Lost at Tokyo Station? How to Find the Yaesu Side

Tokyo Station is one of the largest stations in Japan, and it is easy to lose your sense of direction.

If you are trying to find Yaesu, the most important thing to remember is:

Yaesu is on the east side of Tokyo Station.
Marunouchi is on the west side.

If you are still inside the station, do not rush through the first ticket gate you see.

Look up and follow the signs marked Yaesu.

According to the official Tokyo Station guide, yellow signs are used for exits, so these are the signs to look for when trying to leave the station.

Official Tokyo Station English Guide

If You Are Still on a JR Platform

This is the easiest time to choose the correct direction.

Before going down an escalator or elevator, look at the overhead signs and find Yaesu.

If you see Marunouchi, you are heading toward the opposite side of the station.

You do not need to leave the station and start again.

While you are still inside the JR ticket gates, continue through the station toward the Yaesu side.

If You Just Arrived by Shinkansen

If you have just arrived at Tokyo Station by Shinkansen and need the Yaesu side, look for Yaesu signs before leaving the station.

The Shinkansen area is on the Yaesu side of the main Tokyo Station layout.

If you accidentally head toward the Marunouchi side, the walk across Tokyo Station can take extra time.

The official Tokyo Station guide notes that walking between the Marunouchi side and the Yaesu side can take about 10 minutes.

So if Yaesu is your destination, choosing the correct side before exiting can save you a long walk.

Official Tokyo Station Shinkansen Guide – English

If You Arrived on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

Tokyo Metro’s Tokyo Station (M17) is on the Marunouchi side of the station complex.

So if you arrive on the Marunouchi Line and your destination is in Yaesu, you still need to walk toward the east side of Tokyo Station.

Do not assume that you are already near Yaesu just because you have arrived at “Tokyo Station.”

Follow the signs toward the JR station and then continue toward Yaesu.

Allow a little extra time, especially if you have luggage.

Tokyo Metro – Tokyo Station M17 Official English Page

Did You Accidentally Exit on the Marunouchi Side?

If you can see the famous red-brick Tokyo Station building, you are on the Marunouchi side.

Yaesu is on the other side of the station.

You do not need to take another train.

If you have already left the JR ticket gates, check the station signs or the official station map before trying to re-enter the paid area.

The underground station map shows a North Underground Passage (Yaesu–Marunouchi Connecting Passage) connecting the two sides.

Depending on where you are standing, it may also be easier to ask station staff for the nearest route to Yaesu.

You can simply say:

“Which way is the Yaesu side?”

or:

“How can I get to the Yaesu Exit?”

Both are natural and easy to understand.

Official Tokyo Station English Map

Already Underground?

Do not panic if you are underground.

A large part of the Yaesu side is connected through underground shopping areas.

If you see places such as:

• Tokyo Character Street
• Tokyo Ramen Street
• First Avenue Tokyo Station

you are already around the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station.

From there, check the signs for the specific Yaesu gate or destination you need.

Going to Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu?

This is where you need to be especially careful.

Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu is not the same as every bus stop around Tokyo Station.

As of 2026, Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu has two areas:

• Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu A
• Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu B

There are several bus boarding areas around Tokyo Station, so make sure you are going to the location shown on your ticket or booking confirmation.

Some buses also depart from areas around Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit rather than Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu.

Do not rely only on the words “Tokyo Station” or “Yaesu.”

Check the exact terminal or boarding point before you start walking.

Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu – Official English Access Guide

Still Cannot Find Yaesu?

Stop walking for a moment and look up.

Search for a yellow sign containing the word:

Yaesu

If you are still unsure, show your destination on your phone to a station employee.

You can ask:

“Which way is the Yaesu Exit?”

If you already know the exit you need, you can be more specific:

“Which way is the Yaesu Central Exit?”

or:

“Which way is the Yaesu South Exit?”

Simple English is enough.

Need to Choose Between Yaesu North, Central and South?

If you have reached the Yaesu side but do not know which exit to use, see our separate Tokyo Station exit guide.

Tokyo Station Exits Explained: Marunouchi, Yaesu, North, Central & South

That guide explains the difference between the Marunouchi and Yaesu sides and helps you choose between the North, Central and South exits.

Quick Tip

If you are lost at Tokyo Station, remember:

Yaesu = East

Then look for the yellow exit signs.

Do not keep following the crowd without checking the signs first.

At Tokyo Station, stopping for a few seconds to confirm your direction can save you a much longer walk.

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Information checked in 2026. Station layouts, construction areas, passageways, bus boarding locations, and opening hours may change. Always follow the latest signs inside Tokyo Station and check official information before traveling.