Yamanote Line in Tokyo

  • Yamanote Line in Tokyo

    Yamanote Line in Tokyo

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Facts & Figures

The Yamanote Line in Tokyo consists of 30 stations and connects the most important city centers in the capital like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Ueno. It is operated by the East Japan Railway Company. The circular railway line has a total length of 34.5 km and it takes approx. 1hr to finish the loop. The green colored coaches of the Yamanote Line are easily recognizable. Millions of passengers using this line everyday and you should try it out during the rush hours:) The following overview will give you a more detailed info about every single station. Best Ryokans in Tokyo Explore Ryokans in Tokyo >
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1. Shibuya

Shibuya is a very popular shopping and entertainment district especially for the younger people of Tokyo. It is also known as the fashion center of Japan. The station itself was built in 1885 and handles over 2.4 million passengers on a weekday. The famous Shibuya Crossing nearby is one of the most popular photo spots in the capital.

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2. Harajuku

Harajuku Station gives you access to many popular tourist destinations and shopping facilities. The area around the station is the hotspot for fashion crazy teenagers, which you can find in the Takeshita Street (Takeshita Dori). Nearby are the Meiji Shrine (most famous Shinto shrine in Tokyo), Omotesando (Tokyo's Champs-Elysees), Yoyogi Park and much much more.

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3. Yoyogi

Yoyogi Station was built in 1906. Approx. 100000 passengers using this popular station on a daily basis. From here you can easily access the north entrance of the famous Meiji Shrine and the Yoyogi Park. This will be also an important transportation hotspot for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

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4. Shinjuku

The Shinjuku district is my favorite part of Tokyo. The high density of skscrapers here is amazing. Shinjuku Station is with 3.64 million passengers a day the busiest in the world. The station is surrounded by endless shopping and entertainment facilities. The neon-lights atmosphere at night is a must-see. Enjoy also the beautiful park called Shinjuku Gyoen. My tip: Stay one night in the nearby Park Hyatt Hotel and enjoy the great view from the top floor.

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5. Shin-Okubo

Display of Shin-Okubo Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Shin-Okubo Station gives you access to a Korean town within the Shinjuku district. You will find in this nice neighbourhood many K-pop shops, best Korean restaurants in the city, beauty salons (K-beauty) and much more. It is a very popular place for young people. My tip: Checkout the most popular shopping street called Okubo-dori near the Shin-Okubo Station.

6. Takadanobaba

Display of Takadanobaba Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Takadanobaba Station is with 680000 passengers per day one of the busiest stations in Tokyo. It is the connecting point for the JR Yamanote Line, the Seibu Shinjuku Line and the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. The famous Waseda University can be found nearby and thousands of students passing through here every day. The beautiful Toyama Park in the neighbourhood is a popular spot during the cherry blossom season. The park features the tallest mountain (46m) within the Yamanote Line loop. My tip: Stay in a nice ryokan near the Toyama Park and explore the area.

7. Mejiro

Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Meijro Station is located in a quiet wealthy upperclass neighbourhood. The prestigious Gakushuin University can be found here. Many government officials calling this place their home. Stroll around and enjoy the architecture style of the luxurious houses and apartment buildings. Meijro is not really full of sightseeing spots, but you can spend a nice afternoon here.

8. Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro Station is with 2.71 million passengers per day the second busiest station after Shinjuku. This huge commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo has so many things to offer. Here are some of my highlights: Sunshine City (shopping complex), observation deck Sunshine 60 with amazing views over the city, Sunshine Aquarium, Otome Road - hot spot for the otaku culture with manga, anime and cosplay shops, Toyota showroom Amlux and much much more.

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9. Otsuka

Display of Otsuka Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Otsuka Station in the northern top part of the Yamanote Line loop opened its doors for the public in 1903. Nearly 60000 people using this station per day. It is mainly a residential area with some nice temples like the Gokokuji temple. If you like a more quiet area for your stay in Tokyo and you still wanne be close to the major hubs then I can only recommend you this place.

10. Sugamo

Display of Sugamo Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Sugamo Station is located within the Toshima ward in Tokyo and is served by the Yamanote Line and Toei Mita Line. It opened its doors for the public in 1903. Approx. 77000 passengers using Sugamo Station on a daily basis. The big shopping district nearby with the well-known street called Jizo-dori is very popular for older people. The area got the funny name Harajuku for old ladies:)

11. Komagome

Display of Komagome Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Komagome Station was opened for the public in 1910. It gives you access to one of my personal garden highlights in Tokyo - the Rikugien Garden. Check out the picture gallery and you know why. The Kyu-Furukawa Gardens can also be found nearby. The station itself is served by the Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Namboku Subway Line. I really liked the quiet, safe and more residential neighbourhood.

