The Yamanote Line is one of the most important and busiest railway lines in Tokyo. It was opened in 1885 by the private Nippon Railway Company. Originally, it circled central Tokyo, connecting the city’s main railway hubs, and was even known as the “Silk Road” because it transported raw silk to the ports. Over the years, the line underwent several extensions and changes to meet the growing demand of the Japanese capital, becoming a pillar of Tokyo’s public transport and playing a vital role in connecting the different areas of the metropolis.
Photo Credits: https://www.gov-online.go.jp/
Beyond its practical function, the Yamanote hides fascinating stories. Here are 10 secrets you probably didn’t know:
Photo Credits: flickr.com
- Uguisu Green: Its signature color, chosen in 1963, is inspired by the Japanese bush warbler.
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The Loop: A full circle of the 34.5 km line takes about 60 minutes.
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No Terminus: Since it’s circular, trains move clockwise (Soto-mawari) or counter-clockwise (Uchi-mawari).
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Station Melodies: Every station has a unique jingle. Takadanobaba features the Astro Boy theme!
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Takanawa Gateway: The newest station, opened in 2020 after a 49-year gap, designed by Kengo Kuma.
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Massive Traffic: It carries 4 million passengers daily, with trains every 2 minutes during peak hours.
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Shinjuku Hub: The world’s busiest station, a true maze for any tourist.
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No Restrooms on Board: There’s a station every 2 minutes, so toilets are only found on the platforms.
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The Walking Challenge: The Yamanote-sen Aruku is a 40 km urban hike around the entire line.
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The Invisible Border: Traditionally, “Yamanote” refers to the upscale areas inside the loop, while “Shitamachi” refers to the historic downtown areas outside.
Photo Credits: flickr.com