The JR Yamanote Line
Shinagawa
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Tokyo's most important train line
The JR Yamanote line runs in a loop around Tokyo; a full circuit takes about an hour. The trains can be recognized by its green color ; They are equipped with on-board colour screens above the doors telling you what is the next stop is, how long it will take to get there and which side of the train the exit door will be. The information are provided in both English & Japanese, thus making it one of the easier train line to navigate around Tokyo.
Opened in 1885, it has become essential to the daily life of Tokyoites .
Passing all over Tokyo, it is the perfect line to travel there. It is a "circular" train line looping through the capital and passing through some of the city's most famous neighborhoods . Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Akihabara, they are all served by the Yamanote.
The Yamanote line connects 30 stations and can be identified by its green color and the letters JY. Each station is identified by a number. For example Ikebukuro is JY 13 and Shibuya JY 20.
Is the Yamanote line accessible to tourists?
The Yamanote line is also very easy to use for travelers passing through Tokyo.
- Japan Rail Pass holders can take advantage of the line for free ;
- Information and instructions are systematically available in English in the carriages, on the platforms and in the station ;
- Important announcements are also made in English ;
- The teams of the JR East company , in charge of the line, will be able to understand you and help you in your travels.
In short, this is the most accessible line in the archipelago for non-Japanese speaking visitors.
Navigating the Yamanote Line
The Yamanote line travels 34,5 km in one hour, with trains departing every two minutes during the day and every 30 seconds during rush hours. It is best to avoid rush hours as it is very crowded. The train service begins its services around 4.30am and run until 1am. To ensure to have the accurate operating time of the train line in Japan, we recommend you to check Jorudan.
Let's start our journey along the Yamanote line from Tokyo Station. The train line is covered by your JR Pass.
From Tokyo to Tamachi Stations
0 km - Tokyo station
Tokyo station is the terminus for most shinkansen services and classic JR lines. The station is divided into two parts: Marunouchi and Yaesu.
A short walk north-west from the Marunouchi exit will lead you to the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The palace is built on the site of the former Edo Castle. The palace was completed in 1888 and is now the residence of Emperor Akihito.
Most areas are not accessible to the public, but you can visit the East Gardens, which include a Japanese-style garden (Tues. - Thurs. and Sat. -Mon., 9 am - 4:30 pm, Nov-Feb, 4pm, free).
You can also walk to the National Museum of Modern Art, which displays the largest collection of modern Japanese art as well as Western-style paintings (Tues. - Sun., 10 am to 5 pm, 8pm Fridays, ¥420).
0.8 km - Yurakucho station
Alight here for the tourist information center. Take the International Forum Exit.
A five-minute walk from Yurakucho is Ginza, considered the most fashionable shopping district in Japan.
Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest wholesale fish market in Japan, is two stops from Ginza on the Hibiya Subway Line. Visitor numbers for the auctions are limited. You have to queue at the O-sakana Fukyu Center before 5 am. Alternatively, you can arrive after 9 am to visit the wholesale market area.
2 km - Shimbashi station
The birthplace of the railway in Japan. At nearby Shiodome, you can visit the Former Shimbashi Station, a replica of Japan's first station building (Tues. - Sun., 11 am - 6 pm, free).
Hama Rikyu Garden is a 10-15 minute walk from the station. It is one of Tokyo's best-known landscape gardens and dates back 300 years (daily, 9 am - 5 pm, ¥300).
3.1 km - Hamamatsucho station
Change here for the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport.
From here, also visit the 333-meter high (1093 feet) Tokyo Tower, which was constructed in 1958, when Tokyo's young TV networks needed a tall antenna to transmit. The Main Observatory is at 150 meters (492 feet) and the Special Observatory is at 250 meters. At the main observation floor cafe, Club 33 hosts free live music on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings.
The tower also houses an art gallery, the Guiness Book of World Records Museum Tokyo, and a wax museum. (Main Observatory, ¥820, Special Observatory, an additional ¥600, Tower 9 am - 10 pm, museums 10 am - 9 pm).
4.6 km - Tamachi station
Just across the street from this station stands the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Just after Tamachi Station, you will see the impressive site of the new Yamanote Station, Takanawa Gateway.
5.9 km - Takanawa Gateway station
The new station along the Yamanote line will bring you to a new district. It gives also access to the temple Sengakuji and the Sengakuji subway station.
From Shinagawa Station to Ebisu Station
Shinagawa Station is in the south of central Tokyo in Minato ward, just north of Shinagawa ward after which the station is named. Shinagawa Station is the first major rail station on the Tokaido Shinkansen south of Tokyo Station. Shinagawa station and its surroundings have been developed over the last decade. The station concourse is sleek and modern and contains a number of upmarket stores including the Atre department store. The east and west sides of the station are quite different.
6.8 km - Shinagawa station
Shinagawa Station is a stop for the Narita Express , the Tokaido, the Keihin-Tohoku, the Yokosuka, and the Sobu main lines. It has also connections with the shinkansen to Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
8.8 km - Osaki station
This business district has developed rapidly over recent years. It has a very futuristic appearance with its many modern "cities," or cluster of buildings, including Osaki New City, Gate City Osaki, Art Village Osaki, and ThinkPark.
