The Yamanote Line (山手線, 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.
One of the busiest stations along the Yamanote Line, Shinagawa is a stop along the Tokaido Shinkansen and will become the terminal station of the Chuo Shinkansen which is scheduled to connect Tokyo and Nagoya with maglev trains in 2027.
Takanawa Gateway
Opened in March 2020, Takanawa Gateway is the newest station along the Yamanote Line. Its station building was designed by star-architect Kuma Kengo. It 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.
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.
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.
