"Yamanote Line" is one of the most important lines in Tokyo. It is a circular railway running in the core area of Tokyo. It passes through major transfer points in Tokyo and then expands to areas outside the city center through these transfer points, forming a dense traffic. Contact network.
Today I will introduce you to the "Yamanote Line" that is a must-know for travelers traveling independently in Tokyo, and how to play at several representative stations along the line!
The "Yamanote Line" has a total length of 34.5 kilometers and a total of 29 stations. The operating time interval between stations is about 2 to 3 minutes, and it takes about an hour to operate per week (the operating time is slightly different in summer and winter). There are " There are two directions: "内流り" and "外行り". "Unerkyu" runs "counterclockwise" and "Outer return" runs "clockwise".
1
Tokyo
Before the Meiji era, the capital of Japan had always been "Kyoto". After the Tokugawa shogunate came to power, he transferred his power to Kanto, which was Edo at that time. Not only did he build Edo Castle, but he also carried out a series of transportation and urban construction. Edo's economic strength also gradually surpassed Japan's economy at that time. Center Osaka .
Although Edo is the de facto political and economic center, Kyoto, where the emperor is located, is the official capital of Japan.
"Tokyo's entrance hall" - Tokyo Station , has become the most classic symbol of Tokyo. When you come here, you can't help but try the unique railway bento and Tokyo Station limited souvenirs!
Tokyo Station Front
2
Kanda
The first ear of rice is dedicated to the "Ise Grand Shrine" every year to pray for a good harvest and no disasters, so such rice fields are called "Kanda".
There are still some old buildings left in the area around the current Kanda Station that have not been affected by natural disasters and wars, and have become important cultural assets.
Kanda (Jimbocho) Ancient Book Street
3
Akihabara
In 1869, a fire broke out in Tokyo. The Meiji government built the "Akiba Shrine" in the burned-out empty space (now near Akihabara Station), enshrining the "Fire Prevention". The place was later called "Akiba nohara" due to the appearance of the "Akiba Owahara", which is known as the "god".
The locals nickname it "アキバ" (a-ki-ba), and the abbreviation "AKB", which is where the name of the popular Japanese idol group "AKB48" comes from.
The current Akiye Principle is a world-famous animation kingdom, as well as many popular food and cultural and creative spaces.
Akihabara Electric Street
4
Okachimachi
Samurai in the Edo period were divided into levels. Lower-level warriors who could not ride horses and had to fight on foot were called "Tushi" (かち, ka-chi).
The "disciples" who protected Edo Castle and the general were also called "occupiers" (おかち, o-ka-chi). There used to be many "Okachi" living in this area, so it was called "Okachi-machi".
Between "Okachimachi" and "Ueno" there is "Ame Yokocho" which many independent travel guides recommend to tourists. There are many snacks, dry goods and drug stores. However, we do not recommend this street to you, because it is now built as a tourist-only and Chinese product city, which personally feels quite awkward. However, there are many gourmet shops in some of the surrounding alleys.
Ameyokocho
5
Ueno
The lush grassland is called "Nohara" (のはら, no-ha-ra) in Japanese.
In the past, this area was higher than the surrounding terrain and was covered with weeds, so it was called "Ueno". It is also said that Nohara is located north of the town of Edo, which means "Nohara above (north)".
"Ueno Onshi Park" has art galleries, museums and the Ueno Zoo. It is a sacred place for cherry blossom viewing in spring. You can see panda patterns everywhere in the scenic spots around the station.
Ueno Onshi Park
6
Oubani
In the early Edo period, there was a nobleman named "Prince Kōbenho" who was serving as the abbot of kan'eiji . He felt that the warblers in Edo were singing unpleasantly and late, so he ordered his followers to do so. Ogata Mikiyama transported 3,500 early-creeping warblers from Kyoto and released them, hence the name "Warbler Valley".
"Oubani" holds the "Iriya Asaugao Market" every summer. "Asaugao" means "Morning Glory" and is the largest Asaugao market in Japan.
