Overview
Shinjuku Station is the main rail hub for Tokyo’s west side and one of the city’s most important station complexes for visitors. It serves the Tokyo-Shinjuku stay area, where extensive rail links are surrounded by department stores, nightlife districts, office towers, parks, hotels, and highway bus services.
Lines and connections
JR services connect Shinjuku with many of Tokyo’s key north-south and east-west routes, including the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Saikyo Line, and Shonan-Shinjuku Line. Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Odakyu, and Keio add subway access, routes across western Tokyo, and private railway links toward destinations such as Hakone via Odakyu and Mount Takao via Keio.
Station area
The station has several distinct sides. The east side is known for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, while the west side has hotels, office towers, and bus connections. South-side exits and nearby terminals are often useful for highway buses and intercity coach departures.
Good to know
Shinjuku is extremely useful, but it is not simple. The station has many exits, operators, and connected buildings, so check hotel directions by exit name rather than by station name alone, especially when traveling with luggage.
