The JR Yamanote Line

The JR Yamanote Line is a loop line in central Tokyo operated by JR East. This is a very important line as it connects most of the major commercial districts and popular tourist destinations of Tokyo. The line is also famously busy, so services are very regular and come every 2 – 4 minutes. Trains run in both directions, clockwise and anticlockwise, around the loop. To travel the complete circuit would take about 1 hour.

Because this is a JR line it is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Also if you are traveling from outside Tokyo with a JR ticket, you can use that same ticket to continue on to any station on the Yamanote Line. So if you travel by shinkansen to Ueno Station, you can transfer to the Yamanote Line without buying a new ticket. On maps and signage the Yamanote Line is color coded light green and Yamanote Line trains are also easily identified by their light green coloring.

The Yamanote Circuit

There are currently 29 stations on the Yamanote Line though this will increase to 30 stations in 2020. Following the route clockwise these stations are:

Tokyo – Yurakucho – Shimbashi – Hamamatsucho – Tamachi – Shinagawa – Osaki – Gotanda – Meguro – Ebisu – Shibuya – Harajuku – Yoyogi – Shinjuku – Shin-Okubo – Takadanobaba – Mejiro – Ikebukuro – Otsuka – Sugamo – Komagome – Tabata – Nishi-Nippori – Nippori – Uguisudani – Ueno – Okachimachi – Akihabara – Kanda – Tokyo

The name “Yamanote” comes from the Yamanote area of Tokyo. Literally Yamanote means “foothills” and traditionally this hilly area was the home for the richer, more upper class citizens of the city. The more working class areas were in the lowlands which are called Shitamachi (literally “downtown”). The modern Yamanote Line, however, links both traditional high class areas with typical Shitamachi areas such as Nippori in Arakawa ward, Ueno in Taito ward, and Kanda in Chiyoda ward.

Destinations

Among the Yamanote Line destinations only Shin-Okubo and Mejiro have no transfers.

Ueno Station

Ueno is an important cultural center in Tokyo with a large number of major museums in the grounds of Ueno Park. Other attractions here are the pandas at Ueno Zoo, and the bargain stores of Ameya-Yokocho shopping street.

Ueno is also a major transportation hub. At JR Ueno Station transfer to the Joban Line, the Utsunomiya Line, the Takasaki Line, the Ueno–Tokyo Line, and the Keihin-Tohoku Line. Transfer can also be made to the Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, Hokkaido Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen. At nearby Keisei Ueno Station transfer to the Keisei Main Line and services for Narita Airport. At Ueno Subway Station transfer to Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

At JR Ueno Station Yamanote Line services bound for Tabata, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku depart from Platform 2, and services bound for Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Meguro depart from Platform 3.

Yamanote Line Destinations from JR Ueno Station Platform 2

Passengers traveling from JR Ueno Station to the destinations below should board Yamanote Line services at Platform 2. Fares and example train times are given from Ueno.

Uguisudani Station

Kaneiji Temple with its 5-story pagoda is a 6 minute walk from Uguisudani Station. The temple was first established in 1625. Tokyo University Art Museum is a 12 minute walk from the station. This museum has one of Japan’s largest art collections with around 29,000 pieces. However, it is only open to the public when exhibitions are being held.

Transfer here to the Keihin-Tohoku Line.

Nippori Station

Nippori Station is convenient for the traditional shopping street, Yanaka Ginza. Other popular locations here are Yanaka cemetery which is a popular spot for cherry blossoms viewing, Tennoji Temple which dates from 1274, and the view from the “Sunset Stairs”: Yuyake Dandan.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Joban Line, the Keisei Main Line, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.

Nishi-Nippori Station

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.

Tabata Station

During the early 20th Century Tabata was home to a rich community of artists, writers, and poets. Though those days have passed, Tabata’s history as a cultural center is still celebrated at the Tabata Memorial Museum of Writers and Artists. The museum houses a collection of 3,000 objects including paintings, ceramics, letters and original manuscripts. Admission is free and the museum is just a 2 minute walk from Tabata Station.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.

