Take the Toei Oedo Line directly from Shinjuku to Akabanebashi Station, the closest station to Tokyo Tower (a 5-minute walk). The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately 280 yen. No transfers are required on this route.
Quick Answer: Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku to Akabanebashi Station: 20 minutes, approximately 280 yen. No transfers. Akabanebashi Station is 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Tower. The most direct route from Shinjuku.
Best Route
Toei Oedo Line (recommended): From Shinjuku Station (Toei Oedo Line, E27), take the inner loop toward the Kabanebashi direction. The Oedo Line runs in a large loop, and Akabanebashi (E23) is about 20 minutes from Shinjuku on the inner route. No transfers needed.
Note on direction: The Toei Oedo Line is a loop. From Shinjuku, take the inner loop (toward Azabu-Juban and Akabanebashi, not the outer loop (toward Higashi-Shinjuku and Roppongi). Both eventually reach Akabanebas, hi but the inner loop is faster at about 20 minutes versus 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: At Shinjuku Station, locate the Toei Oedo Line (E, purple line). The Oedo Line entrance at Shinjuku is on the south side of the station, accessible from the JR South Exit area. The Oedo platforms are very deep underground. Follow the E Oedo Line signs.
Step 2: Board the Toei Oedo Line inner loop toward Akabanebashi, Azabu-Juban, Daimon direction. Check the destination board or ask platform staff if uncertain. About 20 minutes to Akabanebashi Station (E23).
Step 3: Exit Akabanebashi Station from the Akabanebashi Exit. Turn right and walk south for about 5 minutes. Tokyo Tower is clearly visible on approach and at the end of the main street. The main entrance is on the ground floor of the tower base building.
Cost
Toei Oedo Line: Approximately 280 yen from Shinjuku to Akabanebashi. Not covered by JR Pass.
Tokyo Tower entry: Main Deck (150m): 1,200 yen for adults. Top Deck Tour (250m): 3,000 yen for adults.
Travel Time
Shinjuku to Tokyo Tower entrance: approximately 25 to 30 minutes total, including the 20-minute Oedo Line ride and the 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Shinjuku to Tokyo Tower costs approximately 2,000 to 3,500 yen and takes 20 to 30 minutes,s depending on traffic. The Toei Oedo Line is slightly faster and far cheaper during busy periods. Taxis are useful for early morning visits or after midnight.
Best Option with Luggage
The Toei Oedo Line handles luggage reasonably. Note that Shinjuku Oedo Line station is very deep underground with a long escalator descent. Elevators are available. Akabanebashi Station is accessible. For heavy luggage, a taxi from Shinjuku may be more comfortable.
Best Option Late at Night
Tokyo Tower Main Deck closes at 11 p.m. The Toei Oedo Line from Akabanebashi runs until after midnight. A late-evening visit to Tokyo Tower from Shinjuku is practical, with the last Oedo Line trains covering the return journey.
Nearby Guides
FAQ
Which is the closest station to Tokyo Tower?
Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line is the closest, about a 5-minute walk. Onarimon Station (Toei Mita Line) and Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) are also close, about a 7-minute walk away.
Is the Toei Oedo Line platform at Shinjuku very deep?
Yes. The Toei Oedo Line at Shinjuku is one of the deepest subway stations in Tokyo, at about 44 metres below street level. Allow extra time to descend to the platforms. Escalators and elevators are available.
Can I see Tokyo Tower from Shinjuku?
Not directly, as Shinjuku and the tower area are not in direct line of sight from street level. However, Tokyo Tower is visible from the upper floors of tall buildings in Shinjuku, including the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free entry).
