Japan Travelogue Series: Walking the Yamanote Line
The Yamanote Line (山手線, Yamanote-sen) is one of the most important train lines in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. Yamanote Line is a loop service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It’s Tokyo’s busiest line connecting the major city centers including Marunouchi, the Ginza/Yurakucho area, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Ikebukuro and Ueno, with 28 out of its 30 stations connecting to other railway or underground subway lines.
You can also explore the Yamanote Line loop using a bicycle. The Yamanote Line is a 35-kilometer route that goes around central Tokyo and is full of interesting, sightseeing spots. The circular route is traversed by millions of passengers every day! The Yamanote Line links together many diverse neighborhoods of Tokyo. You can begin exploring with your bicycle from any stop and use the loop as your guide to discover everyday life in Japan’s capital city.
Why ride when you can also walk when exploring Tokyo? This episode is quite special since you’ll get to see Michelle and Niclas walk the Yamanote Line with zero yen! Although one can travel around the line much quicker by riding the train, walking offers a chance to see interesting areas and scenes in Tokyo that could otherwise be overlooked. Plus, it’s great exercise!
