Arriving at Uguisudani Station in Tokyo and wondering which exit to use?
Uguisudani Station (JY06 / JK31) serves the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line, just one stop from Ueno.
The station has two exits: North Exit and South Exit.
Choosing the correct exit can save time, especially when visiting Tokyo National Museum or walking to Iriya Subway Station.
Quick Answer:
- South Exit: Tokyo National Museum, Iriya Kishimojin Temple and Iriya Subway Station
- North Exit: Calligraphy Museum, Shiki-an and the Negishi neighborhood
1. Which Exit Should You Use?
| Destination | Recommended Exit |
|---|---|
| Tokyo National Museum | South Exit — about 10 min |
| Iriya Kishimojin Temple | South Exit — about 5 min |
| Iriya Subway Station | South Exit side |
| Calligraphy Museum | North Exit — about 5 min |
| Shiki-an | North Exit — about 5 min |
| Negishi neighborhood | North Exit |
Important: The North and South Exits have separate ticket gates. Check your destination before leaving the JR paid area.
2. South Exit — Tokyo National Museum and Iriya
The South Exit (南口 / Minami-guchi) is useful for reaching Tokyo National Museum and the Iriya area.
Going to Tokyo National Museum?
Use the South Exit.
According to the museum’s official website, the Main Gate is approximately 600 meters away, or about 10 minutes on foot.
- Follow the South Exit signs.
- Pass through the South ticket gate.
- Follow the walking route toward Tokyo National Museum.
- Enter through the museum’s Main Gate.
Some sections of the route have narrow sidewalks and slopes.
Tokyo National Museum — Official Access Guide (English)
Going to Iriya Kishimojin Temple?
Iriya Kishimojin, also known as Shingenji Temple, is approximately five minutes on foot from Uguisudani Station’s South Exit.
Taito City — Official Temple Information (Japanese)
Going to Iriya Subway Station?
Iriya Station (H19) serves the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
It is a separate station from JR Uguisudani.
From Uguisudani Station, use the South Exit and follow the walking route toward Iriya Station.
Important:
- Iriya Station’s Exit 2 is listed for JR Uguisudani Station and Iriya Kishimojin Temple.
- Exit 2 has restricted opening hours.
- If Exit 2 is closed, follow the signs to another available entrance.
- There is no direct underground transfer passage between the two stations.
Tokyo Metro — Iriya Station (English)
Tokyo Metro — Official Iriya Exit Map (Japanese)
3. North Exit — Calligraphy Museum and Shiki-an
The North Exit (北口 / Kita-guchi) leads toward the Negishi neighborhood.
Going to the Calligraphy Museum?
Use the North Exit.
The Calligraphy Museum is approximately five minutes away on foot.
It houses collections related to Japanese and Chinese calligraphy.
Calligraphy Museum — Official Access Guide (Japanese)
Going to Shiki-an?
Shiki-an is a historic residence associated with the Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki.
It is approximately five minutes on foot from the North Exit.
Opening days are limited, so check the schedule before visiting.
Shiki-an — Official Taito City Information (Japanese)
Important: North Exit Facilities
The North Exit is an unstaffed ticket gate with a passenger support call system.
Station staff are assigned to the South Exit.
If you need in-person station assistance, use the South Exit.
4. JR Transfers
Uguisudani Station serves two JR lines:
- Yamanote Line (JY06): For Ueno, Tokyo, Ikebukuro and Shinjuku
- Keihin-Tohoku Line (JK31): For Akabane, Omiya, Tokyo and Yokohama
You can transfer between these JR lines without leaving the paid area.
Follow the platform signs and check the departure information before boarding.
Common mistake: Leaving through a ticket gate when changing between JR lines.
You do not need to exit the station to make this transfer.
JR East — Official Uguisudani Station Map
5. Common Mistakes at Uguisudani Station
Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Exit for Tokyo National Museum
The museum recommends the South Exit.
Solution: Follow the South Exit signs before leaving the station.
Mistake 2: Looking for the Hibiya Line Inside JR Uguisudani
Iriya Subway Station is a separate station.
Solution: Leave through the South Exit and walk to Iriya Station.
Mistake 3: Using a Closed Subway Exit
Iriya Station’s Exit 2 has restricted opening hours.
Solution: Check the station signs and use another available entrance if necessary.
Mistake 4: Choosing Uguisudani for Every Ueno Park Attraction
Ueno Park is large, and some attractions are easier to reach from Ueno Station.
Solution: Check your destination before choosing a station.
Mistake 5: Leaving JR During a Transfer
Both the Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line serve Uguisudani Station.
Solution: Stay inside the JR paid area when changing between these lines.
6. Official Information and Related Guides
For updated station and museum information:
- JR East — Uguisudani Station Map
- Tokyo National Museum — Official English Website
- Tokyo Metro — Iriya Station Exit Map
- Calligraphy Museum — Official Website
Related Guides:
Tabata Station: Which Exit? North vs South Exit Guide
Nishi-nippori Station: Which Exit? JR, Metro & Liner Guide
Final Tip
Remember these three points:
South Exit: Tokyo National Museum, Iriya Kishimojin and Iriya Subway Station.
North Exit: Calligraphy Museum, Shiki-an and Negishi.
JR Transfers: Stay inside the station when changing between JR lines.
Checking your destination before leaving the ticket gate will help you avoid unnecessary walking.
Information Note
This guide is based on official information available as of October 2026. Station facilities, exit opening hours, walking routes and transport services may change. Always confirm the latest information using official websites and station signs.
