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Shimbashi to Tokyo station 2019/1/7 14:45
I plan to take the Yamanote Line from Shimbashi to Tokyo Station. We will be walking to Shimbashi from the B Tokyo Shimbashi. A few questions:

- how do I know which entrances for Shimbashi have escalators/elevators to go wherever the Yamanote Line is (we will have luggage)
- when getting to the Tokyo Station, are there elevators/escalators to where the Shinkansen for Kyoto is (track 16)
- As I am looking at the map for the Tokyo station www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/img/map_e/e1039.pdf it appears that track 16 is at both ends. How do I get to where I need to be?

Thanks.
by Zsuzsi17  

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/7 16:18
You should not travel with so much luggage that you cannot carry it up/down stairs (not all train stations have lifts/escalators). Entry from either side (any of the four entrances) gets you access to escalators.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e877.html

For Tokyo, yes, escalators. And note the shinkansen platforms are 400 meters long - so depending which transfer you use and your seat/car reservation might simply give you a longer walk.
by JapanCustomTours rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/7 22:49
Hi!

Shimbashi Station does have escalators though, it's a pretty major station. I know because I one trip decided to be cheap and not takyuubin and took my suitcases from Shimbashi Station (Walked from the Royal Park to Shimbashi) and took the train to Tokyo Station to catch the NEX.

Here is a map: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e877.html

I don't remember if I used the Shiodome or the entrance Ginza but it was pretty straight forward. I would just give myself extra time. If you have a few extra minutes, it's easy enough to read the signs.

The shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto does not have an area for storing large suitcases, just an overhead space. I've seen people try to balance large suitcases up there and I am always afraid they are going to come down on someone.

You can also just ride with a big suitcase in front of you in your leg area. It's not a lot of fun. The Tohoku and Hokuriku lines actually do have suitcase storage areas. I was pretty surprised about that.

I don't know where you are going in Kyoto, but I can say with 100% surety that none of the local buses in Kyoto can handle big suitcases. Heck, I wouldn't want to take one with a small backpack unless it was some really off time when the bus was empty. So make sure you know how you will get your suitcase from Kyoto Station to where ever you are going in Kyoto.

Have you thought about using takyuubin from your hotel in Tokyo to your hotel in Kyoto?

Good luck!
by rkold rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/8 01:46
Thanks for the helpful replies. I plan to have a carry-on and a small backpack. I am thinking about potentially using a shipping service for the luggage, I will see.
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/8 03:04
Hi!

A small back and a carry on sized bag are generally not going to be a problem for either the Yamanote line or the shinkansen. Carry-on bags fit easily overhead as will the backpack. I've seen some people try to get very large check-in sized like 30 inches+/76cm+ bags in the overhead areas on shinkansen and those always look so precarious.

I still would not want to bring even a carry on sized bag on the bus in Kyoto. They just get so packed and are so narrow. However, if where you are staying is reachable by the Keihan, Hankyu, or subway, JR you will be fine.

Good luck!
by rkold rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/8 04:24
Thanks again. This makes me feel better. In Kyoto we could use the subway (2 stops) or maybe take a taxi. No plans to use buses upon arrival or departure anywhere in Japan. In fact no plans to use buses at all in Tokyo and as much as feasible I would like to avoid them in Kyoto.
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/10 05:23
Hi!

The highway buses in Japan are really nice. They're the sort you would take if you were going longer distance. I just took one this Summer from Kamikochi to Shin-shimashina where you transfer for the train to Matsumoto. That bus was perfectly lovely with huge comfy seats and storage space under the bus for luggage.

Depending on where you are going in Kyoto to sightsee, at some point you might need to use a local bus. A lot also depends on how much you like to walk. Kinkakuji is not particularly close to any train/subway station and so you must either bus it, walk it, or taxi it. When we visited, we took a bus from outside our hotel to Kitano Tenmangu to go to the flea market and then walked to Kinkakuji and then caught a bus to Ninnaji and then walked to the Keifuku line to Arashiyama. Ginkakuji is also a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest train station or you need to bus/taxi your way there.

I admit, I tend to always pick hotels that I know I can either easily walk to or are a short walk from a train or subway station in Kyoto because it's one thing to take a bus when you are out sightseeing but another when you are going to/from where you are staying.

Good luck, there are so many new hotels in Kyoto! I feel like every trip I see something new.
by rkold rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/10 07:38
Thanks
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

From Shimbashi Station to Kyoto Station 2019/1/10 19:09
You can take the Tokaido Main Line from Shimbashi Station either (westbound) to Shinagawa Station or (eastbound) to Tokyo Station.

Tokaido Main Line vs Yamanote Line
: The Tokaido Main Line track is a little closer to the Tokaido Shinkansen tracks in Shinagawa | Tokyo Station.
: Less stations are on the Tokaido Main Line for the section Tokyo -- Shimbashi -- Shinagawa.

