Step-by-step walking routes between platforms in Japan's busiest stations, with the exact Japanese signs to follow.

Chuo Line (Rapid)→Sobu Rapid / Yokosuka Line

Chuo Line to Sobu Rapid Line / Narita Express at Tokyo Station

Step-by-step walking route at Tokyo Station from the Chuo Line (Platforms 1–2) to the Sobu Rapid Line and Narita Express (B5 Platforms 1–4). No ticket gate, about 4–5 minutes, with the Japanese signs to follow.

4–5 min6–7 min by elevator
Platforms 1–2from · 中央線
B5 Platforms 1–4to · 総武快速線・横須賀線
Car 8, 4th doorThe escalator down is right in front of this door.
CHUO PLATFORM1F CONCOURSEB1 CONCOURSEB4 CORRIDORB5 PLATFORMS123456
Floors from top to bottom. Tap a number to jump to that step.
  1. 1
    Chuo platform

    Get off and take the escalator in front of you down to the 1F concourse.

  2. 2
    1F concourse

    Follow signs for the Marunouchi Underground Central Exit and walk straight along that passage.

    Look for this sign
    丸の内地下中央口Marunouchi Underground Central Exit
  3. 3
    B1 concourse

    Take the down escalator to B1, then bear left.

    Look for this sign
    横須賀線・総武線(快速)Yokosuka / Sobu Line (Rapid)
  4. 4
    B4 corridor

    Just before the Marunouchi Underground Central gate, take the long escalator down to B4.

    Do not go through the ticket gate. This whole route stays inside JR.
  5. 5
    B4 corridor

    At the bottom, turn back to the right for Platforms 3–4, or to the left for Platforms 1–2.

  6. 6
    B5 platforms

    Take the stairs down to the B5 platforms. You have arrived.

Platforms 3–4Chiba, Narita Airport, Narita Express (N'EX)
Platforms 1–2Shinagawa, Yokohama, Kamakura, Zushi

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Do I need to go through a ticket gate between the Chuo Line and the Narita Express at Tokyo Station?

No. Both are JR lines, so you stay inside the gates. You only need your Narita Express ticket to board.

Which platform is the Narita Express at Tokyo Station?

Narita Express to Narita Airport departs from underground Platforms 3–4 on the fifth basement level (B5).

Use an IC card

Suica, PASMO or Welcome Suica handle fares automatically when a route takes you out of JR and into Tokyo Metro gates.

Platform numbers repeat

Tokyo Station has two different "Platform 1"s: the Chuo Line upstairs and the Sobu / Yokosuka Line five floors underground. Check the line name, not just the number.

Rush hour

Times shown assume normal crowds. Add a few minutes between 7:30–9:30 and 17:30–19:30 on weekdays.