Arriving at Tabata Station in Tokyo and wondering which exit to use?
Tabata Station (JY09 / JK34) serves the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line.
It has two exits: North Exit and South Exit.
Choosing the wrong exit can be inconvenient because the station is surrounded by streets at different elevations.
Quick Answer:
- North Exit: Hotels, buses, Tabata Memorial Museum and the main station entrance
- South Exit: Fudo-zaka Slope and quiet residential streets
- Traveling with heavy luggage? The North Exit is usually the better choice because it provides step-free access between the platforms and ticket gate.
1. Which Exit Should You Use?
| Destination | Exit |
|---|---|
| HOTEL B4T TABATA | North |
| Tabata Memorial Museum of Writers and Artists | North |
| Toei Bus stops | North |
| Tabata Fureai Bridge | North |
| Fudo-zaka Slope | South |
| Residential streets near Fudo-zaka | South |
| Station assistance | North |
Important: The North and South Exits have separate ticket gates. Check your destination before leaving the station.
2. North Exit — Hotels, Buses and Museum
The North Exit (北口 / Kita-guchi) is the main entrance to Tabata Station.
JR station staff are assigned to this ticket gate.
HOTEL B4T TABATA
The hotel is approximately two minutes on foot from the North Exit.
Be careful if you find older hotel names on travel websites. Always check the hotel name and address on your current reservation.
HOTEL B4T TABATA — Official Website (English)
Tabata Memorial Museum of Writers and Artists
The museum introduces the writers and artists who lived in the Tabata area.
It is approximately two minutes on foot from the North Exit.
Admission is free, but check the opening days before visiting.
Tabata Memorial Museum — Official Website (Japanese)
Toei Bus Stops
Bus routes near Tabata Station include:
- To43 (東43): Toward Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit or Arakawa-dote / Kohoku Station, depending on the bus stop
- Tan44 (端44): Toward Kita-senju Station or Komagome Hospital, depending on direction
Check the destination display before boarding.
Toei Bus — Tabata Station Bus Stops (Japanese)
3. South Exit — Slopes and Residential Streets
The South Exit (南口 / Minami-guchi) is much smaller than the North Exit.
It leads toward quiet residential streets and Fudo-zaka Slope.
Three Things to Know
1. The South Exit is unstaffed.
JR provides a passenger support call system, but station staff are not permanently assigned to this gate.
2. There are stairs.
For step-free access between the platforms and the ticket gate, use the North Exit.
If you have heavy luggage, a stroller or difficulty using stairs, consider using the North Exit instead.
3. The neighborhood is hilly.
Fudo-zaka Slope is located immediately outside the South Exit.
Some nearby walking routes include slopes and stairways.
Common mistake: Choosing the South Exit for a destination near the North Exit simply because both belong to Tabata Station.
Kita City — Official Tabata Area Guide (Japanese)
4. Changing Between JR Lines
Tabata Station serves two JR lines:
- Yamanote Line (JY09): Convenient for Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Ueno and Tokyo
- Keihin-Tohoku Line (JK34): Serves destinations including Akabane, Omiya, Tokyo and Yokohama
If you are changing between these lines, follow the platform signs.
You do not need to leave the station or pass through an exit ticket gate to transfer between the two JR lines.
Check the departure information because stopping patterns may vary by time of day.
JR East — Official Tabata Station Map (English)
5. Common Mistakes at Tabata Station
Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Exit
The North and South Exits lead to different areas.
Solution: Check your destination before passing through the ticket gate.
Mistake 2: Using the South Exit with Heavy Luggage
The South Exit does not provide a step-free route between the platforms and ticket gate.
Solution: Use the North Exit when you need elevator access.
Mistake 3: Underestimating the Hills
Walking routes around the South Exit may include slopes and stairs.
Solution: Check the actual walking route rather than relying only on distance.
Mistake 4: Leaving the Station During a Transfer
The Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line share the JR station.
Solution: Stay inside the paid area when changing between these lines.
What If You Choose the Wrong Exit?
Check your destination on a map before walking.
The route between the North and South Exits outside the station may involve a detour and changes in elevation.
Do not re-enter the ticket gates without checking whether an additional fare is required.
6. Official Information and Related Guides
For updated information, check these official sources.
- JR East — Tabata Station Map (English)
- JR East — Ticket Gate Information (Japanese)
- Toei Transportation — Bus Stops (Japanese)
- Kita City — Tabata Area Guide (Japanese)
Related Guide:
Nishi-nippori Station: Which Exit? JR, Metro & Liner Guide
Final Tip
North Exit: Best for hotels, buses, museums and station assistance.
South Exit: Best for Fudo-zaka and nearby residential streets, but be prepared for stairs and slopes.
If you are unsure, check your destination before leaving the ticket gate.
Information Note
This guide is based on information available as of October 2026. Station facilities, walking routes and transport services may change. Always confirm current information using official websites and station signs.