The "Kababashi Tool Street", a 15-minute walk from the station, has a variety of cooking utensils and very realistic cooking models.
Iriya Asaugao City
7
Nippori
This place has been called "New Hori Village" (にいほりむら, ni-i-ho-ri-mu-ra) since the Muromachi period. Later, the pronunciation gradually evolved into "にっぽり" (ni-po-ri), the current kanji place name "Nippori" was used from the Edo period.
There is a beautiful saying behind "Nippori". Because there are many beautiful cherry blossoms and azaleas here, it is called "Nippori らしの里", which means "a place suitable for living", including staying here for a whole day. It doesn’t mean I’m tired of it either.
There is the "Nippori Textile Street" at the south exit of Nippori Station. The approximately one kilometer long shopping street has dozens of shops selling fabrics, buttons, beads and other handmade accessories.
At the west exit of the station is "Tanisen" which has a very Shitamachi style. "Nippori" is also the starting point of the "Nippori Toneri Line", with beautiful scenery along the way.
Nippori Fiber Street
There is a stop next to Nippori called "Nishi-Nippori", which is named after Nippori is subdivided into "East-Nippori" and "Nishi-Nippori".
Here is the "Sukata Shrine", the main guardian of Yanaka whose belief began in 1202. The current building was built in 1635. The Sukata Shrine Redai Festival at the end of August is an annual event, and there will be nearly three consecutive days of the Redai Festival. There are 100 stalls, very lively.
Sukata Shrine
8
Tabata
The place name "Tabata" comes from the village of Tabata in Toshima County during the Edo period. "Tian" means "paddy field" in Japanese, and "Tana" means "edge". In ancient times, this area was filled with fields, and people lived along the edges of the fields, hence the name "Tanata".
Although "Tabata" does not have well-known attractions, there is a JR East "Tabata Railway Station" here, and locomotives will come back here to rest after a day's work.
Even if it is not open to the public, you can still admire the majestic appearance of the train from the outside, so "Tabata Railway Station" often attracts many railway fans to visit.
Tabata Ungusho Photography Club
9
KOMA込
"Column" means "horse", and "込" here means "gathering" and "many". There is a figure in Japanese mythology "Nihon Taken" (やまとたけるのみこと), it is said that when he saw the Allied troops during the Eastern Expedition, he was so surprised that he said "Komagome", which means "there are so many horses."
"Komagome" retains many samurai houses from the Edo period, such as the "Rikugien Garden", a wandering landscape garden famous for its maple leaves, and the "Old Furukawa Garden", a Western-style building from the Meiji and Taisho periods.
About 400 meters away from Komagome Station is the Yamanote Line's only level crossing, "Dai-chu-Sato Takiri". "Komagome" is also the birthplace of "Somei Yoshino Sakura".
Rikugien
10
巣鸭
There are different opinions about the origin of the place name " Sugamo". One school of thought is that there used to be sandbars and marshes with many aquatic plants here, because the Japanese word for sandbar is "すが", which is the same as the pronunciation of "Sugamo". "がも" is very similar.
There is also a theory that there used to be a large pond here, and ducks built nests in the pond, so it was called "Sugamo".However, the above statements lack strong evidence. The only thing that is certain is that the place name "Sugamo" existed after the mid-Edo period.
There is a "Sugamo Jizo Shopping Street" here, which is called "Grandma's Harajuku ".
Sugamo Jizo Shopping Street
11
Otsuka
This place was called "Otsuka" because a huge tomb was once discovered.
There are convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, shopping streets, etc. around Otsuka Station, which is quite lively. From here, you can transfer to the Toden Arakawa Line, one of the few streetcars in Tokyo, and you can see the cars and trains walking on the road together.
Toden Arakawa Line
12
Ikebukuro
There used to be a pond called "Maruike" near the west exit of Ikebukuro. Because "Maruike" looked like the shape of a bag, it was also called "Fukuroike". Later, the place was renamed "Ikebukuro" ”.
