List of Yamanote Line Stations: What’s the Difference Between the Inner and Outer Loops? How Long Does It Take to Go Around?

Tokyo’s railway system is famously intricate, and many find it challenging to navigate. JR East’s Yamanote Line is a prime example. It is the backbone of Tokyo’s railway network and arguably the most iconic train line in Japan. For beginners, it might seem intimidating at first, but understanding the Yamanote Line is like unlocking the heart of Japan’s railway history. The more you learn about it, the more you’ll appreciate its charm.

When Did the Yamanote Line Start Operating? Which Is the Oldest Station?

The Yamanote Line connects 30 stations in central Tokyo, running a total length of 34.5 km. Trains are packed with passengers throughout the day. Its history dates back to 1872 (Meiji 5), when the Meiji government opened the line between Shimbashi and Yokohama. Tokyo Station began operation in 1914 (Taisho 3), and the circular operation as we know it today started in 1925 (Taisho 14).

Yamanote Line Station List by Opening Order

Shinagawa Station: The Starting Point of the Yamanote Line (Opened in 1872)

Shinagawa Station was established as part of the temporary opening of the Shinagawa to Yokohama section, even before the full Shimbashi to Yokohama line began operation. It is the oldest station on the Yamanote Line and served as its starting point. Originally, it was planned to be built in Shinagawa-juku, the first post town of the Tōkaidō (one of the five major roads from the Edo period).

However, the plan faced opposition from local residents who had never seen a railway before. As a result, land was reclaimed from the sea to build the station surrounded by Tokyo Bay. The station was ultimately constructed in a location slightly different from Shinagawa-juku and named "Shinagawa Station." This is why Shinagawa Station is located in Minato City, not Shinagawa City.

In 1885 (Meiji 18), the Shinagawa Line of Nippon Railway, Japan’s first private railway (and the precursor to the Yamanote Line), began operation. Shinagawa Station became a connection hub for the Yamanote Line. The current station building was relocated slightly north toward Shimbashi during its reconstruction in 1901 (Meiji 34).

Shinjuku Station: Once Had Days with Zero Passengers

In 2022 (Reiwa 4), Shinjuku Station was recognized by Guinness World Records as the station with the highest average daily ridership, at about 2.7 million passengers. However, when it first opened during the Shinagawa Line's operation, it had only about 50 passengers per day, and on rainy days, there were reportedly no passengers at all.

Originally, the station was supposed to be built in a bustling area where the Kōshū Highway and Ōme Highway intersect (near the current Shinjuku Sanchome Station). However, just like with Shinagawa Station, local residents opposed the plan. Consequently, the station was constructed about 500 meters west of the planned location, in what was then a remote area.

In 1889 (Meiji 22), the opening of the Kōbu Railway between Shinjuku and Tachikawa (now part of the Chūō Main Line) increased passenger traffic, gradually expanding Shinjuku Station's scale and importance.

Ikebukuro Station: A Station That Wasn’t in the Original Plan

Ikebukuro Station, like Shinjuku and Shibuya Stations, is known for its high ridership. It was initially created as a junction for the Nippon Railway's Toshima Line (part of the current Yamanote Line), which connects Tabata to the Shinagawa Line. However, the station wasn’t originally planned to be located in Ikebukuro.

The first proposed site was in the Zōshigaya area. However, running a straight track from Tabata would have led directly to the newly relocated Sugamo Prison. To avoid this, plans for a Zōshigaya Station were scrapped, and the line was instead linked to the already-opened Mejiro Station.

Unfortunately, local residents near Mejiro opposed railway construction. Additionally, the area lacked sufficient space to expand the station premises or lay more tracks, forcing the plan to be abandoned. This led to the selection of Ikebukuro, north of Mejiro Station, as the new site. Thus, Ikebukuro Station was built as a last resort.

Tokyo Station: Initially Only Had an Entrance on the Marunouchi Side

Tokyo Station, originally known as the Central Terminal, was planned as the central station of the capital and a national symbol, even serving as the Emperor's station. Its red brick structure, designed by Tatsuno Kingo, one of Japan’s leading architects, was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2003 (Heisei 15).

When the station first opened, it only had an entrance on the Marunouchi (west) side, facing the Imperial Palace. To reach major commercial areas like Nihonbashi and Ginza (east side), passengers had to walk several hundred meters around the station.

To address this inconvenience, an entrance on the Yaesu (east) side was opened in 1929 (Showa 4), 15 years after Tokyo Station began operation.

Little-Known Trivia About the Yamanote Line

Have you ever had small questions or lingering curiosities about the Yamanote Line? Here are some fascinating trivia tidbits that might make you appreciate the Yamanote Line even more.

1. The Origin of the Name

The term "Yamanote" refers to areas on elevated ground, as opposed to low-lying downtown areas called "Shitamachi." The Yamanote Line traverses regions with significant elevation changes. Historically, areas along the Shinagawa and Toshima Lines, such as the vicinity of Yotsuya, were primarily residential and referred to as "Yamanote" to contrast with commercial areas like Ginza and Kanda. Combining the Shinagawa and Toshima Lines into one, the name "Yamanote Line" was born.

Why is it sometimes called the "Yamate Line"?