Komagome Station

Komagome Station is convenient for Rikugien Garden, a beautiful Japanese landscape garden with a strolling path and pond. This garden is a six minute walk south of Komagome Station. Nine minutes to the north of Komagome Station is the Kyu-Furukawa Gardens which include a rose garden, a rhododendron plantation, and a traditional Japanese stroll garden and pond. Inside the gardens is a Western style manor house dating from 1917 that was designed by the English architect, Josiah Condor.

Transfer here to the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.

Sugamo Station

There is a long shopping street called Jizo Dori to the north of Sugamo Station which is very popular with senior citizens. The shopping street is known for its traditional candy stores and for the Sugamo Maruji store which sells lucky red underpants.

Transfer here to the Toei Mita Line.

Otsuka Station

Transfer here to the Toden Arakawa Tram Line.

Ikebukuro Station

Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s major commercial centers and the station is surrounded by a large number of department stores, electronics stores, restaurants and bars. Sunshine City is a large commercial complex in Ikebukuro which includes shops, restaurants, hotels, a museum, a planetarium, and an aquarium. The Sunshine 60 skyscraper inside Sunshine City has an observation deck on its 60th floor. Sunshine City is located 12 minutes’ walk east of Ikebukuro Station.

Transfer here to the JR Saikyo Line, the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, the Tobu Tojo Line, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, and the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.

Mejiro Station

The Philatelic Museum is a postage stamp museum located 5 minutes’ walk south of Mejiro Station. There is also a small traditional Japanese stroll garden called Mejiro Teien that is located 5 minutes’ walk north of the station.

There are no transfers at Mejiro Station.

Takadanobaba Station

Takadanobaba is not a tourist destination but it does have many cheap restaurants, bars, and ramen noodle shops.

Transfer here to the Seibu Shinjuku Line and the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.

Shin-Okubo Station

Shin-Okubo Station is convenient for the local Koreatown which has a large number of Korean restaurants and shops selling Korean goods.

There are no transfers at Shin-Okubo Station.

Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku is a large commercial and entertainment district with countless shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. Top attractions include:

• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 is a 48 story high building with two towers designed by the architect, Kenzo Tange. There are observation decks on the 45th floor of both towers which are free to enter. The building is located 12 minutes’ walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station.
• Omoide Yokocho is an atmospheric alleyway full of small bars and eateries serving a variety of specialty foods such as yakitori, yakiniku, kushikatsu, soba noodles, sushi, and ramen. Omoide Yokocho is a 1 minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s east exit.
• Kabukicho is a large area of bright lights, bars, clubs, and restaurants. This is also a major red light district so tourists should be careful not to enter unfamiliar establishments where they might be tricked out of their money. Kabukicho is 5 minutes from the east exit of Shinjuku Station.
• Golden Gai is a small area of alleyways filled with tiny bars and eateries each with their own unique character. Golden Gai is 6 minutes from the east exit of Shinjuku Station.
• Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park with lawns and French, English and traditional Japanese style gardens. It is a popular cherry blossom viewing location in the spring. Shinjuku Gyoen is a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s south exit.

Shinjuku Station is also surrounded by department stores, shopping malls and electronics retailers. Check our guide to Shopping at Shinjuku Station for our top recommendations.

Shinjuku Station is a major transportation hub in Tokyo and the busiest railway station in the world with over 3.6 million passengers passing through it every day. Because of its size and multiple rail links it is easy to get lost, so be sure to use our Shinjuku Station Map & Guide to help you find your way. Transfers can be made here to the JR Chuo Line, the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, the JR Saikyo Line, the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, the Keio Line, the Keio New Line, the Odakyu Odawara Line, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, the Toei Shinjuku Line, Toei Oedo Line, and the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal is located on Shinjuku Station’s south side.

Yoyogi Station

Transfer here to the JR Chuo-Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line.

