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[SERIES] STUDENTS'CORNER: Ways of Japan

Yamanote Line

Japan has the most developed railway network in the world, and an elaborate network of trains runs in Tokyo. The Yamanote Line is a 34.5 km loop line that circles central Tokyo, with an entire loop taking around one hour to complete. During the morning and evening commuter rush hours, the trains depart and arrive at two to three minute intervals. The carriages of the Yamanote Line trains are characterized by their "Japanese bush warbler green" stripe. The Yamanote Line began operating as a loop line in its current form in 1925.

There are twenty-nine stations on the Yamanote Line. Many are used by large numbers of people, not only Japanese but also visitors from overseas. These include Tokyo Station, which could be called the gateway to Japan; Shinjuku Station, the busiest in Japan with 1.46 million passengers boarding and alighting from the trains each day; and Akihabara Station, known for its "Electric Town." The Yamanote Line is also convenient for getting around the Tokyo metropolitan district, since railway networks and underground railways radiate out to the suburbs of Tokyo from its stations. When travelling in Tokyo, a ride on the Yamanote line is a must. You can enjoy the varied aspects of Tokyo from the inside of the carriage.



A. Uchimawari are trains that run clockwise, and sotomawari are trains that run anti-clockwise.

B. Sotomawari are trains that run clockwise, and uchimawari are trains that run anti-clockwise.

C. Sotomawari are trains bound for the suburbs, and uchimawari are trains bound for central Tokyo.





A. New Year

B. Christmas

C. Thanksgiving

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