Shin-Okubo Station: Which Exit for Koreatown or Okubo Station?

Arrived at Shin-Okubo Station in Tokyo and wondering which exit to use?

Shin-Okubo is a popular destination for Korean food, K-pop merchandise, cosmetics, and shopping. However, there is something visitors should know before leaving the station.

Shin-Okubo Station has a regular ticket gate and a separate exit-only gate for IC card users.

The direction you should take depends on which gate you use and where you want to go.

This guide explains how to reach Koreatown, nearby JR Okubo Station, and the surrounding streets without walking in the wrong direction.

Quick Answer: Which Exit Should You Use?

Your Destination	Recommended Direction
Main Koreatown shopping area	Regular gate → Turn right
Korean restaurants and street food	Regular gate → Turn right
K-pop shops and Korean cosmetics	Regular gate → Turn right
JR Okubo Station	Regular gate → Turn left
Hotels near Okubo Station	Regular gate → Turn left, then check your address
Kabukicho area	The exit-only gate may be convenient, depending on your destination

Important: Right and left directions in this guide refer to the regular ticket gate facing Okubo-dori, not the separate exit-only gate.

1. Does Shin-Okubo Station Have More Than One Ticket Gate?

Yes.

There are two types of ticket gates at Shin-Okubo Station.

Regular Ticket Gate

This is the main entrance and exit facing Okubo-dori.

It is the easiest starting point for the directions in this guide.

From here, you can walk toward both Koreatown and JR Okubo Station.

Exit-Only Ticket Gate

Shin-Okubo Station also has a separate exit-only ticket gate.

This gate is for passengers exiting with compatible transportation IC cards, such as Suica or PASMO.

You cannot enter the station through this exit-only gate.

It leads out on a different side of the station and may be convenient for destinations toward the Kabukicho area.

If you leave through this gate, do not follow the right-or-left directions for the regular gate.

Check your destination on a map before continuing.

2. How to Get to Koreatown from Shin-Okubo Station

If you are visiting the main Koreatown shopping area:

1. Follow the signs toward the regular ticket gate.
2. Exit the station onto Okubo-dori.
3. Turn right.
4. Continue along Okubo-dori, passing beneath the railway tracks.
5. You will reach an area with Korean restaurants, food shops, cosmetics stores, and K-pop merchandise.

Remember: Regular gate → Right → Koreatown.

Koreatown is not a single building. Shops and restaurants are spread along Okubo-dori and the surrounding streets.

Some destinations are close to the station, while others require a longer walk.

Check the exact location of the shop or restaurant you want to visit.

3. How to Walk to JR Okubo Station

Shin-Okubo Station and Okubo Station are two different railway stations.

To walk to JR Okubo Station:

1. Leave Shin-Okubo Station through the regular ticket gate.
2. Turn left onto Okubo-dori.
3. Continue along the street toward JR Okubo Station.
4. Follow the station signs when you arrive.

The walk usually takes around five minutes.

You do not need to board another train to travel between these two stations.

4. Shin-Okubo Station vs. Okubo Station

The names sound similar, but the stations serve different train lines.

	Shin-Okubo	Okubo
Railway	JR East	JR East
Main line	Yamanote Line	Chuo-Sobu Line (Local)
Station code	JY16	JB09
Nearby area	Koreatown	Okubo neighborhood

This difference is important if you are following directions from Google Maps or another navigation app.

If your route says Shin-Okubo, look for the Yamanote Line.

If your route says Okubo, look for the Chuo-Sobu Line (Local).

The two stations are within walking distance, but they are not the same station.

5. Common Mistakes Visitors Make

Mistake 1: Assuming There Is Only One Exit

Shin-Okubo is smaller than Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, but it has a regular ticket gate and a separate exit-only gate.

Check which gate you are using before following walking directions.

Mistake 2: Turning Left When Going to the Main Koreatown Shopping Area

From the regular gate, the main Koreatown shopping area is to the right.

Turning left takes you toward JR Okubo Station.

However, Korean restaurants and other businesses also exist outside the main shopping area. Always check the exact address of your destination.

Mistake 3: Confusing Okubo with Shin-Okubo

These are separate stations on different JR lines.

Before boarding your train, confirm both the station name and the railway line.

Mistake 4: Following Directions from the Wrong Gate

Directions that say “turn right after leaving the station” generally refer to the regular gate facing Okubo-dori.

If you use the exit-only gate, your starting position will be different.

Mistake 5: Stopping Immediately Outside the Gate

The station entrance and surrounding sidewalks can become crowded, especially on weekends.

Avoid blocking the ticket gates or pedestrian traffic while checking your phone.

Move to a safe place before opening your map or arranging to meet someone.

6. What If You Leave Through the Wrong Gate?

Don’t panic.

You can still reach your destination on foot.

If you leave through the exit-only gate but want to visit Koreatown, check your location and follow walking directions toward Okubo-dori.

If you are at the regular gate and walk toward Okubo Station by mistake, turn around and head back toward Shin-Okubo Station.

There is no need to take another train simply because you walked in the wrong direction.

7. Official Station and Tourist Information

For the latest details, check the official English-language resources below.

JR East — Shin-Okubo Station Map

View the official station layout

JR East — Shin-Okubo Station Information

View official station information

GO TOKYO — Official Okubo Area Guide

Explore Okubo and Koreatown

8. Related Japan Life Steps Guides

Planning to visit Shinjuku as well?

Lost at Shinjuku Station? How to Find the Right Exit

Final Tip: Remember the Gate First

Before leaving Shin-Okubo Station, check which ticket gate you are using.

For visitors using the regular gate on Okubo-dori:

Koreatown → Turn right.

JR Okubo Station → Turn left.

If you use the separate exit-only gate, check your location before walking.

A quick look at your destination can save you from heading in the wrong direction.

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Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of October 2026. Station layouts, ticket gates, accessibility facilities, and nearby businesses may change. Always follow current station signs and check official railway information before traveling.