As the world’s busiest train station, Shinjuku Station is an absolute maze. And believe us when we say this: even locals tend to still get lost there! It’s incredibly big and full of people at all times, and to top it off, there’s always construction going on there.
Fortunately, we at Howzit Japan can help you navigate the basic ins and outs of Shinjuku Station. This will be of immense help especially during your first time visiting Tokyo. So read on and arm yourselves with knowledge!
East Gate/Exit: Going To Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku Station is your stop if you want to experience Tokyo’s prime nightlife spots in Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho. But to get there from the station, you need to go out of the East Gate. It’s not the Central East Gate or anything else, but just East Gate.
The East Gate is located on Basement 1 (B1), which means it is downstairs from the train platform if you’re riding the Yamanote Line. Considering you’ll likely ride this line during your Tokyo trip about 90 percent of the time, this is a great rule of thumb.
So to get to the East Gate, go down. Don’t go up or you will lose your way. Once you’re at B1, follow the yellow signs with arrows pointing to the East Gate, and you’ll easily find the ticket gates. Go out, and once you’re out on the street, you can now trust Google Maps to get you to Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho.
Here’s a local tip: on the 7th floor of the Lumine Est shopping center inside the station, there are benches you can rest on for free.
Getting To The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is popular for its spectacular birds-eye views of the city, which you can get for free. Fortunately, getting there from Shinjuku Station also starts at the East Gate.
From the East Gate, turn left. Don’t go right. Go straight down and take note of the overhead signs saying West Concourse and Met. Government. Follow the signs until you find a long moving walkway. Go straight ahead until you see the street, and you’ll be able to find your way from there.
Shinjuku Station’s New South Gate
There are two South Gates in the station, but New South Gate can also confuse first-timers. Fortunately, South Gate is different from New South Gate.
All you need to do is follow the signs clearly saying New South Gate. You must go up from the train platform on an escalator, so if you see anything going down, do not go down. You’ll know you’re at the right place if you see coin lockers where you can store your stuff for a fee.
New South Gate is actually one of the newer tourist spots in Tokyo for its beautiful urban sights. So be sure to take your pictures and explore a bit!
Southeast Gate
The Southeast Gate/Exit has a lot of shopping areas and restaurants to choose from. It is also what locals use a lot when getting around on their commute. Here, you’ll find a shopping center called Flags and a Shinjuku Tourist Information Booth downstairs.
Lastly, there is a Don Quijote branch nearby, as well as a bunch of ramen shops and other restaurants. So go out and explore a bit as well!
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