Tokyo is a very attractive destination for travelers. With its well-developed public transportation system, it’s easy to get to tourist attractions and other places. However, for first-time visitors,
station signs and directions can be confusing, and even with the help of mobile apps, finding your way to your destination can be a real challenge.
This article isn’t just a general guide; it’s based on the author’s firsthand experience of approaching and assisting travelers who were lost at Tokyo Station and other locations.
❌ Mistake 1: Not knowing how to transfer to the Shinkansen at Shinagawa
Many travelers arrive at Shinagawa Station via the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport and transfer to the Shinkansen or JR lines.
Problem:
I don’t know how to transfer to the Shinkansen.
Why it happens:
• The Shinkansen is operated by JR, which is a different railway line from the Keikyu Line, so a transfer is necessary.
• When exiting Keikyu Shinagawa Station, it is unclear whether to head toward the exits or the transfer gate.
Solution:
• If you have a Shinkansen ticket, follow the signs for the JR transfer gate. (The transfer gate is located on the opposite side of the platform.)
👉 Watch the real transfer route:
• If you do not have a Shinkansen ticket, exit via the Takanawa Exit and walk through the station concourse to the Shinkansen platform.
👉 Watch the real transfer route:
❌ Mistake 2: Taking unnecessary trains (Shimbashi → Tsukiji)
Some travelers try to take an unnecessary subway ride when going from Shinbashi to Tsukiji.
The Problem
If you follow a navigation app, it will direct you to the station closest to your destination. In this case, the app suggested going from Shinagawa Station to Shinbashi Station, taking the subway from Shinbashi Station, and then walking from Higashi-Ginza Station. Since there is a distance to cover when transferring to the subway at Shinbashi Station, it is more efficient to walk from Shinbashi Station to Tsukiji. This avoids an unnecessary transfer.
The Reality
• It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Shinbashi Station to Tsukiji
• The route is simple and easy
Solution
• Walk instead of taking the train
• You’ll save time and won’t get lost
Many travelers find walking easier and less stressful than navigating train transfers in this area.
👉 Along the way, you’ll find the former Hamarikyu Gardens.
👉Tsukiji Outer Market
❌ Mistake 3: Buying a ticket only to Hamamatsucho (Monorail)
Many travelers use the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport, but they sometimes fail to purchase a transfer ticket for the section beyond Hamamatsucho.
Problem
If you buy a ticket only to Hamamatsucho, you will not be able to transfer to the JR line at the transfer gate.
Why it happens
• Not understanding that a transfer ticket is required to travel beyond Hamamatsucho Station
• Not knowing the fare and hurriedly purchasing a ticket only to Hamamatsucho Station
Solutions
• Use the fare adjustment machines located at the transfer gate at Hamamatsucho Station
• Exit the ticket gate and purchase a new ticket
Best Solution: Use an IC card (Welcome Suica)
👉 Watch how to fix this:
❌ Mistake 4: Choosing overly complicated routes (example: Kojimachi)
I met a traveler who was planning to transfer to the JR line at Hamamatsucho Station and then switch to the subway to get to Kojimachi.
Problem
I think it’s very difficult for first-time travelers to get from the airport to their destination using the subway.
Why it happens
• Navigation apps prioritize train travel and guide users to the nearest station on foot.
• They don’t understand the complexity of subway transfers.
• The information board does not show maps of all subway lines
Solution
• At the airport, purchase a ticket that covers the JR transfer and then buy a separate ticket for the subway.
• Even if it’s a slight detour, a simpler route is often better in Tokyo
Most JR stations in Tokyo are close to major tourist spots, so choose a route with few transfers to avoid stress.
We met a traveler trying to reach Kojimachi using multiple train transfers.
❌ Mistake 5: Getting lost trying to reach the Keiyo Line (Tokyo → Disney)
I met an elderly couple at Yaesu Central Gate who were completely lost trying to find the Keiyo Line to Tokyo Disney.
Problem
The Keiyo Line is extremely far and confusing inside Tokyo Station.
Why it happens
• The walking distance is very long
• Signs are difficult to follow
• Many people assume it’s nearby
Solution
• Since it’s easily accessible, walk from the south side of Marunouchi
• Look carefully so you don’t miss the signs
💡 Tip:
The Marunouchi South Exit is closer and easier to find. You can transfer from any ticket gate on the Yaesu side, but you’ll have to walk through crowded areas. Transferring from Yurakucho Station is another option.
❌ Mistake 6: Wasting hours before your Shinkansen
I met a family who was trying to get to Shin-Osaka and was looking for the entrance to the Tokaido Shinkansen. I directed them to the entrance, but their reserved Shinkansen wasn’t for another three hours. When I told them, “You still have plenty of time,” they said, “We’ll go through the ticket gates and rest inside.”
Problem
Even though Tokyo Station has many tourist attractions, they ended up going into the Shinkansen platform area, just sitting there staring at their smartphones and idly killing time.
Why it happens
• You don’t know how early you should arrive at the Shinkansen platform (you’re thinking of it like an airport)
• You don’t know that Tokyo Station has many attractive places to visit
• There are plenty of coin lockers, and it’s easy to store your luggage
Solution
Leave your luggage in a coin locker and explore places like these:
- Daimaru Tokyo (wonderful food hall / department store)
- Tokyo Station Ichiban-gai (Tokyo Ramen Street, Character Street, souvenirs, etc.)
- KITTE Marunouchi Rooftop
💡 Tip:
Even if you arrive early because you’re worried about your Shinkansen departure time, Tokyo Station has plenty of attractive tourist spots, so you can turn your waiting time into a highlight of your trip.
❌Mistake 7: Not knowing how to use QR code tickets
A parent and child were stuck at the ticket gate because they didn’t know where to scan their QR ticket.
Problem
They thought they needed to issue a ticket using the QR ticket to pass through the gate.
Why it happens
• It’s confusing because there are multiple ticket systems, such as IC cards and QR codes
• The location of the scanner at the ticket gate is hard to find
Solution
• Look for the QR code symbol
• Brighten your screen to scan
• If that doesn’t work → Ask a station attendant
💡 How to Avoid All These Problems
• Use an IC card (Welcome Suica is highly recommended)
• Follow station signs carefully
• Choose simple routes (not always the fastest)
• Watch real walking videos before traveling
🎯 Need Help?
tourist.tokyo provides real, on-the-ground Tokyo travel guides based on actual routes, photos, and videos — so you don’t get lost.
If you’re unsure about your route:
🔗 Related Guides
🏁 Final Tip
Tokyo’s train system is complicated, but once you get used to it, it’s a very convenient mode of transportation. To make the most of it, be sure to plan your route carefully before heading out.
Also, instead of buying paper tickets, be sure to use an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo.
You’ll also need to be mindful of your luggage while traveling, as many stations are always crowded and involve a lot of walking and stairs. I recommend traveling light by minimizing your luggage as much as possible.
There are plenty of ways to make your trip more comfortable, such as leaving your luggage at the hotel, using the coin lockers found at almost every station, or shipping your luggage to your destination in advance.
If you get lost, don’t hesitate to ask someone nearby for directions.
Even Japanese people who don’t speak English will likely be able to give you some guidance as long as they know the general area.
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