Nippori Station

Located in the northeastern section of metropolitan Tokyo in the Arakawa Ward, Nippori Station and its surroundings emanate old-school charm, near the more traditional parts of the city like Asakusa and Ueno while also being a gateway to other well-known areas. Its location means that many trains converge at Nippori Station, and thus, it has a strong following among train otaku who are hoping to capture photos and footage of Tokyo’s renowned rail system in action. 

For many visitors to Japan, Nippori Station may be a recognizable stop for the Keisei Skyliner, a commuter train that connects Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture to central Tokyo. Take a look at more information about Nippori Station and its role in getting around the world’s most populated metropolitan area.

The JR Jōban Line runs between Ueno Station and Narita Airport. The JR Keihin-Tōhoku line runs between Ōmiya Station in Saitama Prefecture and Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, with stops at major Tokyo stations such as Ueno and Shinagawa. The JR Yamanote line forms a large loop around central Tokyo. From Nippori Station, trains run either in one direction to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku Stations or in the other to Ueno and Tokyo.

The JR Yamanote line is accessible with the Japan Rail Pass.

Platform 1 of the Keisei main line serves Narita Airport via the Skyliner, as well as Eveningliner Limited Express trains.
Platform 2 also goes to Narita, but with Local, Rapid, Commuter Express and Limited Express trains.
Platform 0 serves Keisei Ueno Station.

Finally, the single platform of the Nippori-Toneri line connects Nippori Station with Minumadai-Shinsui Kōen in Tokyo's Adachi district. The journey between the two terminals takes just 20 minutes.

Several bus routes depart from the station to various points in Tokyo, such as Kameido station (bus 22), Kinshichō station (bus 08), Minumadai-Shinsui Kōen station (bus 48) or Kaga Danchi (bus 48-2).

Main exits from Nippori station

Nippori Station has two main exits: East and West. Two additional gantries, the North Gate and the South Gate, provide direct access to the platforms.

East exit

The East exit is easily accessible from the North Gate. It leads directly to the Keisei Liner, which runs to and from Narita Airport. Take the stairs down to the bus and cab halls.

Next to it, an elevated bridge provides a view of 13 converging tracks, earning this area the nickname "train museum."

This exit also gives access to Nippori Fabric Town, a district of the Arakawa borough where numerous textile stores are concentrated. You'll often come across fashion school students and sewing enthusiasts looking for supplies.

West exit

Exit West leads to Yanaka Ginza, a popular district with retro charm. Here you'll find public baths, art galleries, street food stalls and even cat sanctuaries.

Nearby is Yanaka Cemetery, accessible via Momiji Hill, a hill lined with maple trees that turn red and gold in autumn. In spring, the cemetery is famous for its cherry blossoms.

History of the station

Nippori Station opened in 1905, with only the JR line. Keisei Line operations began in 1931. In 1988, all Keisei Skyliner trains stopped at Nippori, making the station a major rail hub for regular users of the Tokyo network. Today, Nippori Station handles between 200,000 and 300,000 passengers a day!

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