How to Use Busta Shinjuku: Access, Bus Platforms, Shops & Tips for First-Time Visitors

Shinjuku Stationofficially recognized by Guinness as the busiest transport hub in the worldsees over 3.5 million users daily.Until recentlybus stops were scattered around the stationbut since April 42016most highway bus services have been centralized at Busta Shinjuku.This article offers essential info for first-time visitorsincluding how to get therewhere to boardand what's nearby.

１．What Is Busta Shinjuku?

Busta Shinjuku is a large transportation hub in Shinjukufeaturing a highway bus terminal (4F)a taxi stand (3F)and a tourist information center.Conveniently located just outside JR Shinjuku Stationthe terminal officially opened in April 2016.

Its highway bus terminal is one of the largest in Japanhandling more than 20000 passengers per day.During peak seasons like Golden Weekdaily usage has reached as high as 38000 passengerswith around 1600 bus departures and arrivals.(Source Ministry of LandInfrastructureTransport and Tourism)

２．Access Information

２-１．Location & Map

Busta Shinjuku is located within the Shinjuku Miraina Towerdirectly connected to the JR Shinjuku Station South Exit.

5-24-55 SendagayaShibuya-kuTokyo(Despite being next to Shinjuku Stationit’s technically located in Shibuya Ward — surprisingisn’t it?)

▼Local Map displayed at Busta Shinjuku

２-２．Access from Various Train Lines

The most recognizable landmark is the South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station.Once you exitsimply cross the street and you’ll arrive at the building housing Busta Shinjuku.

The terminal can be accessed from the following JR exits located beneath the building

• Koshu-Kaido Gate (formerly Southern Terrace Exit)
• Shin-Minami Gate (formerly New South Exit)
• Miraina Tower Gate

While these are the closest exitssignage in the station often points to the South Exitmaking it the easiest target for newcomers.

If you’re arriving via JRthe Koshu-Kaido Gate is recommended.If using other train lines or unfamiliar with Shinjuku Stationsimply aim for the South Exit and cross the street.

From Keio Line Shinjuku Station: about a 3-minute walk from the Keio Department Store Exit

From Keio New Line or Toei Oedo Line: about a 3-minute walk to the JR South Exit

３．Inside Busta Shinjuku

Now, let's take a look at what's inside.

▼Building map posted at Shinjuku Miraina Tower

３-１．4F – Highway & Airport Bus Terminal

The appearance of the boarding area

First, the 4th-floor floor plan! (Source: Busta Shinjuku Official X)

The 4th floor is where highway and airport buses depart and arrive. On opening daythe terminal was already bustling with travelers heading to various destinations.

How many buses depart from and arrive at the terminal?

※Buses depart and arrive at a pace comparable to the Yamanote Line during rush hour. Be careful not to go to the wrong boarding area!

With around 1,600 bus operations per dayBusta Shinjuku functions almost like a train station in terms of frequency. Be careful not to mistake your boarding bay — buses come and go rapidly!

There are 15 boarding bays (bus stops) in totalhandling services from most major bus companies in Japan. It's truly one of the largest highway bus terminals in the country.

３-２．3F – Taxi Stand

The 3rd floor is designated for taxis.Previouslythe area south of Shinjuku Station was plagued by chronic traffic congestionlargely due to taxis waiting to pick up passengers.To resolve thisroad access for taxis along National Route 20 was restrictedand the new centralized taxi stand was placed on the 3rd floor of Busta Shinjuku.

３-３． Tourist Information Center

Busta Shinjuku also features a multilingual Tourist Information Center offering travel info not just for Tokyobut across Japan.Languages available: EnglishChineseKoreanand Japanese.

In the center, you can use PCs, power outlets, and Wi-Fi, and also exchange foreign currency. It's a convenient facility not just for Japanese people, but also for tourists from abroad.

Additionally, the following services are provided at this facility by Sagawa Express:

３-４．Shops & Restaurants Nearby

You'll find convenience stores and souvenir shops here!

There’s a FamilyMart convenience store on the 4th floor offering snackstravel itemsand essentials you may have forgotten to pack.Open from 3:30 AM to 1:30 AMit’s nearly 24 hours.Across from FamilyMart is THE Souvenir Shop where you’ll find gifts not only from Tokyo but also from neighboring regions.

