Shimbashi Station

Published on : 19/09/2025
by : S.V.

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In the heart of Tokyo's Minato district, Shimbashi station is a major rail hub, served by numerous lines. With its many shops and restaurants, it's a lively place to be, and its central location is of great interest to travelers. Let's delve into the history of this emblematic station and discover all the secrets to finding your way around and making the most of it!

A historic station servicing a modern city

Located in the Minato Ward, Shimbashi Station is a major station that is serviced by a number of lines and companies, most prominently JR East on the Yamanote Line. It is also serviced by the Tokyo Metro Subway and Toei Subway with 7 total lines.

JR East

Yamanote Line (山手線)
Tokaido Main Line (東海道本線)
Yokosuka Line (横須賀線)
Keihin Tohoku Line (京浜東北線)

Private companies

Ginza Line (銀座線)
Asakusa Line (浅草線)
Yurikamome (新交通ゆりかもめ)

The Yamanote Line goes in a loop around the central part of the city. Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, and Ikebukuro are more easily accessible one way, and the opposite way goes towards Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, and Shinjuku Station.

The JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from platform 3 goes towards Shinagawa, Yokohama, and Ofuna. Platform 6 goes out to Tokyo, Ueno, and Omiya out in Saitama Prefecture.

The Tokaido Main Line takes up platforms 1 and 2, with 2 being dubbed the “Ueno-Tokyo Line” that goes out towards these two stations. Underground is the Yokosuka Line, going to and from Kanagawa. These JR lines are accessible with the Japan Rail Pass, great for getting around the country as well as within cities like Tokyo.

The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line goes between Shibuya and Asakusa. Toei’s Asakusa Line from platform 1 goes out to Sengakuji, Nishi-Magome, and then Haneda Airport. The other side goes out to Nihombashi and Oshiage and then to Narita Airport.

Finally, Shimbashi Station is also serviced by the Yurikamome, which connects the station to Toyosu via Odaiba.

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Exits at Shimbashi Station

The major exits at Shimbashi Station are largely named after the area to which they open up. Take note of the following major exits and what is in their vicinity.

Shiodome Exit: Leads to the Shiodome City Center and greater Shiodome area, known for high-end residential areas and upscale restaurants. Also leads to the Yurikamome platforms.
Ginza Exit: Leads to the luxurious Ginza neighborhood, known for shopping, food, and culture.
Hibiya Exit: Nearby Hibiya Park and the Hibiya area that is known for nice hotels, shopping, and food.
Karasumori Exit: Located on the west side of the station and is near Karasumori Shrine.

Shiodome, Shimbashi
@MaedaAkihiko on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

One of Japan’s most storied stations

Shimbashi Station has an important role in Japan’s rich history of rail travel. The first-ever railway line in the country was the Tokaido Main Line, and the original Shimbashi Station served as the line’s terminus.

This original station opened back in 1872. The current iteration of Shimbashi Station originally started out as Karasumori Station in 1909. Eventually the original Shimbashi Station was demolished and Karasumori Station was renamed Shimbashi Station.

At the West Entrance Square, a vintage locomotive from historic Japan is on display to commemorate Shimbashi Station’s historic relevance.

Shimbashi Station sees around 300,000 commuters daily. Though it isn’t as busy as other stations in Tokyo like Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, and Ikebukuro Station, it remains a major commuter hub. In the vicinity of contemporary, upscale neighborhoods like Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Ginza, it offers access to an authentic, yet more relaxed part of Tokyo.