The original "Maruike" has been landfilled, and the "Motoikebukuro Historic Site Park" was built near the original site.
"Ikebukuro" is one of the three major sub-city centers in Tokyo. The large-scale commercial complex "Sunshine City" has Japan's first high-rise aquarium and a motion-sensing observatory. In addition, "Ikebukuro" is also a good place for shopping.
Sunshine City Rooftop Aquarium
13
Mejiro
There are several origins of "Mejiro". One theory is that when the third generation shogun Iemitsu came here to hunt, he named this place "Meguro" instead of the place name "Meguro". Another theory is that the place was named "Mejiro". In the late Edo period, a famous horse with a white tail appeared here, so this place was called "Mejiro".
Another theory is that the Tokugawa shogunate's national teacher "Tenkai Monsho" founded the "Fugeki Fudo" in Edo. "Fudo" means "Fudo", and "Fugeki" refers to Fudo's eyes. There are five colors: red, black, green, white, and yellow.
Therefore, the place where "Meguro Fudo" is located is called "Meguro", and the place where "Mejiro Fudo" is located is called "Mejiro".
Mejiro Garden
14
Takadanobaba
"Takada" refers to Tokugawa Ieyasu's sixth son Echigo Takada Domain Lord Matsudaira Tadaki's mother "Takada-kun" (たかだのきみ), also known as "Cha A Bureau" (ちゃあのつぼね).
The "horse farm" was built here in 1636 by the third shogun Iemitsu for the purpose of training equestrians.
Tokyo's prestigious private school "Waseda University" is located in "Takadanobaba".
Waseda University
15
New Okubo
"Okubo" is located on the Central Sobu Line. It used to be a large depression and was called "Okubo Village".
will use the kanji place name "Okubo". It is said that during the Warring States Period, Odawara Hojo clan's retainer "Ota Shinrokuro" had a "yoko" named "Okubo" who once ruled this place. Because of the difference between "Okubo" and "Okubo" The pronunciation is "おおくぼ" (o-ku-bo), so it was later renamed "Okubo".
After the war, due to the establishment of the "Rakuten" factory in Shinjuku and the increase in labor demand in Kabukicho, a large number of Koreans who came to Japan to work chose to settle in "Okubo" and "Shin-Okubo".
There are now quite a few Korean restaurants and specialty stores selling Korean idol merchandise in this area. Next to Shin-Okubo is the Minaka Inari Shrine, which is said to be very effective in praying for wealth.
Shin-Okubo Station front
16
Shinjuku
"Shinjuku" is the abbreviation of "Naito Shinjuku". Because transportation was not very convenient in the past, the Tokugawa shogunate set up "inns" on major traffic arteries, which was similar to the concept of "post stations".
This place used to be the land of the Naito family of Shinano Takato Domain, so it was named "Naito". "Shinjuku" means "newly established dormitory", so it was called "Naito Shinjuku", or "Shinjuku" for short.
Today's "Shinjuku", "Ikebukuro" and "Shibuya" are among the three major sub-city centers in Tokyo. From "Shinjuku", you can take other private railway systems extending to the north and west, becoming an important transfer station.
"Shinjuku" is surrounded by super high-rise office buildings, department stores, and boutique flagship stores. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also located here, making it a representative of Tokyo's bustling streets. On the other side is Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in all seasons.
Kabukicho
17
Yoyogi
The origin of the place name "Yoyogi" is said to be because many villagers here are planting a plant called "honey locust". In this way, "father to son" and "son to grandson", " Generation after generation are engaged in the same work, so it is called "Yoyogi".
Speaking of "Yoyogi", many people will think of the cherry blossom viewing spot "Yoyogi Park", but the station closest to Yoyogi Park is not "Yoyogi", but "Harajuku".
For the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Yoyogi Arena was built around Yoyogi Park as one of the main venues. Now Yoyogi Park is a good place for residents to exercise, relax, take walks and have picnics.
