Yamanote Line in Tokyo

The neighborhood of Nishi-Nippori is more quiet and many important cemeteries can be found in this area, which stretches to 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.

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 daily. From there I went to the historic area of Yanaka and the Shimogoinden Bridge (near the 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.

The small Uguisudani Station near 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 is 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.

Ueno Station was built in 1883. I usually stay in this area during my visits to Tokyo. This major railway station with its approx. 182000 daily passengers gives you access to the beautiful Ueno Park with its zoo, and 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 enjoy exploring these hidden places. There are an endless number of shopping and eating facilities around the station.

Okachimachi Station was built in 1925 and is served by the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line. Approx. 68000 passengers use this station daily. The neighborhood 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 in Tokyo located. You should also visit the Shitamatchi Museum. It displays the life and history of downtown (shitamachi).

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 unique and you should enjoy the Otaku Culture there.

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 joined by dancers and musicians. Another tip: The Mitsui Memorial Museum, dedicated to Japanese and Asian art, can be found within a short walking distance from Kanda Station.

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 daily. 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.

Yurakucho Station is located in 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 stretches over 700 meters underneath the elevated rail track of the JR 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 are served per day in this major interchange railway station.

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 neighborhood 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 of Odaiba.

Tamachi Station was my starting point for a 10-minute 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, the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the 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.

The new Takanawa Gateway Station was opened to the public on March 14th, 2020. The station is served by the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line. It is the first new station on 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.

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 approximately 380000 passengers per day.

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 headquarters of SEGA is located near Osaki Station.

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 neighborhood 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.

Meguro Station gives you access to the very popular and more upscale neighborhood of Nakameguro (a 10-minute 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 campuses in Meguro like Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology, Tokyo University, Toritsu University, and Gakugei University.

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 on the ground floor of the Atre Ebisu shopping center. The Yebisu Garden Place, a shopping and dining complex is the major highlight 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).