For any public transportation situation in Japan, Google Maps is extremely helpful. Enter your location and destination, and it will show various options based on time and train schedules (be sure to use the “train” icon for public transit). You then choose a specific option, and it will explain how to walk to a station, which line to take, in which direction, and from which platform to board. It will then tell you how many stops until your destination, where to exit the station, and how to walk to your final destination. If transfers are needed, it will also provide detailed instructions.

Additionally, it suggests the best boarding position for either a quick exit or a smooth transfer. Suggested walking times may be a little shorter than realistic, though. The most challenging, in that respect, is the enormous Shinjuku station, which is also under perpetual construction, making traversing much of it quite a walk!

Of course, to use this, you need to have the app on your phone and have Internet access for your phone, either through a portable WiFi device or using an eSIM!

Here is an example of the instructions generated for a journey from the Tokyo Park Hotel to Shinjuku Station (explanation follows):

In this description, note:

• Start of journey, including address, is listed, along with start time (which you can change)
• It explains that you will need to walk a specific distance and for an estimated duration to get to the first listed subway station (Shiodome)
• It then specifies which line, and the train with a certain description you will need to take (Oedo line, “Local for Daimon / Roppongi”)
• A summary of the trip on that train is shown, along with the departure platform (so you can follow signs inside the station), and the numbered stop where you will have to get off. It describes the expected duration and the number of stops left.
• In the example, I have expanded (the up arrow) to show the name and time of each station/stop along the way
• It then shows you the arrival station
• If you had specified a destination (address) outside the station, there would be further walking instructions after that
• If transfers are necessary during the trip, they will be described in the same manner