Inside the same buildingNEWoMana stylish shopping complexhosts many restaurants — some open early in the morning and others until late at nightmaking it ideal for both pre-bus meals and post-arrival breakfasts.Howeversome travelers find it a bit upscale or pricey for casual dining.

• Newoman Website (Shinjuku Miraina Tower)

Alternatively across the streetyou’ll find Shinjuku MYLORDanother shopping complex with a wide variety of restaurantsoften more relaxed and budget-friendly.

• MYLORD Official Website

４．Why Busta Shinjuku Is So Convenient

The biggest feature of Busta Shinjuku is, without a doubt, its direct connection to JR Shinjuku Station. The JR Shinjuku Station ticket gates, located beneath the building where Busta is housed

• Koshu Kaido Gate (formerly: Southern Terrace Gate)
• Shin-Minami Gate (formerly: Shin-Minami Exit)）
• Miraina Tower Gate

With this, you don't have to worry about getting wet in the rain. (Though unfortunately, it was raining on opening day...)Naturally, the waiting rooms inside the terminal have roofs, so you can wait for your bus comfortably.

It also prioritizes accessibility. The facility is equipped with elevators and escalators, significantly reducing the burden on the elderly and passengers with large luggage.

Incidentally, during the construction of Busta Shinjuku, a survey was conducted to ask what services people would like to see available. Surprisingly, the most common request was for restrooms. As a result, Busta Shinjuku has multiple restrooms installed.

５． Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Are there enough restrooms? Will I have to wait in line?

A.While there are multiple restroomsthey may not be sufficient during busy times. We recommend using the restroom at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
There may be a waitespecially for women.

Q.Are there shops or convenience stores?

A.Yes. On the 4th floorthere’s a FamilyMart and a souvenir shop.Howeverduring peak hours (especially around 10 PM)both can be crowded.If you’re in a hurryconsider shopping at one of the many convenience stores or drugstores around Shinjuku Station before heading to the terminal.

Q.Are there restaurants inside Busta Shinjuku?

Not inside the terminal itselfbut you’ll find plenty of dining options in NEWoMan and MYLORD nearby.You can grab a proper meal before your night bus or after arriving early in the morning.

Q.Are there enough coin lockers? Will I find an empty one?

A.Most likely not.Lockers are in high demand — occupancy rates are often 95–100%even on weekdays. Travelers with large suitcases frequently struggle to find available space. Use the Information Center on the 3rd floor for luggage storage (¥800/dayopen 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM)2. Look for coin lockers outside the Busta building

• Busta Shinjuku and Surroundings: Coin Locker Guide

Q. Is there a smoking area?

A.Unfortunatelyno smoking area is available inside Busta Shinjuku.Nearby outdoor smoking spots are listed in a separate guide (Japanese only). If you smokewe suggest using one before boarding your long-distance bus.

• No Smoking Area at Busta Shinjuku?! ⇒ We'll Tell You Where You Can Smoke!

Q.I want to take a shower before or after using the bus! I want to remove or fix my makeup!

A.Busta Shinjuku doesn't have shower facilities, but there are several places nearby where you can use a shower.

Q.Can I buy souvenirs or Tokyo specialties at Busta Shinjuku?

A. Yes. While there are no “Busta Shinjuku-exclusive” souvenirsyou’ll find a wide variety of gifts at the souvenir shop on the 4th floor.Being in Shinjukuthere are many other places nearby to shop for Tokyo-themed souvenirs.

• 【Busta Shinjuku】Get Them Before Your Bus Ride! Introducing Tokyo's Latest Souvenirs

Q.Where can I check the bus schedule?

A.There is no printed timetable.You can find today’s operation status on the official Busta Shinjuku website:

• Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal Official Website Today's Service Information

• Meitetsu Bus Center Guide: AccessBus RoutesFacilities & Travel Tips
• Recommended Stretches to Reduce Fatigue During Highway and Overnight Bus Breaks

※本記事は、2025/07/09に公開されています。最新の情報とは異なる可能性があります。
※バス車両撮影時には、通行・運行の妨げにならないよう十分に配慮して撮影を行っています。