12. Tabata

Display of Tabata Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Tabata Station was opened for the public in 1896 and is served by the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line. The small station has approx. 45000 passengers per day. The area around Tabata Station is known for its huge concentration of artists and writers. The Tokyo University of the Arts is located nearby. As a visitor you should also check out the well-known Memorial Museum of Writers and Artists. If you want to spend some money go to the Atrevie shopping mall close to the north exit.

13. Nishi-Nippori

Display of Nishi-Nippori Yamanote Line in Tokyo

The neighbourhood of Nishi-Nippori is more quiet and many important cemetries can be found in this area, which streches till Ueno Park and Ueno Station. Some of the Tokugawa shoguns were buried there. Leave the busy places of Shinjuku or Shibuya behind you and stroll through this more residential area. The Nishi-Nippori Station opened its doors in 1905 and serves daily approx. 100000 passengers.

14. Nippori

Display of Nippori Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Nippori Station is a major transportation hub and the intersection of the JR and Keisei Lines. It opened its doors in 1969 and approx. 100000 passengers are served on a daily basis. From there I went to the historic area of Yanaka and the Shimogoinden Bridge (near north-west exit). Every day over 2500 trains can be seen from the bridge. Within a short walking distance you will find the Nippori Fabric Town with many fashion and fabric related shopping facilities and the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

15. Uguisudani

Display of Uguisudani Yamanote Line in Tokyo

The small Uguisudani Station nearby Ueno started operating in 1912 and is served by the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines. The station is located at the northern end of Ueno Park and the perfect starting point to enjoy the cherry blossom season there in April. Nearby can be found the Uguisudani Music Campus, Tokyo University of Fine Arts, Tokyo University Art Museum, Japanese National Museum and one of the biggest love hotel districts in Tokyo.

16. Ueno

Ueno Station was built in 1883. I usually stay in this area during my visits of Tokyo. This major railway station with its approx. 182000 daily passengers gives you access to the beautiful Ueno Park with its zoo, many outstanding museums like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Western Art. You should come here during the cherry blossom season. The Ueno district in some parts preserved the atmosphere of old Tokyo and I really enjoy exploring these hidden places. There are a endless number of shopping and eating facilities around the station.

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17. Okachimachi

Okachimachi Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Okachimachi Station was built in 1925 and is served by the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line. Approx. 68000 passengers using this station on a daily basis. The neighbourhood of the station is known for its excellent shopping malls and restaurants. Check out the famous open-air market Ameya-Yokocho with its many stalls. At the north exit is Takeya the oldest discount store of Tokyo located. You should also visit the Shitamatchi Museum. It displays the life and history of downtown (shitamachi).

18. Akihabara

Akihabara Station was in the beginning (1890) used as a freight terminal and in 1925 opened for passengers. The numbers have grown now to approx. 240000 passengers daily. This district of Tokyo, also known as the Electric Town, is a shopping heaven for computer and anime fans. The atmosphere is really unique and you should enjoy the Otaku Culture there.

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19. Kanda

Kanda Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Kanda Station opened its doors in 1919 and is serving now nearly 98000 passengers daily. I came here to visit the nearby Kanda Shrine (Kanda-myojin). It is a beautiful place with 1300 years of history. One of the three great Tokyo Shinto festivals is held here. It is called the Kanda Matsuri. 200 portable Shinto shrines (mikoshi) are carried around and the parade is joint by dancers and musicians. Another tip: The Mitsui Memorial Museum, dedicated to Japanese and Asian art, can be found in a short walking distance from Kanda Station.

20. Tokyo

Tokyo Station was built in 1914 and is the main inter-city rail terminal in Tokyo. Approx. 4000 trains reach the station every day, which makes it the busiest in the country. On average 467000 passengers are served on a daily basis. The famous brick building of the station is a landmark sign in Tokyo. Nearby can be found many sightseeing highlights like the Imperial Palace, Tokyo International Forum, Imperial East Gardens, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum and much more.

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21. Yurakucho

Yurakucho Station Yamanote Line

Yurakucho Station is located within the Chiyoda district and opened its doors in 1910. It serves approx. 167000 passengers per day. The subway station was added in 1974. The Tokyo International Forum on the west side is my must-see recommendation for you. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. One of the largest Bic Camera electronic stores in Tokyo can be found nearby. Another highlight of Yurakucho Station is the unique restaurant district (Gado-shita), which streches over 700 meters underneath the elevated rail track of the JR Yamanote Line.

