What is the main train line around Tokyo?

Tokyo's most prominent train line is the JR Yamanote Line, a loop line which connects Tokyo's multiple city centers. The city's 13 subway lines are operated by two companies and run largely inside the Yamanote circle and the areas around Ginza and the area east of the loop line.



The most important and iconic train line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line. It is a circular "loop" line operated by JR East that encircles the heart of the city, connecting almost all of Tokyo's major hubs, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno, and Akihabara. The line is 34.5 km (21.4 miles) long and consists of 30 stations. You can easily identify the Yamanote trains by their bright green (lime green) color coding. Because it is a loop, there is no "end" of the line; trains run continuously in both clockwise (outer) and counter-clockwise (inner) directions. A full circuit takes about an hour. For tourists, the Yamanote Line is invaluable because it is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and provides easy access to the city's most famous districts. It is one of the world's busiest rail lines, with trains arriving every 2 to 4 minutes during peak times. While the Tokyo Metro (subway) handles many "inner" routes, the Yamanote Line serves as the "spine" of Tokyo's transportation, making it the first line most visitors learn to navigate when exploring the Japanese capital.

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Tokyo Station, also sometimes referred to as Tokyo Central Station, is a major railway station in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The original station is located in Chiyoda's Marunouchi business district near the Imperial Palace grounds. The newer Eastern extension is not far from the Ginza commercial district.

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The largest operator of subway train lines, Tokyo Metro provides 9 trains lines covering 195 km of track between 180 stations. On average, almost 5.95 million passengers a day ride its network – it's a key way to get around the city from the north-western suburbs to eastern neighborhoods across the Sumida River.

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Not only is Tokyo Station one of the city's biggest stations, but it's also one of the most architecturally pleasing. You might find that hard to believe while trapped in the never-ending warren of underground passageways, but exit from the Marunouchi side and you'll see the station's best face.

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The Suica can be used on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as for subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.

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While the metro lines do no accept the JR Pass, other IC Cards, such as the Pasmo and Suica, may be used. These cards give you access to almost any train or bus in Tokyo, and are a perfect complement to the JR Pass.

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With the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride on all JR trains, including the Shinjuku Line, without paying additional fares.

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Shinjuku station is the world's busiest railway station, with more than three million passengers every day. The station itself has 13 train lines and serves as a way to connect central Tokyo with the surrounding suburbs.

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Inside Tokyo's Richest Neighborhoods: Where the Wealthiest Reside. Minato Ward is considered to be the most expensive residential area in Tokyo, and for good reason. This ward houses many of Japan's richest individuals, including Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Fast Retailing, and Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank.

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Every station has multilingual ticket machines where you can buy a one-way fare ticket, or you can use a rechargeable IC card to swipe in and out of the ticket gates. Tokyo Metro and Toei have teamed up to offer a subway pass for tourists that can save you some yen, as well as being super convenient.

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Avoid the rush hour Welcome to Tokyo's rush hour, which runs approximately between 7.30am-9.30am and 5.30pm-7.30pm, although the mornings are definitely more of a squeeze. If you're not a fan of crowds or have large luggage, it may be worth outside the peak times.

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