JR Yamanote Line: Stations, Fares & Travel Tips

The Yamanote Line is a JR service, so Tokyo Subway Tickets do not cover it.

The 30 stations below follow the outer loop from Tokyo toward Yurakucho, Shinagawa, Shibuya and Shinjuku, then back via Ueno and Kanda. This is the order around the loop, not a shortest-journey or travel-time table. Compare both directions for your trip; Tokyo to Ueno or Akihabara does not require a ride around the loop via Shinagawa. Actual journey times vary with the departure, waiting time and service conditions.

On small screens, swipe left or right inside the table to see all columns, including station codes.

The Yamanote Line runs in both directions simultaneously:

• Inner loop (内回り / uchi-mawari): Counterclockwise — Tokyo → Ueno → Ikebukuro → Shinjuku → Shibuya → Shinagawa → Tokyo
• Outer loop (外回り / soto-mawari): Clockwise — the reverse direction

From Shibuya: The outer loop runs toward Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro; the inner loop runs toward Ebisu and Shinagawa. Match these destinations to the platform signs, then compare the next departures and arrival times for your destination. The shorter direction depends on where you are going.

A valid Japan Rail Pass covers eligible Yamanote journeys within its validity period. The pass is a paid product; compare the journeys you plan to make before buying it.

Tokunai Pass (都区内パス): ¥870/day unlimited JR rides within Tokyo 23 wards (including Yamanote). Compare it with your planned JR journeys before buying.

Pro Tips

• Platform doors : Every Yamanote station has platform screen doors — safe and orderly
• Frequency: Intervals vary by station, direction, time of day and weekday versus Saturday/holiday timetable. In the Shibuya Station timetable options — select clockwise Yamanote services and your travel day, the 10 AM departures include 10:03, 10:08 and 10:13 — five minutes apart. Check the timetable for your actual travel date and allow for delays.
• First and last trains: Check your departure station, direction and destination for the travel day. Early and late services have longer gaps, and some trains terminate before completing the loop.
• Crowding can be high on parts of the Yamanote Line. Check your route, direction and departure time, and allow room for a later train if traveling with luggage.
• The ride itself is sightseeing : You can see Tokyo Tower, Sky Tree, old neighborhoods, and modern skyline all from the train window
• Numbering: The 30 stations use JY01–JY30. Tokyo is JY01, Kanda is JY02 and Yurakucho is JY30; the numbers increase in the inner-loop direction from Tokyo. Use the code alongside the station name when reading signs.

Compare hotel locations against your actual sightseeing route, including the walk to a Yamanote entrance. Alongside the Shibuya and Shinjuku options below, consider Ueno near the station and park or Tokyo Station near the rail hub. Asakusa is off the loop, so include its subway connection in your comparison.

Shibuya

Compare hotel locations around Shibuya Station for shopping, nightlife and Yamanote trips.

Shibuya hotel base guide

Shinjuku

Compare hotel locations and station approaches at this major rail hub.

Shinjuku hotel base guide

Asakusa

Choose a base near Senso-ji; plan a subway connection for Yamanote journeys.

Asakusa hotel base guide