Shinagawa Station vs Tokyo Station
: Shinagawa Station is closer to Kyoto Station.
: In Shinagawa Station, there is only one Shinkansen zone, so you just follow signs for the Shinkansen.
: In Tokyo Station, there are two separate Shinkansen zones, so you have to find a correct Shinkansen gate.
: When you hope to shop or dine before your Shinkansen ride
or you plan to use the Shinkansen without seat reservation and try to secure your seat on the spot,
Tokyo Station may be a good choice.
: Otherwise, Shinagawa Station sounds better.
by omotenashi rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/11 01:21
Thanks, I will look into this option, see where the Tokaido main line is and how to get to it in the Shimbashi station, how many stops to Shinagava station, etc. the shorter, easier to fond everything the better.
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/11 03:28
Seems like a very good idea. I looked at the details and Ifd appreciate you validating my understanding based on what I could figure out from Google map, Hyperdia and https://www.shinagawastation.com/shinagawa-station-map-finding-your-wa...

- taking the Tokaido Main Line from Shimbashi Station to Shinagawa Station: 1 stop from platform 1 in Shimbashi . Google doesnft show arrival platform in Shinagava, but based of the stationfs description it seems that the Tokaido Main Line will arrive on platform 5 or 8.
- Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Kyoto leaves from track 23 or 24 (Hyperdia doesnft show it), based on the station's description.

If I interpret correctly the picture of the Shinagawa station, it seems that platforms 5 and 8 are on a level lower than tracks 23&24.

Is the above correct? Thanks.
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/11 07:22
EN station maps are provided by JR-EAST as rail company official.

Shimbashi
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e877.html

Shinagawa
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e788.html
This is unofficial one written in JP(a bit old), but understanding easier.
http://www.ecomo-rakuraku.jp/stationmap/22709.html
Shinkansen tracks also placed on same 1F, not lower,
connecting passages are on 2F and two ways North and South(including Central).
https://youtu.be/DxaoZwTtXLg
(0:00 Tokyo to 4:25 Shinagawa, Shinkansen right window view)
So, go to transfer gate on thin Pink colored on map, no need conventional lines ticket gate out.
This is Yamanote line platform to Shinkansen transfer gate.
https://youtu.be/KqlYDEof884

If take a down(west bound) train on the Tokaido main line (also called "UenoTokyo line") from Shinbashi,
you can NOT get in a "Green car" of commuter train with only the lowest base fare ticket
or only by Japan Rail Pass "ordinary" ("Green" one is possible).
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/types.html
https://i.imgur.com/LFOXt1b.png
Green car is double decker type with two cars in the middle,
but you can see it very easy, also many signs on platfrom.
http://okiraku-goraku.com/2016/09/post-1354.php
Basically, train body color is Green/Orange as Tokaido main line and more,
but in this section Blue one(Joban line's train) also using, however, fare and stops is same, no worry.
https://youtu.be/nxARpD236_w
https://youtu.be/xcLgwolxpnk
(In Kyoto and around Kansai region, JR-West does not use this Green car system as commuter trains.)

And this is Tokyo station map, if other readers need.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e1039.html
(note)
Shimbashi and Shinagawa maps top is the West, but Tokyo's top is opposite, East.
by taparew (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi -- Shinagawa -- Kyoto 2019/1/11 10:49
Hello again, dear Zsuzsi17.

In that map (of your link) for JR Shinagawa Station, the difference in level is not well highlighted.
Better maps are available.

- JR East: Guide map for Shinagawa Station
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e788.html

- JR Central: Maps of station layouts
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/station/

Anyway, you go up from the platform (probably for Tracks 11 and 12) to the concourse, pass through the Shinkansen South Transfer Gate, and go down to the Shinkansen platform for Tracks 23 and 24.

According to JR guidance on the poster in Shinagawa Station's concourse,
which is shown in Google Street View (as of February 2018),
the track for Tokaido Line trains running for Kawasaki is Track 12.

One elevator between Tracks 11 and 12
connects the platform and the concourse,
and its doors open at the concourse's south end
(= left end in the station maps).

You get off the elevator,
turn to the right, walk through the pathway,
and find on your left the Shinkansen South Transfer Gate.
Then, you pass through the transfer gate,
take the nearby elevator down for Tracks 23 and 24, and reach the platform.

- Google Street View
(1) Around the elevator between Tracks 11 and 12, on the platform:
https://www.google.co.jp/maps/@35.6283675,139.7394576,2a,90y,179.15h,1...
(2) Around the same elevator, on the concourse:
https://www.google.co.jp/maps/@35.6283827,139.739465,2a,75y,179.15h,10...

When your Shinkansen train arrives,
this elevator is close to Car Number 2, the second from the train's head,
which is among the cars for passengers going without seat reservation,
where seats are secured on the first-come, first-served basis.