22. Shimbashi

Shimbashi Station Yamanote Line

Shimbashi Station is located in the Minato Ward of Tokyo. From here you can reach the famous shopping district of Ginza within a 10 minutes walk. From the east exit you can easily access the impressive skyscrapers area of Shiodome. Enjoy there the fancy restaurants and cafes. The station itself was built in 1909 and the Tokyo subway was added in 1934. Approx. 255000 passengers getting served per day in this major interchange railway station.

23. Hamamatsucho

Hamamatsucho Station Yamanote Line

Hamamatsucho Station was built in 1909 and serves daily approx. 155000 passengers. From here you can easily access the Haneda Airport via the Tokyo Monorail. The area around the station is a bustling business district with many skyscrapers like the World Trade Center Building. My highlights in the neighbourhood were the famous Hamarikyu Gardens and the former imperial Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens. Hamarikyu Garden (250165 square meters) was originally built as the residence of the Shogun Tokugawa family during the Edo Period (1603-1867). From Hamamatsucho Station you can also easily access the Tokyo Bay area. My tip: Take a water taxi to the large artificial island Odaiba.

24. Tamachi

Tamachi Station Yamanote Line

Tamachi Station was my start point for a 10min walk to the famous Rainbow Bridge. This landmark in Tokyo is my must-see recommendation for you. The station itself was built in 1909 and serves daily approx. 144000 passengers. You should also try out one of the delicious soba noodle dishes there. Within the Tamachi area you will find the Tokyo International School, Tokyo Institute of Technology, headquarters of companies like NEC, Morinaga and Nippon Kinzoku. You can also easily access the Shibaura district from the station. It is a redeveloped land close to the Tokyo Bay.

25. Takanawa Gateway

Yamanote Line in Tokyo

The new Takanawa Gateway Station was opened for the public on March 14th in 2020. The station is served by the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line. It is the first new station of the Yamanote Line since 1971. Famous architect Kengo Kuma created the unique design. He was also responsible for the design of the New National Stadium in Tokyo. The station is part of a huge redevelopment project called Global Gateway Shinagawa, which will see the surrounding area transformed into a business district and major transportation hub. My tip: Check out the nearby Takanawa Shrine and Sengaku-ji Temple.

26. Shinagawa

Shinagawa Station is one of the major transportation hubs in Tokyo. From here you have access to the Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Many Shinkansen lines at the station connect a huge number of destinations in Japan. A lot of excellent hotels like the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa can be found nearby. The two exits of the station are called Konan (east side) and Takanawa (west side). The dining and shopping possibilities there are endless. Shinagawa Station was built in 1872 and serves now aprrox. 380000 passengers per day.

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27. Osaki

Osaki Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Osaki Station opened its doors in 1901 and serves now approx. 144000 passengers per day. My tip: If you are looking for a great spot for panoramic views over the bayside of Tokyo check out the newer Gate City Ohsaki with its rooftop plaza. It is just a one minute walk from the station. Other highlights are the Osaki New City, which includes a huge shopping mall, O Museum and souvenir shops and the Art Village Osaki with its unique View Tower and Central Tower. For all gamers out there the headquarter of SEGA is located near Osaki Station.

28. Gotanda

Gotanda Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Gotanda Station separates the area in West Gotanda and East Gotanda. West Gotanda is a modern business district with skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels. East Gotanda has a more residential neighbourhood feeling. The station was built in 1911 and serves now daily approx. 132000 passengers. Gotanda was also known as one of the older red light districts in Tokyo, but this has changed through many redevelopment projects in the area.

29. Meguro

Display of Meguro Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Meguro Station gives you access to the very popular and more upscale neighbourhood of Nakameguro (10min walk). The Meguro River flows through the ward and is a well-known spot for locals and tourists during the cherry blossom season. Walk along the wonderful river promenade and you will know why. Do not miss the Ryusenji Buddhist Temple nearby with its famous Meguro-fudoson statue. The station itself was built in 1885 and serves approx. 107000 passengers daily. Many universities have a campus in Meguro like Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology, Tokyo University, Toritsu University and Gakugei University.

30. Ebisu

Ebisu Station Yamanote Line in Tokyo

Ebisu Station was built in 1901 and used as a freight terminal for the nearby Yebisu Beer factory. The company name was then used for the station. Passengers could board the trains from here in 1906. Four train lines serve now approx. 134000 passengers a day, which are JR Yamanote, JR Saikyo, JR Shonan-Shinjuku and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Ebisu Station is located at the ground floor of the Atre Ebisu shopping center. The Yebisu Garden Place, a shopping and dining complex is the major higlight close to the East Exit of the station. Check out the Joel Robuchon Restaurant (rated with three Michelin stars) or the 200m long shopping street called Ichibankai (starts at the West Exit).

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