Written by Jane Pipkin
Shin-Yokohama Station is one of the less hectic major Shinkansen stops near Tokyo. It serves as a convenient hub for reaching Yokohama, key destinations like Haneda Airport, and places much further beyond. Here’s everything you need to know if you are planning to catch a train from there.
Pro tip: Planning to stay in Yokohama? Check out some of the things to see and do in this portside city.
Shin-Yokohama Station: The basics
Before we get into the guide proper, it’s important to note that Shin-Yokohama Station and Yokohama Station are two different stations.
Shin-Yokohama Station is located slightly outside the central Yokohama area, thus focusing more on cross-country travel such as the Shinkansen. That said, it does have local lines.
In comparison, Yokohama Station is a major city station that serves major JR lines in and out of Tokyo and Kanagawa. But it does not serve the bullet train.
Layout
Shin-Yokohama Station is situated within a 19-story building. The main station floors include:
- 3F: Shinkansen platforms.
- 2F: Main concourse, Shinkansen and Yokohama Line ticket gates, Tourist Information Center, waiting rooms. You can also access the CUBICPLAZA Shin-Yokohama shopping complex and exit the station from here.
- 1F: JR Yokohama Line platforms, taxi and bus stands.
- B1F: Ticket gates for Municipal Subway Blue Line and Sotetsu/Tōkyū Shin-Yokohama Line.
- B2F: Municipal Subway Blue Line platforms.
- B4F: Sōtetsu Shin-Yokohama Line and Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line platforms.
What train lines stop here?
The following train lines stop at Shin-Yokohama Station:
- Local train lines: Local train lines include the Yokohama Line (Higashi-Kanagawa to Hachiōji Station). Additionally, the Sōtetsu Shin-Yokohama Line runs from Nishiya to Shin-Yokohama, where it connects to the Tōkyū Shin-Yokohama Line toward Hiyoshi. Shin-Yokohama also serves the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, which runs between Yokohama and Azamino.
- Shinkansen lines: Tōkaidō-Sanyō Shinkansen for Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, and Shin-Osaka.
Pro tip: Fancy a coffee on the run? Swing by the “Brewed to Go” Starbucks stand right on the Shinkansen platform. There are also coffee vending machines on the platform.
What bus services stop here?
There are numerous bus stops serving different purposes all around Shin-Yokohama Station. Here are some of the main ones:
- Airport Limousine Bus: You can travel directly to Haneda Airport from Shin-Yokohama Station. It departs from Bus Stop 1 at the station bus terminal. You can pay the ¥1,000 one-way charge when boarding the bus — either by cash or IC card.
- Local bus stops: There are several local bus stops connecting to neighborhoods across Yokohama, including Tsurumi, Nakamachidai, Nippa, and Tsurugamine.
- IKEA shuttle: You can catch the IKEA shuttle (free) to the Yokohama branchfrom outside Shin-Yokohama Station — it is about a 6-7-minute walk, longer if you are using the elevators. Just follow the signs.
Pro tip: Get unlimited rides on certain routes within Yokohama with the Minato Burari Ticket.
Facilities
Shin-Yokohama has many practical facilities to assist passengers during transfers. These include toilets, waiting rooms, ticket offices, lockers, Wi-Fi, and a Tourist Information Center. Moreover, there are a few convenience-style stores selling ekiben (bullet-train bento).
Lockers
There are lockers scattered throughout the station. Notably, many of them are located near to the ticket gates and platforms. Additionally, there are a few near the main entrance of the station (as you head up to CUBICPLAZA Shin-Yokohama). Prices vary depending on the size of your luggage. You can generally pay by IC card or cash.
Ticket offices
There is one main ticket office outside the ticket gates. Here, you can purchase Shinkansen and JR tickets in-person or via the machines. However, we recommend getting your Shinkansen tickets in advance to save stress on the day.
