The Yamanote line is a 30-station circular JR route connecting central Tokyo’s main districts and transport hubs. A complete loop of the line takes around one hour. It’s included in the JR Pass and can also be paid for using Suica or an individual ticket.
The Yamanote line is operated by JR East and is one of the most convenient ways to get around Tokyo. At just over 21 miles long, it connects Tokyo’s most famous central stations.
The Yamanote line is also known as the Tokyo green line because of the color of its trains and the green color used to outline its route on maps.
Travel on the Yamanote Line is included in the JR Pass. JR Pass holders can use its loop services to travel between stations around central Tokyo. Read on for our complete guide to the Yamanote line.
Table of Contents
Yamanote line map
On the map below, you can find the Yamanote line marked in green, with the major stations indicated in bold.
Yamanote line ticket cost and fares
Yamanote Line fares depend on the distance traveled. Adult single fares range from ¥160 to ¥620 with an individual paper ticket, or from ¥155 to ¥616 when paying with Suica or another compatible IC card.
A journey covering approximately the full 34.5 km loop falls within the 31–35 km fare band. It costs ¥620 with a paper ticket or ¥616 with an IC card, although passengers normally travel between two different stations rather than entering and exiting at the same station.
Travel on the Yamanote Line is included in the nationwide JR Pass and the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass. You can also tap in and out with Suica, or purchase an individual ticket from a station ticket machine.
Operation times and how to use the Yamanote line
Yamanote Line services generally operate from around 4:30 am until approximately 1:20 am the following morning. However, first and last train times vary by station, direction and day, so check the timetable for your departure station.
The line serves 30 stations, and every Yamanote Line train stops at each station on its route. Trains operate in two directions: the clockwise outer loop and the counter-clockwise inner loop.
Check the station signs or platform displays for the direction and major stations listed. You can take either direction, so choose the one that reaches your destination in fewer stops.
During rush hour, trains generally run every 2 to 3 minutes. Outside peak periods, they usually run every 3 to 4 minutes, although frequency may vary depending on the time and day.
A complete journey around the loop takes approximately one hour. Services may operate differently during holidays or engineering works, including around New Year, so check the latest timetable before traveling.
Unlimited access to transportation across Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days on:
- All Shinkansen trains
- Rapid and Local JR trains
- JR bus and ferry services
- Airport Transfers
A single ticket, huge savings.
Yamanote line stations
The JR Yamanote line is a circular line that includes many of the city’s main train stations.
Here are some of the principal stations served by the Yamanote line:
- JR Shinjuku Station: One of Tokyo’s busiest transport hubs, with connections to numerous JR, private railway and subway lines. You can also take the Narita Express to Narita Airport from here.
- JR Yoyogi Station: Located near the north entrance of the Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- JR Harajuku Station: The gateway to Harajuku district, Meiji Shrine, and the shops around Takeshita Street.
- JR Shibuya Station: A major shopping and entertainment hub, famous for Shibuya Crossing.
- JR Meguro Station: Serves the Meguro area and provides connections to the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Mita Line and Tokyu Meguro Line.
- JR Shinagawa Station: Provides connection with the Tokaido Shinkansen line, Narita Express, and several JR lines.
- JR Takanawa Gateway Station: The newest station on the Yamanote line, opened in March 2020. It’s also served by the Keihin-Tohoku Line.
- JR Tokyo Station: The central station, as well as a terminal station for several Shinkansen bullet trains.
- JR Akihabara Station: The gateway to Akihabara’s electronics, gaming and anime district, with connections to other JR services and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
- JR Ueno Station – A major interchange for Shinkansen services towards northern Japan, as well as several JR and Tokyo Metro lines.
Below is the complete list of Yamanote Line stations in counter-clockwise order:
- North side: Nippori – Nishi-Nippori – Tabata – Komagome – Sugamo – Otsuka – Ikebukuro – Mejiro
- West side: Takadanobaba – Shin-Okubo – Shinjuku – Yoyogi – Harajuku – Shibuya – Ebisu – Meguro – Gotanda
- South side: Osaki – Shinagawa – Takagawa Gateway– Tamachi – Hamamatsucho – Shimbashi – Yurakucho
- East side: Tokyo – Kanda – Akihabara – Okachimachi – Ueno – Uguisudani
Connections with other lines
The Yamanote Line offers convenient transfers to several other JR services. The following lines are also covered by the nationwide JR Pass:
- Chuo line: Change at Shinjuku, Kanda, or Tokyo. Chuo–Sobu local services are also available at Yoyogi and Akihabara.
- Narita Express: Direct services to Narita Airport stop at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
- Tokyo Monorail: Change at Hamamatsucho for services to Haneda Airport.
- Keihin-Tohoku line: Change at Tabata, Nippori, Uguisudani, Ueno, Akihabara, Kanda, Tokyo, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, Tamachi, Takanawa Gateway, or Shinagawa.
- Chuo-Sobu line: Change at Shinjuku, Yoyogi, or Akihabara.
- Saikyo line: Change at Osaki, Ebisu, Shibuya, Shinjuku or Ikebukuro.
Frequently asked questions about the Yamanote Line
What’s special about the Yamanote Line?
The Yamanote Line is considered to be an essential part of central Tokyo’s transport network.
Its continuous loop links many of the city’s busiest commercial, cultural, and entertainment districts, so passengers can get easy connections to other rail and subway services.
As trains run frequently in both directions, you can usually reach your destination without checking a detailed timetable. Its distinctive light green branding also makes the line easy to identify on trains, station signs, and maps.
Can I use Suica on the Yamanote Line?
Yes, you can use Suica to travel on the Yamanote Line. Tap your card or mobile Suica at the ticket gate when entering the station and tap again when leaving at your destination.
Your fare is calculated and deducted from the card automatically. Make sure your Suica has sufficient credit before traveling. Other compatible transport IC cards, including PASMO, can also be used on the Yamanote Line.
Is the Yamanote Line a subway line?
No, the Yamanote Line is not a subway. It’s an urban railway operated by JR East, and most of its route runs above ground around central Tokyo.
However, many Yamanote Line stations offer connections to Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway services. This makes the line a useful link between Tokyo’s railway and subway networks.
Yamanote trains are identified by their light green color, while subway lines use their own names, colors, and station numbering systems.
Is the Shinjuku Line the same as the Yamanote Line?
No. The Toei Shinjuku Line and the JR Yamanote Line are separate railway services operated by different companies.
The Toei Shinjuku Line is a subway route running across Tokyo, while the Yamanote Line is a circular JR East railway around central Tokyo. Both lines serve Shinjuku, so passengers can transfer between them there.
Be careful not to confuse the Toei Shinjuku Line with Shinjuku Station, which is one of the main stations on the Yamanote Line.
Is the Yamanote Line covered by the JR Pass?
Yes. Travel on the Yamanote Line is fully covered by the nationwide JR Pass because the route is operated by JR East.
Pass holders can use the automatic ticket gates and take Yamanote Line trains without buying an additional ticket. Your JR Pass covers travel between all 30 stations on the loop, making the line particularly useful for visiting central Tokyo.
The regional JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass also covers the Yamanote Line.