Inaricho Station (G17): Which Exit? Shitaya Shrine & Taito Office

Arriving at Inaricho Station (G17) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line?

Inaricho is a small subway station between Ueno (G16) and Tawaramachi (G18).

It is convenient for visiting Shitaya Shrine, Taito City Office, Eiju General Hospital, and local businesses in Higashi-Ueno.

However, there is one important thing to know before using this station:

The Shibuya-bound and Asakusa-bound platforms have separate ticket gates.

This guide explains who should use Inaricho Station, which exits are available, and what to do if you enter the wrong ticket gate.

1. Who Should Use Inaricho Station?

Inaricho Station is particularly convenient for people heading to:

Shitaya Shrine: A historic Shinto shrine near the station
Taito City Office: A government office for local administrative services
Eiju General Hospital: A major hospital in Higashi-Ueno
Butsudan-dori: A shopping area specializing in traditional Buddhist and Shinto religious goods
Hotels in Higashi-Ueno: Accommodation around Asakusa-dori and nearby streets
Shin-Okachimachi area: Accessible on foot from Inaricho

Inaricho is useful not only for visitors but also for people living and working in Tokyo.

For Ueno Park, the zoo, major museums, and Ameyoko Shopping Street, Ueno Station is generally more convenient.

2. Quick Guide: Which Exit Should You Use?

Inaricho Station has three numbered exits.

Exit	Information
Exit 1	Shibuya-bound platform side
Exit 2	Shibuya-bound platform side
Exit 3	Asakusa-bound platform side

Tokyo Metro lists major nearby destinations, including Shitaya Shrine and Taito City Office, for both sides of the station.

This means you do not always need to use one particular exit to reach your destination.

For example:

Shitaya Shrine: Approximately 2 minutes on foot
Taito City Office: Approximately 5 minutes on foot
Eiju General Hospital: Approximately 6 minutes on foot, with Exits 1 and 2 recommended by the hospital
Butsudan-dori: Check the specific shop address before leaving the station

Tip: If you arrive on the opposite side from your destination, you can usually walk there at street level.

3. Going to Shitaya Shrine?

Shitaya Shrine is one of the most interesting places near Inaricho Station.

The shrine has a long history and is associated with prayers for business prosperity and good fortune.

It is approximately 2 minutes on foot from Inaricho Station.

Address:

3-29-8 Higashi-Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo

After leaving the station, check the walking route to the shrine entrance.

If you arrive at the Asakusa-bound platform, you can leave from that side and continue on foot.

You do not need to return underground simply to find another numbered exit.

Official information:

Shitaya Shrine – Access (Japanese)

4. Going to Taito City Office?

Taito City Office is another important destination near Inaricho Station.

The office provides various administrative services for local residents.

Depending on your circumstances, you may visit for:

Resident registration
Certificates and official documents
Local government procedures
Information about public services

The city office is approximately 5 minutes on foot from Inaricho Station.

Address:

4-5-6 Higashi-Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo

After leaving the station, follow the outdoor walking route toward the city office.

If you are visiting for an administrative procedure, check the required documents, office hours, and relevant department before traveling.

Official information:

Taito City Office – Official Information (Japanese)

5. Going to Eiju General Hospital?

Eiju General Hospital is located in Higashi-Ueno.

The hospital’s official access guide recommends Exits 1 and 2 of Inaricho Station.

Walking time is approximately 6 minutes.

Address:

2-23-16 Higashi-Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo

If you arrive on the Asakusa-bound platform, use the available exit and check your walking route at street level.

Before visiting, confirm the correct hospital department, building, and appointment information.

Official information:

Eiju General Hospital – Access (Japanese)

6. Visiting Butsudan-dori: Traditional Religious Goods Shops

One distinctive feature of the Inaricho neighborhood is the shopping area along Asakusa-dori known as Butsudan-dori, or Buddhist Altar Street.

This area has specialty stores selling traditional Japanese religious items.