9.7 km - Gotanda station
This district is one of the few in Tokyo which has retained much of its traditional character. Near the station, you will find the department stores Tokyu and Tokyo Outlet Center and several restaurants selling Korean barbeque. The Tokyo Design Center is situated just opposite Gotanda Railway Station. The Center is a landmark on the Tokyo skyline. Hara Museum of Contemporary Art is about a 10-minute walk from the station. The museum is Japan's oldest museum devoted to contemporary, international, and Japanese art.
10.9 km - Meguro station
Meguro is a mainly residential area popular for its hilly landscape. A five-minute walk from Meguro Station is Daienji Temple. This small temple is steeped in history. It was at the origin of the big fire of Edo that destroyed much of the city in 1772.
12.9 km - Ebisu station
Transfer here to the Hibiya subway line to visit Roppongi, Tokyo's best-known nightlife district, which ahs more bars and nightclubs than any other district outside of Shinjuku. It is anchored by two huge developments: Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown that house everything from stores and restaurants to hotels, cinemas, and art museums.
Buy your JR Pass
From Shibuya to Shin-Okubo Stations
The JR Station is in the heart of the station. Two platforms are dedicated to the JR Yamanote Line (1 and 2) and two platforms (3 and 4) are for the Saikyo Line, the Shonan Shinjuku line, the Narita Express to Narita Airport and the Zushi Line.
In the basement, many subway lines are in connections : the Tokyu Toyoko Line, the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, the Tokyo Metro Futukoshin Line.
14 km - Shibuya station
This is a vibrant shopping and nightlife area and is home to more than a dozen department stores, including the Hikarie Complex, the Shibuya Stream, and two new shopping mall, the Shibuya Scramble Square and the Tokyu Plaza Shibuya (Fukuras).
Do not miss the lights changing at Shibuya Crossing, reported to be Japan's busiest crossing, nicknamed the "Times Square of Tokyo."
15.2 km - Harajuku station
The station has been renovated in 2019 and thenew exit will bring you near the Meiji Jingu Shrine Entrance.Walk find 5 minutes to find the popular Yoyogi Park. The park is home to Meiji Jingu Shrine, opened in 1920 in honor of Emperor and Empress Meiji. The shrine is divded into the inner and outer gardens. In late May/June, you can see the blooming iris garden (inner garden, open daily sunrise to sunset, free).
Harajuku is also a trendy shopping area (notably Omote Sando Avenue), with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and alternative clothing and music stores.
16.7 km - Yoyogi station
Yoyogi Park is next to the station and stands on the site from where the first successful powered aircraft flight in Japan took place. The park was created in 1967. The park is very popular, particularly on Sundays, and in Spring when thousands of people flock here to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
17.4 km - Shinjuku station
Considered the busiest station in the world. Head out of the West Exit to reach the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo's city hall, comprised of three buildings. From the 45th floor of TMG no. 1, visitors can get spectacular views from the north and south towers (open daily, 9:30 am - 10:30 pm free). You can also find the Tokyo Tourist Information Center on the first floor (daily, 10 am - 6:30 pm).
North-east of Shinjuku Station is an area called Kabuki-cho, which has the craziest nightlife in Tokyo, with many strip clubs, massage parlors, adult stores, bars, and restaurants. The area is quite safe and attracts a mix of business men and students.
From Takadanobaba to Sugamo Stations
JR Takadonobaba Station was put into operation on September 15, 1910, while Seibu Station opened on April 16, 1927, and the Tōzai Line station on December 23, 1964. It sees an average of 680,000 passengers per day and is the 11th busiest station on the JR network in the capital. Its proximity to the great Waseda University is one reason.
20.1 km - Takadanobaba station
This area, also known as Baba, is a trendy student area, located close to Waseda University, Gakushuin University, and several other vocational and training schools. There are many bookstores, cheap bars, and izakayas (Japanese drinking establishments, which also serve food).
It is also home to the famous Astro Boy, a famous Manga series first published in 1952, created by Osamu Tezuka.
21 km - Mejiro station
One of the smaller stations of the Yamanote Line, with just one island platform. To the right of the station is the Gakushuin University campus, and on the left is a busy shopping street with a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
22.2 km - Ikebukuro station
This is the working person's Tokyo and is filled with shopping malls and department stores, notably Seibu and Tobu, two of the country's largest department stores.
24 km - Otsuka station
This station is located in the Toshima Ward, one of the most international wards in Tokyo. It is mainly known for its Awa Dance Festival, the second largest Awa Odori dance festival in Tokyo. It is helf every year between the 12th and the 15th of August.
25.1 km - Sugamo station
Best known for Jizo-dori, a popular shopping street for the elderly, located just to the north of the station. During the Edo Period, the street was part of the Nakasendo Highway that connected Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto. Jizo-dori is best known for its cake shops and Maruji clothing stores, selling bright red underwear very popular with older ladies.