Some Japanese people are familiar with the pronunciation "Yamate Line," which originated from a mistake made by the Allied Occupation Forces in 1945 (Showa 20). They labeled it "Yamate Loop Line" in Roman letters. The correct pronunciation is "Yamanote Line." In 1971 (Showa 46), as part of the "Discover Japan" campaign by Japan National Railways (JNR), furigana was added to standardize the reading, reverting to its original name "Yamanote Line."

2. The Yamanote Line Was Once Yellow

While most people associate the Yamanote Line with its iconic "uguisu-iro" (light green) color, it wasn’t always this way. Between 1950 and early 1955, the trains were brown, part of what is now referred to as the old model trains. Around 1955, the trains were replaced with the newer 101 Series, painted canary yellow to differentiate them from the Chuo Line’s orange trains.

Later, the 103 Series, designed specifically for the short distances and steep gradients of the Yamanote Line, adopted the light green color. This evolved into the modern stainless-steel trains with a light green line. After platform doors were installed, making trains harder to see, the E235 Series introduced vertical light green stripes for better visibility.

3. How to Distinguish Between Inner and Outer Loops

As a circular line, the Yamanote Line operates with two directions: the inner loop (counterclockwise) and the outer loop (clockwise). Boarding the wrong direction can lead to lengthy detours.

Here are ways to distinguish between the two:

Announcements: The inner loop features a female voice, while the outer loop uses a male voice.

Platform Door Markings: The inner loop has one green stripe, and the outer loop has two.

Departure Melodies: At some stations, the same melody is arranged differently for each loop.

4. The electronic bulletin board is different from other trains.

Many of the departure signs (electronic bulletin boards) installed at stations display the departure time along with the destination and type of train. However, the number of trains on the Yamanote Line runs every 4~5 minutes. Therefore, from 2019 (Reiwa era), instead of the departure time, "about ○ minutes later" has been displayed. It is the time until the train arrives at the station. You don't need to check your smartphone or watch, which is very convenient.

5. The Yamanote Line Isn’t Technically a Full Loop

While commonly referred to as a loop line with 30 stations, the Yamanote Line is officially defined as the 20.6 km section between Shinagawa, Shinjuku, and Tabata since a 1972 (Showa 47) revision by JNR.

The sections between Tokyo and Tabata are part of the Tohoku Main Line, and the stretch from Tokyo to Shinagawa belongs to the Tokaido Main Line. Before these lines were connected, direct operations ran between Nakano, Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Ueno, forming a "no"-shaped route.

In 1925 (Taisho 14), the completion of the Tokyo to Ueno section connected the Tohoku and Tokaido Main Lines, creating the full circular route we now call the Yamanote Line.

6. How Many Trains Run on the Yamanote Line? How Long Does One Loop Take?

Each Yamanote Line train consists of 11 cars and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete a full loop around its 30 stations. As of 2017 (Heisei 29), trains operated at peak intervals of 2 minutes and 3–5 minutes during the day, making it one of Japan’s busiest and most profitable railway lines. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of trains decreased.

In the spring 2022 (Reiwa 4) timetable revision, weekday midday intervals were extended from 3 minutes and 50 seconds (16–17 trains per hour) to 5 minutes (12 trains per hour).

Looking ahead, the spring 2025 (Reiwa 7) timetable revision will introduce 10 additional trains per day. During peak hours, the number of inner-loop trains will increase from 20 to 21 per hour, while outer-loop trains will rise from 16 to 17 per hour.

Over its long history, the Yamanote Line has continually evolved to offer a more convenient transportation experience. While its complexity might seem intimidating, the line is thoughtfully designed with passengers in mind. May the Yamanote Line help make your Tokyo life and travels even more enjoyable!

< References>

Kenji Nakamura, "The Birth of the Yamanote Line: A History of Railways in Tokyo that Connected the Ring Line Over a Half Century" (Ikaros Publishing, 2005, 237 pages)
・Takanori Tomoegawa, Toshihiko Miyake, "Time Slip Yamanote Line" (Taisho Publishing, 2003, 192 pages)
・Masashi Ratiri, "National Railway Route Daizen 2017" (Ikaros Publishing, 2017, 256 pages)
・Busiest railway station (Guinness World Records)https://www.guinnessworldrecords.jp/world-records/busiest-station
・E235 Yamanote Line (KEN OKUYAMA)https://www.kenokuyamadesign.com/works/jr-east-e235/
・ Marui Green Yamanote Line Female on the inside and male on the outside? (Japan Keizai Shimbun)2017/5/21 https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO16566410Y7A510C1000000/
・ Why there are stations where you can feel the "presence of a company" with the "departure melody" of the Yamanote Line (ITmedia Business Online)2024/3/26 https://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/articles/2403/26/news024.html
・ We will enhance the information on the platform of stations such as the Yamanote Line! (JR East Japan News)2019/10/15 https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2019/tokyo/20191015_1_to.pdf
・ What will happen to congestion if the number of "morning trains" is reduced from the original? (Toyo Keizai Online)2024/9/20 https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/828598?display=b
・JR East Japan to increase Yamanote Line by 10 trains in the spring of 25, Hayabusa also increases by 1 round trip (Japan Keizai Shimbun) 2024/12/13 https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC135FC0T11C24A2000000/