You may find:

Buddhist altars
Incense and prayer beads
Buddhist statues
Shinto household shrines
Traditional ceremonial accessories

The shops are spread along Asakusa-dori between the Ueno and Asakusa areas.

Inaricho and Tawaramachi are both useful stations for visiting different parts of the shopping street.

Important: The best station and exit depend on the particular shop you want to visit.

Check the shop’s address before traveling.

Official information:

Butsudan-dori Shopping Association (Japanese)

7. Important: Check Your Train Direction Before Entering

Inaricho Station has separate ticket gates for its two directions.

Toward Ueno, Ginza and Shibuya

Use the Shibuya-bound platform, accessible from the Exits 1 and 2 side.

Toward Tawaramachi and Asakusa

Use the Asakusa-bound platform, accessible from the Exit 3 side.

There is no direct passage connecting the two platforms inside the paid area.

What if you enter the wrong ticket gate?

For example, you want to travel toward Asakusa but accidentally enter the Shibuya-bound platform.

Do not panic.

Ask station staff for assistance.
If no staff are present, use the intercom near the ticket gate.
Explain that you entered the wrong gate.
Follow the staff member’s instructions.

Do not assume that simply tapping your IC card to exit and re-enter will be free.

Tokyo Metro advises passengers who enter a ticket gate by mistake to contact station staff so their ticket can be checked and handled.

What if you leave through the wrong exit?

If you have already left the station, you usually do not need to go back inside.

Check your location and walk toward your destination at street level.

The important thing is to know the difference between entering the wrong platform and simply leaving through an inconvenient exit.

Official information:

Tokyo Metro – Entered the Wrong Ticket Gate? (English)

8. Going to Shin-Okachimachi Station?

Shin-Okachimachi Station serves:

Toei Oedo Line
Tsukuba Express

It is a separate railway station from Inaricho.

There is no direct underground transfer passage between them.

If you need to reach Shin-Okachimachi from Inaricho, you must walk outside.

Depending on your starting point and final destination, another transfer route may be easier.

Always check your complete journey before choosing where to change trains.

9. Inaricho or Ueno: Which Station Is Better?

Inaricho (G17) and Ueno (G16) are neighboring stations on the Ginza Line.

However, they are convenient for different destinations.

Choose Inaricho Station for:

Shitaya Shrine
Taito City Office
Eiju General Hospital
Selected hotels and businesses in Higashi-Ueno
Religious goods shops along Asakusa-dori

Choose Ueno Station for:

Ueno Park
Ueno Zoo
Major museums
Ameyoko Shopping Street
JR train connections

If you are going to Ueno Park, the zoo, or major museums, continuing to Ueno Station will generally save you unnecessary walking.

10. Common Mistakes at Inaricho Station

Mistake 1: Entering the wrong platform

The Shibuya-bound and Asakusa-bound platforms have separate ticket gates.

Check your train direction before entering.

Mistake 2: Thinking you must use a particular exit after arriving

You can usually reach nearby destinations by walking outside, even if you leave from the opposite side of the station.

Mistake 3: Getting off at Inaricho for Ueno Park

Ueno Station is generally more convenient for Ueno Park, museums, and Ameyoko.

Mistake 4: Assuming Shin-Okachimachi is connected underground

Inaricho and Shin-Okachimachi are separate stations.

Walking outside is required.

11. Japan Life Steps Tip

Remember these three things about Inaricho Station:

Shitaya Shrine: Approximately 2 minutes on foot.

Taito City Office: Approximately 5 minutes on foot.

Separate ticket gates: Check whether your train is heading toward Shibuya or Asakusa before entering.

Inaricho is a small station, but knowing where you are going can make your visit much easier.

Official Information

For the latest station details and access information:

Disclaimer

This guide is based on information available in 2026. Station layouts, exit availability, walking routes, nearby facilities, and operating hours may change. Always check the latest official railway information and signs at the station before traveling.