Yoyogi Park
18
Harajuku
Before the Edo period, this area was called "Senjohara" (せんだがはら). It was called "Harajuku" because it used to be a "stay station" (i.e., a "stop" for resting) in Kamakura Street.
After entering the Edo period, many daimyo houses were built here. Harajuku Station, which opened in 1906, was later selected as one of the top 100 stations in Kanto because of its antique station building.
"Harajuku" has many famous attractions. "Meiji Shrine" is a classic itinerary that independent travelers must visit. "Takeshita Street" opposite Harajuku Station is a popular place for Japanese teenagers and teenage girls to send messages every holiday. It was packed to the rafters. If you don’t want to be crowded, the trendy brand stores in the nearby streets are more worth visiting!
"Cat Street" can be walked all the way to "Shibuya". There are many popular queuing common people's food here, as well as men's and women's fashion brand clothing stores. "Harajuku" and "Omotesando" are also fierce battle areas for waffles and desserts, attracting many famous overseas stores.
Takeshita Street
19
Shibuya
The terrain here is a low valley. It used to be called "Shibuya" (しおや), but later the pronunciation changed to "しぶや". Written in Chinese characters, it is today's "Shibuya".
"Shibuya" is a Japanese Chinese character, and it should be "Shibuya" when written in simplified Chinese.
The front of "Shibuya" station was once the filming location of the famous series of movies " Fast and Furious 3: Tokyo Drift". It is the most famous intersection in Tokyo, attracting many passers-by to stop and take photos.
Shibuya 109 Building is the representative, and Shibuya is also one of the must-go places for shopping.
Shibuya Station front
Tokyo's most touching loyal dog "Hachiko" still waits at the station every day after the death of his owner. This story has also been adapted into the movie "Hachiko", and a bronze statue has been established.
Hachikou
20
Ebisu
In 1889, the "Japan Beer Brewing Company" established a beer factory here and used the Japanese God of Good Luck "Ebisu" as its trademark.
As urbanization progressed and the population increased, new stations were built here, so "Ebisu" was used as the station name. In 1928, "Ebisu" became the official place name.
" Ebisu Garden Plaza " has Mitsukoshi Department Store, shopping mall, Yebisu Beer Memorial Hall, and "Houbuchon French Restaurant". In winter, there will be a large Christmas light-up, making it a dating mecca for Japanese people. It is the filming location for Japanese dramas such as " Meteor Garden " and " Tokyo Girls' Illustrated Book ".
Ebisu Garden Plaza
21
Meguro
This place is called "Meguro" because of the "Meguro Fudodon".It is said that "Tenkai Monsho" founded the "Edo Goseki Fudo" in the early Edo period to pray for peace in the world.
"Fudo" refers to "Fudo", and "Five Colors" refers to the five colors of Fudo's eyes: "red, black, blue, white and yellow". A place name that is very similar to "Meguro" is "Mejiro", which is also the name of a station on the Yamanote Line, numbered "JY14".
Another place name that is very similar to "Meguro" is "Nakameguro". During the annual cherry blossom season, the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River are the most beautiful from "Nakameguro" to "Meguro".
Meguro River
22
Gotanda
During the Edo period, this area was full of fields. "Anti" is a unit of land area. "One anti" is about 1,000 square meters. At that time, the area of fields was about the size of "Gotanda", so There is already a saying like "Gotanda" (ごたんだ), but it is not an official place name.
In 1911, the Yamanote Line's "Gotanda" station opened, and the place was officially named "Gotanda".
"Gotanda" is now bounded by the Yamanote Line. The east of the Yamanote Line is called "Higashi Gotanda" and the west is called "Nishi Gotanda". There are many office buildings and restaurants.
Gotanda Station
23
Osaki
"Ozaki" (おさき) in Japanese refers to the protruding part of the mountain after the tail end enters the plain.
