JR Yamanote Line

The Yamanote Line (�R��, Yamanote-sen) is Tokyo's most important train line. It is a circular line which connects Tokyo's major city centers. A trip around the whole circle takes approximately one hour.

Even though a single train on the Yamanote Line is roughly 200 meters long, there are departures about every two to four minutes in each direction.

Below are more details about the stations of the Yamanote Line starting and ending at Shinjuku in their actual, counter-clockwise order:

Shinjuku

Shinjuku Station is Japan's busiest train station. It is located in the middle of the large Shinjuku business, entertainment and shopping district. Many suburban train lines commence at Shinjuku Station.

Yoyogi

The north entrance of the Meiji Shrine can be accessed from Yoyogi Station.

Harajuku

Harajuku is a shopping and entertainment district for young people, especially teenagers. The main entrance to Meiji Shrine is located next to Harajuku Station.

Shibuya

Shibuya is a large shopping and business district particularly popular among the younger generations. Several suburban train lines commence at Shibuya Station.

Ebisu

Closest station to Yebisu Garden Place.

Meguro

Closest station to Institute for Nature Study.

Gotanda

Osaki

Shinagawa

The Tokaido Shinkansen stops at Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is the closest JR station to Sengakuji Temple.

Tamachi

Hamamatsucho

Hamamatsucho is the closest JR station to the Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple. It is also the terminal station of the Tokyo Monorail, which connects central Tokyo with the domestic Haneda Airport.

Shimbashi

Shimbashi is a large business area and the closest JR station to the Tsukiji Outer Market, Shiodome Shiosite and Hama Rikyu Gardens.

Yurakucho

Yurakucho Station is the closest JR station to the Sakuradamon entrance gate of the Imperial Palace and to the famous Ginza shopping and entertainment district. Dozens of interesting dining establishments can be found below the train tracks north and south of the station.

Tokyo

Tokyo Station is the terminal station of all shinkansen lines. It is located in the prestigious Marunouchi business district, close to the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Several suburban train lines pass through or commence at Tokyo Station.

Kanda

Akihabara

Akihabara Station is located in the center of Akihabara Electric Town, a large shopping area for electronics and otaku goods.

Okachimachi

The Ameyoko shopping street starts at Okachimachi Station.

Ueno

The shinkansen trains to northern Japan stop at Ueno Station. Ueno Park and the Ameyoko shopping street are located next to the station. Several suburban train lines commence at Ueno Station.

Uguisudani

Nippori

Convenient connections to the Keisei trains to/from Narita Airport is possible at this station.

Nishi-Nippori

Tabata

Komagome

Rikugien Garden is just south of Komagome Station.

Sugamo

Sugamo is a popular shopping district among the elderly.

Otsuka

Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's largest shopping and entertainment districts. Several suburban train lines commence at Ikebukuro Station.