Nippori Station, Nippori-eki in Japanese, is located in Arakawa City, one of Tokyo’s central special wards. “Nippori” is commonly said to mean “place where the sun sets”, and the area surrounding the station is full of local charm and history.
Nippori Station was inaugurated in 1905. Today, it serves over tens of thousands of passengers each day. This handy travel guide explains all you need to know about the station’s train lines and nearby attractions.
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How to get to Nippori Station
Traveling to Nippori Station is easy using your JR Pass. The Yamanote Loop Line connects it to many of Tokyo’s key train stations.
If arriving from Narita Airport, you can also take the Keisei Skyliner, although this train is not covered under the JR Pass. Alternatively, JR lines can be used to reach Nippori via major stations like Tokyo or Ueno.
Nippori Station JR lines
The East Japan Railway Company, or JR East, operates 3 lines through Nippori Station:
- Joban Line: Runs parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast, serving destinations such as Matsudo, Kashiwa, and Sendai.
- Keihin-Tohoku Line: Connects Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama, and other cities along the Tokyo–Yokohama corridor.
- Yamanote Line: A loop line connecting 30 of Tokyo’s most popular stations, including Ueno and Shinjuku.
Your Japan Rail Pass can be used on any of these JR lines.
Non-JR lines
There are also several non-JR lines operating from Nippori Station, as it serves as an intersection of various rail systems. These include:
- Keisei Electric Railway’s Keisei Main Line
- Toei’s Nippori-Toneri Liner
Keisei trains operate from Nippori Station, including limited express services. Among these, the Skyliner offers fast and direct access to Narita Airport. It’s important to note that the JR Pass does not cover these rail lines.
Nippori Station layout
Attractions in the area of Nippori Station
The station’s surrounding neighbourhood, Yanaka, has been described as a “district with a pleasant atmosphere of old Tokyo”. The Yanaka Ginza shopping street is just a short walk from Nippori Station, and has many popular snack stalls and small shops to explore.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Yanesen Tourist Information Center for more details on the area, local events, and classes in traditional arts and cultural activities.
In the same area, the Yanaka Cemetery is another popular attraction fro visitors. The cemetery’s central street is lined with cherry blossom trees, attracting sakura viewers in spring. You can also visit the tomb of the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, and stroll the pleasant wide paths.
The cemetery was once a part of the grounds of the Tennoji Temple, and they are still connected by the central Sando road. The temple is guarded by a large, bronze Buddha statue seated outside its main building.
To the east of Nippori Station is the Nippori Textile Town, a street known for its many stores specializing in sewing, knitting, quilting, and similar crafts.
Where will your travels take you? With your JR Pass in hand, you can explore the best Japan has to offer.