Tokyo Station Exit Guide: Yaesu & Marunouchi (Which Exit to Use & Where to Go)

Tokyo Station is one of the most confusing stations in Japan.
With multiple exits like Yaesu and Marunouchi, many travelers end up walking in the wrong direction.

This guide will help you understand each exit and choose the best one for your destination.

Where should you exit Tokyo Station?

👉 Just choose your destination:

• 🚄 Shinkansen → Yaesu Side
• 🏯 Imperial Palace → Marunouchi Central Exit
• 🏬 Daimaru Department Store → Yaesu North Exit
• 🏢 KITTE Building → Marunouchi South Exit
• 🌉 Nihonbashi Area → Nihonbashi Exit
• 🚌 Airport / Highway Buses → Yaesu Side
• 🚕 Taxi / Easy Pickup → Yaesu or Marunouchi Side
• 🚌 Local Buses to Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji, Asakusa and Monzen-Nakacho → Check the destination-specific exit below

Tip: Marunouchi = west side (Imperial Palace, landmarks and several local bus routes)

Yaesu = east side (Shinkansen, airport buses,highway buses,and local bus routes)

Best Exit for Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

If you’re taking the Shinkansen, the best side of Tokyo Station is the Yaesu side.

Most Shinkansen platforms are located closer to the Yaesu exits, especially Yaesu Central Exit and Yaesu North Exit.

👉 If you are arriving by Shinkansen:

• Exit from Yaesu side for easier access to taxis, buses, and hotels

👉 If you are departing:

• Head toward Yaesu side signs inside the station

⚠️ Important:
Tokyo Station is very large, and walking from Marunouchi side to Shinkansen platforms can take 10–15 minutes.

If you’re in a hurry, always choose Yaesu side.

🌧 Stay Dry at Tokyo Station

You don’t need to leave the station on a rainy day.

👉 Explore food, shopping, and hidden spots inside Tokyo Station

➡️ Tokyo Station Guide for Rainy Days

Tokyo Station Guide for Rainy Days (Food, Shopping & Easy Routes)

🚄 Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Best Exit: Yaesu Central Exit / Yaesu North Exit
Walking time from exit: ~3–7 minutes

Why this exit?
Most Shinkansen platforms at Tokyo Station are located closer to the Yaesu side.
Exiting from Yaesu makes it much faster and easier to access the Shinkansen gates, especially if you have luggage.

If you are arriving by Shinkansen, the Yaesu side also provides direct access to taxis, airport buses, and hotels.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

👉 Watch this before using Tokyo Station:

Tokyo Station is huge. This real walking video shows exactly where the Shinkansen area is located — and which exits to use so you don’t waste time walking the wrong way.

👉 How to Board the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station | Green Car Step-by-Step:

🏯 Imperial Palace

Best Exit: Marunouchi Central Exit
Walking time from exit: ~5 minutes

Why this exit?
This exit leads directly toward the Imperial Palace side with a clear and scenic route.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

👉 Read more: Imperial Palace Guide

Imperial Palace Walking Route Step-by-Step

👉 Exit details: Marunouchi Central

🏬 Daimaru Department Store

Best Exit: Yaesu North Exit
Walking time from exit: ~1 minute

Why this exit?
Daimaru is directly connected to this exit, making it the easiest access point.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

Also nearby (underground):

• Tokyo Character Street
• Gransta Tokyo (shopping & food area)

👉 Exit details: Yaesu North

🏢 KITTE Building

Best Exit: Marunouchi South Exit
Walking time from exit: ~1 minute

Why this exit?
KITTE is located just outside this exit on the Marunouchi side.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

Also nearby (underground):

• Gransta Tokyo (shopping & food area)

👉 Exit details: Marunouchi South

🌉 Nihonbashi Area

Best Exit: Nihonbashi Exit
Walking time from exit: ~6–10 minutes

Why this exit?
This is the closest exit to the historic Nihonbashi district and department stores.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

Also nearby (underground):

• Tokyo Character Street
• Pokemon Store
• Dragonball Store

👉 Read more: Nihonbashi Area Guide

Nihonbashi – The Historic Heart of Tokyo

👉 Exit details: Nihonbashi

🚌 Bus Terminal / Airport Bus

Best Exit: Yaesu South Exit

Why this exit?
The main bus terminals, including airport limousine buses and highway buses, are located on the Yaesu side.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

Good to know:

• Many airport buses depart from here
• Signs for “Bus Terminal” are easier to follow on the Yaesu side
• If you have luggage, this side is more convenient

Also nearby (underground):

• Tokyo Ramen Street

👉 Exit details: Yaesu South

🚕 Taxi / Easy Pickup

Best Exit: Yaesu Side or Marunouchi Side

Why this exit?
Taxi stands are available on both sides of Tokyo Station.
Yaesu is slightly more direct for major roads, but Marunouchi is often less crowded.