Navigation tips for Shin-Yokohama Station
You’ll be glad to hear that this station is pretty easy to navigate — even with a few suitcases. Everything is clearly signposted. It is definitely less chaotic (and maze-like) than Tokyo Station. Our editor likes it a lot better and always tries to take the Shinkansen from here, if she can.
The only confusing thing is that all the local train lines include “Yokohama”. Just be sure you know exactly what “Yokohama” Line you are taking and head to the right floor.
Catching the Shinkansen at Shin-Yokohama Station
As mentioned, it is easy to find your way to the Shinkansen concourse. Platforms 1 and 2 are for bullet trains heading to Tokyo, while Platforms 3 and 4 are for those going to Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka. Just note that the bullet train doesn’t stop here for very long; you need to board or disembark quite quickly compared to Tokyo.
You can grab food and drinks at the PLUSTA store (which is within the gates). There are also a few small stalls on the platform such as the “Brewed to Go” Starbucks.
Things to do in and around Shin-Yokohama Station
Shopping at Shin-Yokohama Station
There is one main shopping complex, CUBICPLAZA Shin-Yokohama, which is integrated into the station. It consists of 10 floors and has everything you could ever need. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- 1F: Restaurants and drugstore
- 2F: Bento and souvenir shop
- 3F: Café, bento, and souvenir shops.
- 4F: Fashion and miscellaneous goods.
- 5F: Uniqlo.
- 6F: GU (Uniqlo’s sister store).
- 7F: Beauty and miscellaneous goods.
- 8F: Café and book store.
- 9F: Restaurants
- 10F: More restaurants and hotel
Note: A Bic Camera also spans 3F to 9F.
Pro tip: Past the Yokohama Line North Ticket Gate, check the gachapon area for Yokohama-exclusive capsules.
Entertainment at Shin-Yokohama Station
Apart from shopping, there isn’t much in terms of entertainment inside the station. However, if you take a short 3-minute walk, you can get to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.
Different from the Cup Noodle Museum, at this museum you see exhibits about the culture and history of ramen.
You can also participate in a “Ramen Making Experience class” at the museum (though reservations are required). Admission is ¥450 for adults and ¥100 for children.
Have loads of time to spare? You could take the 17-minute walk to Shin-Yokohama Park, a large public park which is also home to Nissan Stadium (the venue of the 2002 FIFA World Cup).
Food and drink
On the ninth and 10th floors of CUBICPLAZA Shin-Yokohama, you’ll find a good selection of restaurants. Options include Japanese, Western, Chinese, and even Hawaiian.
Prefer to pick up something quick? You can at one of the many bento concessions on the second floor of CUBICPLAZA Shin-Yokohama or otherwise past the Shinkansen gates at PLUSTA.
If you’re anything like us, before or after traveling, you’ll definitely want a caffeine kick or two. Luckily, there are a few coffee shops in the station — our top pick being Ueshima Coffee House, a popular Japanese coffee chain that specializes in nel drip coffee.
History
According to the International High-Speed Rail Association, Shin-Yokohama Station opened in conjunction with the launch of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen in 1964. In the same year, it began serving local lines.
The subway station was added in 1985. Before the station was built, the area consisted mainly of rice paddies and had hardly any buildings at all!
Shin-Yokohama Station: Frequently asked questions
Are Shin-Yokohama and Yokohama Station the same?
Shin-Yokohama and Yokohama Station are two different stations. Shin-Yokohama is a major Shinkansen stop — used more for long-distance travel. Yokohama Station mainly connects Yokohama with the rest of the Tokyo area. That said, you can catch local lines to other parts of Yokohama from both stations.
Is Shin-Yokohama a good place to stay?
There is a good choice of hotels in this area. Our personal recommendation is the Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel, located right next to the station.
This part of the city is much less scenic than the iconic Minato Mirai area. But if you’re looking for an area with good transport connections that feels more low-key, then Shin-Yokohama is worth considering.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
