gate and Southern Terrace.

Look for bilingual signs in Japanese and English. Many are color-coded or include nearby landmarks. If you’re using Google Maps, it may not specify which exit to take, so refer to signs around you or check a station map in advance.

Switching Lines: JR, Metro, and Everything In Between

Transferring between lines at Shinjuku can require a fair bit of walking. For example, getting from the Odakyu Line to the JR Yamanote Line might take 5–10 minutes on foot, depending on crowds.

To make your transfer smoother:

• Follow the colored floor lines — they often lead directly to major lines like the Chuo Line or Keio.
• Watch for overhead signs with arrows and train logos.
• Be mindful of the line operators — transferring between JR and private lines (e.g., Odakyu, Keio) may require exiting and re-entering through different ticket gates.

Tip: If you’re changing lines during rush hour, give yourself extra time. It’s normal to walk the equivalent of several city blocks inside the station.

Want to Avoid the Crowds? Here’s When to Go

Rush hour in Tokyo is no joke, and Shinjuku is one of the busiest hubs. If you want to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder commuters:

• Avoid weekday mornings from 8:00–9:30 AM and evenings from 6:00–7:30 PM.
• Mid-morning (10:00–11:30 AM) or early afternoon (1:00–4:00 PM) are usually more relaxed.
• Use apps like NAVITIME or JR-EAST Train Info to check real-time congestion data and find alternate routes.

Some underground passages (like the Southern Terrace Path) are wider and less crowded. Use these if you’re hauling luggage or just want a smoother stroll.

Handy Tips to Make Your Journey Easier

Where to Stash Your Luggage (and How Much It Costs)

Dragging a suitcase through Shinjuku Station? Don’t. Instead, use one of the many coin lockers or baggage storage services:

• Lockers range in size from small (backpack-sized) to large (fits a full suitcase).
• Costs are around 300 to 800 yen per day, depending on size.
• Popular locker spots include near the South Exit, West Exit, and New South Gate.

If lockers are full, try the baggage storage services near Takashimaya or inside the Odakyu department store. These are especially helpful for tourists and accept credit cards.

Accessibility Tips: Elevators, Ramps, and Friendly Staff

Shinjuku Station is surprisingly accessible, but you have to know where to look:

• Elevators and escalators are available near most major exits.
• Barrier-free restrooms are clearly marked and often located near JR ticket gates.
• Staff at JR counters often speak basic English and can help with directions or elevator locations.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or elderly family member, stick to the New South Gate or South Exit areas—they tend to be more open and less chaotic.

Feeling Hungry? Here’s Where Locals Eat Inside the Station

You don’t need to leave the station to find a great meal. Shinjuku is packed with food options:

• Ramen Street inside Lumine EST features several top-notch noodle joints.
• Ekiben (bento boxes) are sold in kiosks near platforms for a quick and tasty meal.
• For sit-down dining, try the basement food floors in Takashimaya or Odakyu — they offer sushi, tempura, and international cuisine.
• Convenience stores like Lawson or FamilyMart are great for snacks and drinks on the go.

Best Apps to Help You Navigate Like a Local

Don’t Rely Only on Google Maps — Use These Instead

While Google Maps is helpful, it doesn’t always show platform numbers or best exits. Here are better tools:

• NAVITIME Japan Travel: Excellent for real-time navigation, exit guidance, and English support.
• Tokyo Subway Navigation: Ideal for Metro users, with offline maps and clear transfer info.
• JR East Train Info: Best for JR lines; shows delays, platform info, and train types.

Pro tip: Download these apps before you land in Japan, as airport Wi-Fi can be spotty.

Where You Can Go From Shinjuku: Cool Places Just One Train Away

Shinjuku Station is a launchpad to some amazing spots:

• Shinjuku Gyoen: Just a 10-minute walk from the South Exit. Beautiful gardens, perfect for a break from the city.
• Golden Gai: Take the East Exit. A maze of tiny bars with big personality.
• Mt. Takao: 50 minutes via the Keio Line. Great for a day hike.
• Hakone: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from the Odakyu platform for hot springs and mountain views.
• Shibuya: One stop on the JR Yamanote Line.

Each destination has its charm, and Shinjuku is the perfect starting point.

FAQs Travelers Ask (Because You’re Not the Only One Confused)

Q: Which exit should I take for my hotel?
A: Look up your hotel’s website or address in advance. Most list the nearest station exit. If not, try asking at the JR Information Center inside the station.

Q: Are there lockers for big suitcases?
A: Yes! Look for large coin lockers or go to baggage storage counters near the South Exit.

Q: How do I get to Narita from here?
A: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) from the JR platforms. It’s fast, comfortable, and direct. You can buy tickets at any JR counter.

Final Thoughts: If You Get Lost, Don’t Panic

Getting lost in Shinjuku Station isn’t a failure—it’s a rite of passage. If you’re unsure, head back to a main concourse like the JR Central Gate or ask a station attendant. Most signs have English, and color-coded paths make retracing your steps easy.

The station might feel overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll see it for what it truly is: a gateway to all the adventures Japan has to offer.