Tokyo station is the main shinkansen terminal, and connects the Tokaido (Osaka), Tohoku (Shin-Aomori), Joetsu(Niigata) and Nagano Shinkansen bullet train lines. The Hikari and Kodama bullet trains run on the Tokaido line from here. The Asama bullet train runs on the Nagano shinkansen line and also departs from here.

The primary starting point for most Shinkansen (bullet train) lines in the city is Tokyo Station, located in the Marunouchi district. This massive terminal serves as the origin for the Tokaido Shinkansen (heading west to Osaka and Kyoto), the Tohoku Shinkansen (heading north to Aomori), and the Hokuriku/Joetsu lines. However, depending on your destination and where you are staying, Shinagawa Station and Ueno Station are also critical departure points. Shinagawa is a major secondary hub for the Tokaido line and is often more convenient for those coming from southern Tokyo or Haneda Airport. Ueno serves as the first stop for most northbound lines, allowing travelers in eastern Tokyo to bypass the crowded main terminal. In 2026, travelers should note that while all these stations offer Shinkansen access, only Tokyo Station hosts every line. Always verify your specific platform; the Tokaido platforms (Tracks 14–19) are managed by JR Central, while the northern lines (Tracks 20–23) are managed by JR East, and they are located in different sections of the station complex.