This area used to be "Osaki" (おさき), which extends from the Chichibu Mountains (now Saitama Prefecture). Later, during the Edo period, it began to be misunderstood as "Osaki" (おおさき).
There is also a saying that in the past this place was a huge promontory protruding from Tokyo Bay (called "Saki" or "Cape" in Japanese), so it was named "Osaki".
Osaki Station
24
Shinagawa
"Tokaido" was one of the five streets of the Edo period, connecting Edo to Kyoto. The Tokugawa shogunate established 53 lodging houses on Tokaido. The most famous painting by Utagawa Hiroshige, an ukiyo-e artist from the Edo period, is "The Fifty-Three Tokaido Roads".
Among the 53 accommodations, "Shinagawa-juku" is the beginning of Tokaido accommodations. It is named "Shinagawa-juku" because it used to be the basin of the Meguro River, and the Meguro River's old name was "Shinagawa".
There are many high-end hotels around "Shinagawa" today. Because of the convenient transportation, they are the first choice for accommodation for many people. There are also many company headquarters nearby. The expressionless office workers during rush hours have become one of the wonders of "Shinagawa" .
The Shinkansen to Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto, and the Narita Express "N'EX" to Narita Airport all pass through "Shinagawa". There are many souvenir shops and restaurants in the station.
Shinagawa Prince Hotel Aquarium
25
Tamachi
The area from "Tamachi" to "Takanawa" and "Shinagawa" has higher terrain. There used to be many daimyo houses. By the end of the Tokugawa period and the Meiji period, they were converted into school buildings and embassies, such as Japanese private houses. The Mita campus of the prestigious Keio University and the current Italian Embassy all use these daimyo yashiki.
"Tamachi" is also an important historical stage at the end of the Tokugawa period. On March 14, 1868, "Saigo Takamori" sent by the Meiji government and "Katsu Kaishu" sent by the shogunate completed a historical meeting here that greatly changed the destiny of Japan.
established the "bloodless opening of Edo" in Japanese history. The two sides peacefully transferred power without war. The shogunate era officially ended, and the Meiji era began, which set Japan on the road to a modern nation.
Keio University Mita Campus
26
Hamamatsucho
1 In 1696, "Gonbei" who was born in Hamamatsu, Toe Province (currently Shizuoka Prefecture Hamamatsu) held the position of "Meitu", an administrative official here, so this place was It's called "Hamamatsu Town".
"Hamamatsu-cho" is now a lively commercial and office district. Famous attractions nearby include "Zōjoji Temple", "Tokyo Tower", "Shiba Park", etc.
Hamamatsucho is the latest station on the Yamanote Line from Tokyo Tower
27
Shimbashi
"Shimbashi" is the birthplace of Japanese railways. On October 14, 1872, "Shimbashi" to " Yokohama " station opened to traffic, which was Japan's first As a railway, before the opening of Tokyo Station, "Shimbashi" had always played an important transportation role.
Currently, the "C11" steam locomotive is displayed in the "SL Plaza" of the station "Hibiyaguchi", and the whistle of the train is heard at 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 every day.
The steam locomotive in front of Shimbashi Station
28
Yurakucho
In the early Edo period, Oda Nobunaga's younger brother "Oda Yurakusai" built a house near Sukiyabashi Gate. Later, the original site where the house was located was It was called "Urakuhara" (うらくがはら), and it was only after 1872 that "Yurakucho" was officially named.
Western culture brought huge changes to Japan during the Meiji period. "Marunouchi", "Yurakucho", and "Ginza" were synonymous with modern Western culture at that time, and now it is a shopping mecca with many department stores.
Muji flagship store in Yurakucho
The "Yamanote Line" has been in operation since 1885. As the city of Tokyo continues to transform, it has experienced great historical changes in wars and natural disasters, from prosperity to decline, and then to rebirth. , has become one of the most classic scenery in Tokyo.
When visiting Tokyo, you must take the "Yamanote Line" which has been running for hundreds of years!
-End-
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