From Komagome to Uguisudani Stations
Komagome is about nature, a unique Yamanote line station with borders of beautiful gardens as soon as you set foot on its quay with the many azalea bushes that are arranged on each side. When they bloom each spring, the view is magnificent from the station!
Komagome Station was built on November 15, 1910, on the heights to the east of Toshima District. It is served by the JR Yamanote Line as well as the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. Komagome is a small station, very quiet, in a neighborhood that is just as quiet although it does not lack attractions.
25.8 km - Komagome station
During the 17th to 19th centuries, feudal lords of Edo built their residences here, and the area has retained much of the Edo charm. Komagome is best known for its greenery and many parks.
The best known garden of the area is Rikugien, which was created in 170s. It is a traditional Japanese garden with a central pond, with islands, viewing hills, strolling paths, and several wooden teahouses where you can relax and enjoy some good matcha tea (Daily, 9 am - 5 pm, ¥300).
Kyu-Furukawa Garden is also located near Komagome Station. The garden was created in 1914 and is composed of two parts: the Western style house and its garden in front, and the Japanese garden (Daily, 9 am - 5pm, ¥150).
28.2 km - Nishi-Nippori station
This is a traditional and relaxed area of Tokyo, with many temples, cemeteries, and small shops and restaurants.
Visit Tennoji Temple, founded more than 500 years ago. The first thing you see upon entering the compound is a seated bronze Buddha, which dates from 1690 and is one of the temple's most valuable treasures.
Yanaka Cemetery was once the burial grounds of Kane-ji and Tennoji temples and opened to the public in 1874. It is one of Tokyo's largest cemeteries. Among its more than 7,000 tombstones are graves belonging to famous public figures, artists, and writers.
27.4 km - Tabata station
The opening of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in Ueno attracted many young artists to Tabata, and well-known and aspiring writers alike also moved to the area. The decline of Tabata as an artistic community began in 1927 with the suicide of Akutagawa, a famous artist who lived in the area.
The Tabata Memorial Museum of Writers and Artists, which is just a two-minute walk from the station, displays items by and related to the former writers and artists who lived there (Daily, 10 am - 4:30 pm, free).
Tokyo Skytree
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28.7 km - Nippori station
A good spot for trainspotting, as both JR and the Keisei private line trains pass through here.
Nippori is one of the few areas where you may be able to see Mount Fuji without having to go up a tower. It is also the fabric district of Tokyo, where you can find the traditional fabrics used for kimono.
Change here for access to Narita Airport on the Keisei Skyliner.
29.8 km - Uguisudani station
Until WWII, this was a popular geisha quarter, but it is now better known for its love hotels, which make it a lively place in the evenings.
Some older wooden houses still remain in its narrow streets, and the area is also home to Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and its art museum. As well as works of famous artists and craftsmen, the collection also includes itembs by university teachers and students. With over 28,000 artifacts, the University Art Museum today has the largest collection of art objects in the whole of Japan (Tues. - Sun., 10 am - 5 pm, ¥300).
From Ueno Station to Tokyo Stations
The Ueno district is rich in history. In 1868, it was a place of resistance for the last samurai, some two thousand followers of the Tokugawa shogun, who were fighting against the imperial troops. In 1883, the Ueno station opened the doors of the capital to northern Japan and for a long time remained the busiest station in the country.
30.9 km - Ueno station
Ueno Station is an important railway junction. Shinkansen services stop here, and it is the nearest stop to connect with the Ginza subway line.
Just outside the station, you will find Ueno Park, which is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and very popular with families. The park is especially popular in the cherry blossom season, when Tokyoites come to sit, contemplate the cherry blossoms, and drink beer and saké.
The park is home to: the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Japan (Tues-Sun, 9:30 am - 5 pm, Apr.-Dec. Friday to 8 pm for special exhibitions, ¥600); Ueno Zoo, founded in 1882, it is the oldest zoo in Japan. It is host to Li-li and Shin-Shin, two pandas on loan from China (Tues - Sun, 9:30 am - 5 pm, ¥420); the Shitamachi Museum, featuring recreated homes and stores from the Edo and Taisho periods (Tues-Sun, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, ¥300).
Change here for the Ginza Line and alight at the last stop to visit the Asakusa district, which is rich in history and tradition and is the sight of the famous Sensoji Temple.
31.5 km - Okachimachi station
This station is located near Ameyoko, a busy market street. The name is short for "Ameya Yokocho" (candy store alley), as candies were traditionally sold here. Today, various products such as clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food and spices, and much more are on sale (opening hours and closing days depend on individual stores, but typically 10 am - 7 pm, closed on selected Wednesdays).
32.5 km - Akihabara station
Akihabara Station has long been the shopping destination for electronics and electrical appliances. In recent years, Akihabara has also become a mecca for otaku (geek) culture and home to anime and manga stores.
33.2 km - Kanda station
This district is known for its second-hand bookstores.
34.5 - Tokyo station
From Tokyo station, the Narita Express takes 53 minutes to reach Narita Airport.