Harajuku Station

Exit here for the trendy Harajuku area with its fashion boutiques and cafes, for Meiji Jingu Shrine, and for Yoyogi Park.

Transfer here to the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.

Yamanote Line Destinations from JR Ueno Station Platform 3

Passengers traveling from JR Ueno Station to the destinations below should board Yamanote Line services at Platform 3. Fares and example train times are given from Ueno.

Okachimachi Station

Okachimachi is busy shopping district. Ameya-Yokocho shopping street can also be accessed here, but Okachimachi is best known for its large number of jewelry stores. Other notable stores are the Yoshiike department store, the Matsuzakaya department store, and Japan’s oldest discount store, Takeya.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line. At nearby Ueno-okachimachi Station transfer to the Toei Oedo Line. At nearby Naka-Okachimachi Station transfer to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. At nearby Ueno-hirokoji Station transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

Akihabara Station

Akihabara is famous for its cheap electronics stores, and also for its shops dedicated to “otaku” culture, such as manga, anime, games, toys, models, and costumes for cosplay. Maid cafes where customers are served by young girls in French maid costumes are also popular here.

Transfers can be made here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya Line and to the Tsukuba Express.

Kanda Station

The Mitsui Memorial Museum is an 8 minute walk south of Kanda Station. This museum exhibits the Mitsui family’s collection of art objects related to the Japanese tea ceremony as well as many Asian antiques. The museum is housed in the Mitsui Main Building, an early Showa era building dating from 1929 that is now an officially designated Important Cultural Property.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line.

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station dates from 1914 and its original red-brick façade can be viewed on the Marunouchi or west side of the building. The Yaesu exit on the east side of the station building is more contemporary and opens onto the Tokyo Station City complex which houses a variety of shopping and dining facilities. Top among the attractions near Tokyo Station is the Imperial Palace, some gardens of which are accessible to the public.

The nearby Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum exhibits mainly 19th century European art and is housed in a Queen Anne style building designed in 1894 by the British architect Josiah Conder. The Marunouchi district on the west side of the station is a commercial district with many high rise buildings packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Karaksa Hotel TOKYO STATION and Super Hotel Premier Tokyo Station Yaesu-Chuoguchi offer reasonably priced rooms in close proximity to Tokyo Station.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Chuo Line, the JR Tokaido Line, the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line, the JR Sobu Line, the JR Yokosuka Line, and the JR Keiyo Line. Bullet train services from Tokyo Station are the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Tohoku Shinkansen, the Joetsu Shinkansen, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Transfers can also be made here to the subway Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.

Yurakucho Station

The convention center and performance venue Tokyo International Forum is a 4 minute walk from Yurakucho Station. Just outside the station is a lively area under the rail tracks called Gadoshita which has many cheap restaurants and bars.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro’s Yurakucho, Hibiya, and Chiyoda lines, and the Toei Mita Line.

Shimbashi Station

Shimbashi Station is a place of interest for railway enthusiasts. The original Shimbashi Station, located a little to the east of the current station, opened in 1872 as the Tokyo terminus of Japan’s first railway which ran from Yokohama. This building has now been reconstructed on its original site and houses a railway museum. To visit Old Shimbashi Station walk 5 minutes east from the modern Shimbashi Station. Outside the west side of the modern station is a popular meeting spot called SL Square where an old steam locomotive dating from 1945 is on permanent display.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Tokaido Line, the JR Yokosuka Line, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and New Transit Yurikamome.

Hamamatsucho Station

Exit here for the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden and Hamarikyu Gardens. Zozoji is an impressive temple which is a 13 minute walk west of the station.

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Tokyo Monorail. At nearby Daimon Station transfer to the Toei Asakusa Line and the Toei Oedo Line.

Tamachi Station

Transfer here to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Toei Asakusa Line and the Toei Mita Line.

Shinagawa Station

There are a number of interesting museums and one very important temple in the area around Shinagawa Station.

