Shinjuku Station, Railway and metro station in Shinjuku ward, Japan.
Shinjuku Station is a railway and metro interchange in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, connecting lines run by five different railway companies. The complex spans multiple floors and underground levels, with tracks both above and below ground.
The station opened in 1885 as part of the Akabane-Shinagawa line, making it one of the oldest in Tokyo. It was rebuilt after World War II and grew steadily as new lines were added over the following decades.
The station has over 200 exits, and the numbering follows no obvious pattern, which can confuse even regular users. Many exits are named after nearby streets or landmarks, which helps once you learn to read the signs.
It helps to know which exit you need before you arrive, as the station is large and changing direction inside can take time. Luggage lockers are available at several points throughout the complex if you need to store bags during the day.
Beneath the station lies a network of underground shopping passages that connects to nearby buildings and keeps pedestrians dry on rainy days. Some of these passages are old enough to have their own character, with small shops and restaurants that have been open for decades.
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