Ultimate Guide to the 10 Biggest Train Stations in Japan

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of train stations in Japan. They’re among the most aesthetically pleasing places in the country, with several architectural gems hidden under their wings, and also the gateway to some of the world’s fastest trains. 

Whether you’re en route to theJapanese countryside or about to board the shinkansen (aka the famous bullet train!), your journey begins at the station. From the bustle of Shinjuku Station to the youthful crowd at Takadonababa Station, you’ll be impressed with these 10 biggest (and coolest) train stations in Japan: 

Don’t be surprised, but there are over 8,567 train stations in Japan in total! The country’s railway system is among the most advanced in the world, with several hundred train companies operating and tracks running daily. 

Of course, you can expect many stations where these trains will stop. 179 stations are found in Tokyo, while 133 are in Osaka. The rest are spread out from city to city. 

If your answer is Shinjuku, then you’re absolutely right! Located between Shinjuku and Shibuya, the bustling Shinjuku Station clusters five major railway companies in Japan, namely the JR East, Odakyu Electric Railway, Keio Corporation, Tokyo Metro, and the TOEI Subway.  

Shinjuku Station is the connecting link between Central Tokyo and its western suburbs, going to Osaka and the Kansai region. From Narita Airport, you can ride the Narita Express to arrive at Shinjuku Station and travel beyond. Although this station isn’t home to any bullet trains, it runs several trips to Tokyo, Ueno, and Shinagawa stations where you can access the bullet trains. 

The station is accessible via all rail service JR lines, making it an essential train stop for anyone with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass, for short!).

Wanna learn a cool travel hack to help you save on your trip? Book a JR Pass and enjoy unlimited train travel for up to 21 days! You can check out our guide here to get the major deets: 

What’s a trip to Japan without going to its biggest train station? In fact, Shinjuku isn’t only the busiest station in Japan but also in the world, serving over 3.6 million passengers a day. So, what exactly is inside this huge hub? You’ll come face-to-face with 20 train tracks, 12 train links, and over 200 entrances and exits. Good luck finding your way in and out! Beyond the station itself, the lively and exciting Shinjuku is among the top must-see areas in Tokyo, bursting with nightlife, endless rows of ramen shops, shopping, and entertainment. 

Anyone who’s been to Japan before is no stranger to the populous Shibuya Station, a vibrant hub right in the middle of Tokyo’s busiest crossing. This station is part of the famous Yamanote Line, a train route that stops by the city’s top attractions. Drop by Shibuya Station, and you’ll come across over 3 million passengers hurrying to and fro. Once you step outside the station, you’ll see the famous dog, Hachiko, immortalized as an iconic bronze statue. 

Like Shinjuku and Shibuya, Ikebukuro is at the heart of Tokyo, which explains why it’s also among the busiest train stations in Japan, with over 2.62 million passengers a day. The ginormous Ikebukuro Station is an essential stop as it combines four railway companies: the JR East (including the Yamanote Line and Narita Express), Seibu, Tobu Railway, and the Tokyo Metro. Not to mention, it also connects the capital’s major department stores, such as Parco and Seibu—a great place to do your last-minute shopping! 

Speaking of Tokyo, it’s worth visiting the station named after its capital. Tokyo Station welcomes over 1.1 million passengers per day, thanks to its 14 train lines and 3,000 trains operating daily. Trains that run in the station include the famous Tokaido Shinkansen, aka the most-travelled high-speed rail route in the world! To add flavour to your Japan train experience, you can even order an ekiben (a piping hot bento box for breakfast, lunch, or dinner) for your journey from Ekibenya Matsuri. 

This time, we’re headed south to Kanagawa. Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan, and its station is the fifth largest train station in the country. First founded in 1872, Yokohama Station sits at the centre of the city’s top shopping districts. The Porta Underground Shopping Mall and the Sogo Department Store are on its east, and the Yokohama Landmark Tower (just Japan’s second tallest building, btw) is stationed just five minutes away. 

Klook Tip: To get from Tokyo to Yokohama, use your JR Pass for Whole Japan to climb aboard the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line or the JR Tokaido Line, which will take you from Shinjuku Station to Yokohama Station in a snap.

Nagoya Station holds two records: first, as one of the largest stations on the planet with a whopping floor area of 101 acres; second, as the tallest railway station building in the world, standing at 50 stories high. Consequently, the station is also close to the headquarters of the Central Japan Railway Company, a must-stop for all train enthusiasts. And even if you aren’t, well, this record-breaking station in the Aichi Prefecture is still worth paying a visit. 

The city of Osaka rivals the Kanto region with the lively Umeda Station, an energetic hub that sees over 2.3 million passengers every day. Umeda Station covers four train lines, including Midosuji, Yotsubashi, Tanimachi, Hankya, and Hanshin Electric Railway, to get you around Osaka. Besides being a vibrant train stop, Umeda is also a popular shopping district, outsizing Tokyo’s Shinjuku area. Spot Chikigai, an underground shopping mall between Osaka and Umeda Station, plus Hankyu and Hanshin Department Stores. The area is jam-packed with can’t-miss sightseeing spots like the Floating Garden at the top of the Umeda Sky Building. 

Klook Tip: With your JR Pass, you’ll arrive at the JR Osaka Station and walk five minutes to Umeda Station. 

In your journey to find the most charming city in Japan, you’ll stumble upon Kita-Senju in Adachi, Tokyo. Bursting with traditional houses, old fish markets, truckloads of serene parks, and the gentle Sumida River, this laid-back town will transport you back to the Edo period. Best yet, it’s easily accessible from the Kita-Senju Station, which services almost 1.5 million passengers daily. Kita-Senju Station covers four tracks: the JR Joban Line, Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya and Chiyoda Line, and the Tsukuba Express Line.

If you’re travelling anywhere between Narita International Airport and Osaka, you’ll likely pass by Shinagawa Station, which is part of the Yamanote Line. The station has a colourful personality, with its myriad attractions close by. From the Shinagawa Aquarium to the Oi Racetracks, you’ll have a blast exploring this stop and might even spend the entire day exploring this side of Tokyo. 

Last on our list of the coolest and busiest train stations in Japan is Takadanobaba Station, which is conveniently nestled close to the prestigious Waseda University. Every day, over 900,000 passengers alight the station, most of whom are university students, so expect a very hip and trendy crowd for this one! 

Discover Japan by train with a JR Pass that lets you ride the country’s speediest and coolest trains numerous times for 7, 14, and up to 21 days. This way, you won’t need to worry about paying for individual tickets each time you board—just hand in your pass! 

Need more time to think about getting the JR Pass? Here are some guides to help you make the decision. “Is the pass worth it?” “What are its perks?” We’ll answer all your burning questions: