From 200+ exits to hidden corners, here are 7 surprising facts about Shinjuku Station, Tokyo’s busiest and most visited transit hub.
1 / 8Shinjuku Station may look like just another busy spot in Tokyo, but its numbers, design and tucked-away spots tell a very different story. Here are seven things that make it one of Japan’s most fascinating hubs. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 81. It’s one of the busiest stations in the world | Shinjuku Station handles millions of passengers every single day, making it one of the world’s most crowded transport centres. Trains, subways and private railway lines all connect here. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 82. There are more than 200 station exits | The station is famously confusing because of its maze-like design and huge number of exits. First-time visitors often rely on maps or signs to find their way. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
4 / 83. It connects multiple railway companies | JR East, Odakyu Electric Railway, Keio Corporation and Tokyo Metro all operate inside the same station complex. This makes Shinjuku a key travel hub across central Tokyo. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 84. A huge underground shopping zone sits below it | Beneath the station is a network of malls, food courts and stores. Areas like Shinjuku Subnade and Odakyu Ace offer everything from snacks to fashion. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 85. The station has a “Lost & Found” that recovers thousands of items | Because so many people pass through, lost goods are collected daily. From wallets to umbrellas, the station’s Lost & Found handles a large volume of items every year. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 86. It’s linked to major landmarks and districts | Shinjuku Station opens up to popular spots like Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It’s a starting point for many sightseeing plans. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 87. The West Exit has a dedicated bus terminal | The station’s West Exit houses a large bus terminal that connects Tokyo to other cities. Long-distance highway buses and airport shuttles leave from here. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
