🗺 Shinjuku Station Exit Guide – How Not to Get Lost
Shinjuku is known as the station where “the most people get lost” in Tokyo.
With one of the highest passenger volumes in the world and over 100 exits, the station is famously complex.
Even locals who use it every day can get confused.

But don’t worry.
This guide explains how to walk through Shinjuku Station without stress and shows the best exits for each destination.
You can easily follow it with your phone while walking.

🚉 Why Is Shinjuku Station So Confusing?

Shinjuku is a massive transportation hub where several train companies and subway lines intersect:

・JR Lines (Yamanote, Chuo, Sobu, Shonan-Shinjuku, etc.)
・Odakyu Line
・Keio Line
・Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
・Toei Shinjuku & Oedo Lines

All of these are connected like a maze, often feeling like completely different buildings.
Each company has its own gates and signage, which makes navigation tricky.

🎯 First Rule: Remember Only the Directions, Not the Exit Numbers

Shinjuku becomes much easier once you know the four main directions:

・East Exit (shopping, Kabukicho, ALTA area)
・West Exit (office district, Tokyo Metropolitan Government area)
・South Exit (Busta Shinjuku, NEWoMan, Takashimaya)
・Central East / Central West Exits (station center area)

If you feel lost, focus only on the direction you need.
Specific exit numbers can be ignored at first.

🧭 Best Exits by Destination

🛍 If You’re Going Shopping → East Exit

Use the East Exit for Shinjuku’s largest shopping area.

・Isetan (8–10 minutes on foot)
・Lumine Est
・Bicqlo
・Shinjuku ALTA
・Kabukicho
・Disk Union
・Kinokuniya Bookstore

The East Exit is always crowded.
Checking the street view beforehand helps a lot.

🌃 For Nightlife & Restaurants → Kabukicho Area Exit

From the East Exit, head north to reach Shinjuku’s famous nightlife zone.

・Kabukicho Tower
・TOHO Cinema (Godzilla Head)
・Golden Gai
・Shinjuku Ward Office Street
・Omoide Yokocho (note: technically on the West side)

This area is extremely popular among international visitors.

🏢 For Business / Office Visits → West Exit

The West Exit leads to Shinjuku’s business district and high-rise area.

・Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
・Yodobashi Camera
・Omoide Yokocho
・Nishi-Shinjuku (Marunouchi Line access)

Tall skyscrapers will appear immediately after you exit.

🚌 For Buses & Long-Distance Travel → South Exit

If your destination is Busta Shinjuku (long-distance bus terminal), this is the most important exit.

・Busta Shinjuku
・NEWoMan
・Takashimaya Times Square
・JR Shinnan Gate
・Miraina Tower

First-time visitors should simply remember:
“South Exit = Busta Shinjuku.”

🚇 If You Only Use Subways → Use the Underground Routes

Shinjuku Station’s underground level is often easier to navigate.

・Marunouchi Line (B1)
・Toei Shinjuku Line & Oedo Line (Shinjuku-Sanchome area)
・Fukutoshin Line (Shinjuku-Sanchome)

On rainy days, staying underground is the smartest option.

📌 3 Tips to Avoid Getting Lost

① Follow the direction signs first

Ignore the detailed exit numbers.
Look for the large signs showing EAST / WEST / SOUTH.

② Decide whether to walk underground or above ground

Underground = simpler
Above ground = crowded & easy to get confused

③ If you’re completely lost → head to East Exit or South Exit

These two areas are the easiest landmarks and have taxis, shops, and open spaces.

🧳 Popular Spots for Foreign Visitors (by Exit)

・East Exit: Kabukicho, ALTA, Isetan
・South Exit: Busta Shinjuku, Takashimaya, NEWoMan
・West Exit: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Omoide Yokocho
・Central East/West: Lumine, JR transfer routes

Shinjuku is the biggest “hub station” for travelers coming to Tokyo for the first time.

📝 Summary

Shinjuku Station might seem like a giant maze, but once you memorize the directions (East / West / South), it becomes surprisingly simple.
Use this guide for sightseeing, shopping, hotel access, and airport/bus travel—and you won’t get lost.

If you want, I can also create versions in:
・Simplified Chinese
・Traditional Chinese
・Korean
just let me know!