“Here is the exact location of the exit on the map:”

Also nearby (underground):

• Tokyo Okashi Land

👉 Exit details: Yaesu Central, Marunouchi South, Marunouchi North

🚌Travel Directly from Tokyo Station by Local Bus

Tokyo Station is not only a major train station. Several local buses also provide direct and convenient routes to popular areas of Tokyo.

Unlike airport and highway buses, these are regular city buses used for traveling within central Tokyo. The correct departure point depends on your destination, so check the exit and bus stop carefully.

Destination	Best Exit	Bus
Tokyo Tower	Marunouchi South Exit	Tokyu Bus Route 東98
Tsukiji	Marunouchi South Exit	Toei Bus Route 都05-1
Asakusa	Yaesu South Exit	Toei Bus Route 東42-1
Monzen-Nakacho	Marunouchi North Exit	Toei Bus Route 東22

Tokyo Tower

Take Tokyu Bus Route 東98 from the Marunouchi South Exit area. The bus travels directly toward Tokyo Tower without requiring a train transfer.

From Tokyo Station to Tokyo Tower by Bus: Bus Stops, Route and Fare

Tsukiji

Bus Stop 7 near the Marunouchi South Exit provides a direct and easy route to Tsukiji. Get off at Tsukiji-sanchome for convenient access to the Tsukiji Outer Market.

From Tokyo Station to Tsukiji by Bus: Bus Stops, Route and Fare

Asakusa

From the Yaesu South Exit, take Toei Bus Route 東42 directly to Asakusa. The city bus stop is located beyond the more noticeable JR highway bus area.

From Tokyo Station to Asakusa by Bus: Bus Stops, Route and Fare

Monzen-Nakacho

From the Marunouchi North Exit, take Toei Bus Route 東22 toward Monzen-Nakacho. This route also stops at Nihombashi and provides convenient access to Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple and Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine.

Tokyo Station to Monzen-Nakacho by Bus: A Direct and Easy Route

These routes have been checked in person, including the exact exits, bus stop locations, boarding procedures and nearby landmarks.

⚠️ Don’t Panic if You’re on the Wrong Side

If you exit on the wrong side, don’t worry.

You can easily move between Yaesu and Marunouchi using underground passages inside the station.

👉 It usually takes about 7–10 minutes to cross to the other side.

👉 Look for signs pointing to “Yaesu” or “Marunouchi”.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Confusing Yaesu and Marunouchi (they are opposite sides)
• Getting lost in underground passages
• Following signs without knowing the final destination

👉 Tip: Walking outside is often easier than going underground.

🎥 Watch the Real Route

⇩ Yaesu South Exit → Yaesu North Exit (outside)

⇩ Yaesu South Exit → Nihonbashi Exit (inside)

⇩ Marunouchi South Exit → Marunouchi North Exit (outside)

📍 Understanding Tokyo Station

🔵 Yaesu Side (Best for transport, shopping, and food)

• Daimaru Department Store
• Tokyo Station First Avenue
  • Tokyo Character Street
  • Tokyo Ramen Street
• Bus Terminal (Airport & Highway Buses)
• Taxi stands
• GranTokyo North Tower
• Yaesu Underground Mall

👉 Best choice if you have luggage or need easy transportation.

🔴 Marunouchi Side (Best for sightseeing and landmarks)

• Imperial Palace (5-minute walk)
• KITTE Building (shopping & rooftop view)
• Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building (historic red brick station)
• Tokyo Station Hotel
• Marunouchi business district
• Marunouchi Naka-dori (shopping street)

👉 Best choice for sightseeing and scenic walks.

🔗 Detailed Exit Guides

• Yaesu North Exit Guide

• Yaesu South Exit Guide

• Yaesu South Exit Guide

• Marunouchi North Exit Guide

• Marunouchi Central Exit Guide

• Marunouchi South Exit Guide

• Nihonbashi Exit Guide

🌧 Stay Dry at Tokyo Station

You don’t need to leave the station on a rainy day.

👉 Explore food, shopping, and hidden spots inside Tokyo Station

➡️ Tokyo Station Guide for Rainy Days

Tokyo Station Guide for Rainy Days (Food, Shopping & Easy Routes)

💬 Need Help with Tokyo Station?

Tokyo Station can be confusing, even with a guide.

👉 Get real advice from a local before your trip.

➡️ Free Tokyo Travel Support Service (Limited)

Tokyo Travel Assistance | Helping you experience Tokyo, not just navigate it.

FAQ

Can I walk between Yaesu and Marunouchi inside Tokyo Station?

Yes, you can walk between them inside the station.

However, Tokyo Station is very large, and it may take 10–20 minutes depending on your location.