• The Nikon Museum has many interactive displays detailing the history, technology and design principles of the Nikon company, and a “hands-on” section exhibiting rare and valuable cameras. The museum is an 8 minute walk east of the station.
• The Hara Museum is housed in a Bauhaus building dating from 1938. This museum is dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, design, music and dance. To find it walk 15 minutes south from the station.
• The Jade Ore Museum (Hisuigensekikan) exhibits a large private collection of jade pieces in all shapes and sizes, many of which are for sale. This museum has no English display information, but it is the only museum of its kind in Japan. It is a 16 minute walk south of the museum or just 1 minute from the Hara Museum.
• Sengakuji Temple is a must-see location for anyone who is interested in Japanese history or literature. This temple holds the tombs of the legendary 47 Ronin. These were a group of heroic samurai who gave their lives to take revenge on the man responsible for the death of their master. Their story became a popular topic of kabuki drama and bunraku puppet plays and a festival is held here every December 14th to celebrate their loyalty. The temple is a 15 minute walk north of Shinagawa Station.

Transfer here to the JR Yamanote Line, the JR Yokosuka Line, the JR Tokaido Line, the Tokaido Shinkansen, and the Keikyu Main Line.

Gotanda Station

The Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art is an 11 minute walk from Gotanda Station. This museum exhibits a collection of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese art works related to the tea ceremony.

Transfer here to the Tokyu Ikegami Line and Toei Asakusa Line.

Meguro Station

There are a variety of attractions close by Meguro Station.

• The Kume Museum of Art is dedicated to the work of the Meiji era historian, Kume Kunitake and his son Kume Keiichiro who was a noted impressionist painter. The museum is a 2 minute walk from Meguro Station.
• The Meguro Museum of Art is a gallery of contemporary Japanese art. The museum is an 11 minute walk west of Meguro Station.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a beautiful Art Deco building surrounded by Japanese and European style gardens. The museum is a 7 minute walk north east of Meguro Station.
• The Institute for Nature Study is a large nature reserve with woodlands, wetlands and botanical gardens. The Institute is a 10 minute walk north east of Meguro Station.
• Matsuoka Museum of Art houses the art collection of the late businessman, Seijiro Matsuoka. Inside you will find ancient Egyptian artifacts, Asian Buddhist sculptures, and modern European works. The museum is a 15 minute walk north east of Meguro Station.

Transfer here to the Tokyu Meguro Line, the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and the Toei Mita Line.

Ebisu Station

The Ebisu area is best known for having a great variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The major attraction in the area is Yebisu Garden Place which is a large commercial and cultural complex built on the site of the former Yebisu Beer brewery. Inside Yebisu Garden Place there are a large number of shopping and dining facilities, a cinema, the Museum of Yebisu Beer, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. Overlooking all of these facilities is the Yebisu Garden Place Tower, a large skyscraper with restaurants on its 38th and 39th floors from which diners can enjoy stunning views over the city. Yebisu Garden Place is 5 minutes from Ebisu Station via the Ebisu Skywalk moving walkway.

Transfer here to the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, the JR Saikyo Line, and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

Shibuya Station

The Shibuya district is a dynamic hub of youth culture and nightlife, packed with department stores, fashion boutiques, restaurants, night clubs and bars. The statue of the faithful dog Hachiko is a famous meeting point just outside the station, and beyond the statue is the world-renowned Shibuya Crossing intersection overlooked by giant video screens and neon-lit signs.

Transfer at Shibuya Station to the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, the JR Saikyo Line, the Keio Inokashira Line, the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, and the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.

Future Plans: “Shinagawa Shin-Eki”

A new station between Tamachi Station and Shinagawa Station on the Yamanote Line is currently under construction and is due to open in time for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. This station will serve both the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines and is being designed by the Olympic Stadium architect, Kengo Kuma. Although the new station has been provisionally named “Shinagawa Shin-Eki”, its final name has not yet been decided. For more details and images of this station see our article First Images of the New Shinagawa Station.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.