Train stations maps

I'm searching for some maps of the main train stations in Tokyo (expecially Shinjuku station) to make orientation easier once I will be there.. but till now I haven't found much, only partial maps of specific areas. Does anyone know where I can find the whole maps? TNX!

Google should provide you with station maps if you search any station name in combination with the search terms "station map", e.g. "Shinjuku station map".

The result for Shinjuku:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e866.html

Browse the websites of the operating companies. For example the maps of main JR East stations are here: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/index.html

Hi,
A lot of train stations in Tokyo are very big and a maze of hallways, corridors and platforms . To be prepared you need to plan where you are going (name of the line or operator) and then you just follow the signs. And as directions for exits are often given in north/south you need to know where north/south is.
Also this site gives a lot of references to maps (for reason of accessibility (example JR stations in To-kyo):
http://www.japan-accessible.com/transport/jr/kanto.htm

Have a nice trip.

B. Slager

Here's a link to the Tokyo Subway map, hope it will help

http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/

I wouldn't bother - learning a map route and seeing it in real life are two very different things! All stations are well signed in English, you should have no trouble provided you know which train you want and which platform it is on.

Almost all stations have huge maps inside, both for the station itself and the nearby area. Find one, check the "you are here" red arrow/blob and work from there.

The more confusing thing to watch out for are the multiple levels and exits. It can be hard to know which way is north/west/eats/south.

Also, ask the station attendant at the ticket gate - if you are in Tokyo, most have enough English to direct you one way or another (also works with strangers on the street).

In Europe if you see a direction or information map in the public area in most cases the top is north.
In Japan however the maps are printed depending on the direction you look at. Pretend you flip the map horizontal from the point you are looking at the map. The directions on the map are as in reality. This is handy but you need to know this.

Also especial tourist information maps are not always to scale. The closer by the scale is smaller. And not everything (like all side streets) are shown. Only the major tourist important aspects are drawn.

Maybe this needs a separate item in this forum (how to use maps).

B. Slager