On the supposition that you travel with a JR Ordinary Class ticket or pass,
I recommend you reserve your seat
in Car Number 4, 5, 6 or 7 of a Nozomi train, or
in Car Number 6 or 7 of a Hikari train.
(A Japan Rail Pass does not let you have Nozomi train rides.)

Any train in service on the Tokaido Shinkansen is composed of 16 cars;
Cars Numbers 6 to 8 are Green Cars,
where a Green Car ticket or Green Class pass is required.
So, if your seat is reserved in a car beyond these Green Cars,
it may be uneasy to get there quickly.

Shinkansen trains make literally brief stops.
When you have reserved your seat,
it is better to reach the platform at least 5 minutes in advance
(of your Shinkansen train's scheduled departure time)
and wait at the position for your train car.

1 stop from platform 1 in Shimbashi .

Yes.

The departure track is Track 1 in Shimbashi Station.
Shinagawa is the next station for your train to make a stop,
which means you basically do not have to make room,
until the doors open at Shinagawa,
for other passengers getting on or off the train.

(On the Yamanote Line, between the two stations is Hamamatsucho Station,
which is a major transfer station for travelers using Haneda Airport.)

We will be walking to Shimbashi from the B Tokyo Shimbashi.

It is about 500 meters to walk
from your hotel to the Karasumori Gate of Shimbashi Station.
(When a taxi goes smoothly to the Karasumori Entrance,
your taxi fare is estimated at around 500 yen per car.)

- Google Maps: Suggested walking route:
https://www.google.co.jp/maps/dir/35.6674949,139.7534266/35.6660001,13...

You pass through the Karasumori Gate,
take the nearby elevator up for Tracks 1 and 2, and reach the platform.

Then, you get into the front half of your train,
which is, when the train arrives at Track 12 in Shinagawa Station,
closer to the elevator for the concourse.
by omotenashi rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station questions 2019/1/11 11:21
I admit, I know it is probably a little faster but I still prefer Tokyo Station over Shinagawa.

One thing I like about Tokyo Station is because the shinkansen start there, you have a little more time to find your car, board and get settled before the train takes off usually. I also prefer Tokyo Station because I like the food options in the station better. But this is very much a personal preference. It's like picking a location where you want to stay in Tokyo. Everyone has their own preferences once they've been a few times.

Good luck! I am sure you will have an easy transfer no matter which station you use.
by rkold rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station 2019/1/12 02:10
Thanks rkold & taparew for your comments and suggestions. Thanks very much rkold for the very detailed and precise directions. Now I know that I will be able to navigate the stations. I appreciate the time you took for sharing this information. Being over 70 in an unfamiliar environment where I don't speak the language and I cannot read many signs, makes me feel very uncomfortable. But with this help now I feel so much better.
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station 2019/1/12 03:51
Hi!

I think it was someone else who gave you the more detailed instructions, but I do appreciate your kind thanks. I love trying to help people when I can.

I want to let you know, even if you don't know any Japanese, if you are not in a rush and pause for a few minutes there are many signs written in English at train stations and subway stations. Even stations really out in the countryside where few foreigners are likely to go, will still have signs with English on them (I'm looking at you Ononiimachi.) You just need to take a deep breath, don't panic and look. The big thing you need to know is just the romanji version (like Shimbashi, Kyoto, Koriyama, Gion-Shijo to give a few examples of station names) of where you want to get to. The buses have added a lot more English as well, though in general trains and subways are easier.

I can't speak for Shinagawa but when I was in Tokyo Station in July 2018 they had an obvious looking foreigner who was there to help with information and directions. They were near the Central entrance/exit. If you were walking through Tokyo Station with bags, they'd politely ask you if you needed any help. (Foreigners without bags were not automatically asked since the assumption was you could be a resident. I was asked when I had a small wheelie with me. I was not asked when I was bag free.)

There is a lot more English in Japan now than there use to be. I know you are going to do fine and have an unforgettable trip!
by rkold rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station 2019/1/12 07:57
Thanks, it is good to know that one can get help if needed.

Yes, the special thanks had to go to omotenashi.

And thanks to everyone contributed.
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station 2019/1/13 07:17
As I was copying over steps, viewing the maps, stations and watching the videos I became confident that with having this much detail, I should not have any issues navigating the stations upon our departure from Tokyo. Many thanks one more time, omotenashi for taking the time to provide all of this very helpful information!
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

Re: Shimbashi to Tokyo station 2019/5/3 05:59
We returned after a one months great trip in Japan.

I wanted to thank each of you on this thread for your very helpful answers. We navigated through stations with no issues using them. I ended up following the directions provided by omotenashi and they made our transfers very easy.

THANK YOU very much for all your help!
by Zsuzsi17 rate this post as useful

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