Trains in Tokyo – The Yamanote Line

In addition to the Tokyo Metro subway system, there are traditional train routes that allow you to traverse the city with ease. The Yamanote Line is circular route operated by the JR East Japan Railway Company. The line is 34.5 kilometers (22 miles) around, has 29 stops and provides transportation to approximately 3.5 million riders each day. Trains depart every two to four minutes in each direction from 4:30AM to 1:20AM each day and it takes approximately one hour to complete a ride around the Yamanote Line.

Since the track is above ground, taking a trip around the Yamanote Line is a great way to get a sneak peak at some of the areas of Tokyo that you might want to check out in more detail and train lovers will just enjoy the ride. You will also find that the trains cars are temperature controlled so it’s a great way to rest your feet after a long day of sightseeing and you will be cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter.

It’s not uncommon to use a combination of JR and Tokyo Metro lines to get to your destination in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and the Suica Card that I mentioned in Taking the Subway – Tips and Tricks also works on the JR Lines. To purchase a ticket for a ride around the Yamanote Line loop without the Suica Card follow the instructions provided in Taking the Subway – The Basics.

Peruse the JR Greater Tokyo Route Map to see all of the other lines operated by the JR East Japan Railway Company and use the Tokyo Transfer Guide to plan your trips in and around Tokyo with ease.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Yamanote