What is the Yamanote Line? The history and its Origin

Poste date: Monday, October 31, 2022

The JR Yamanote Line is an important railway line supporting Tokyo's huge transport networks, circling the center of the city and connecting the main transport routes. Government offices, business districts and commercial areas are concentrated inside and along the Yamanote Line. As a loop line, the route map is easy to follow and there are many transfer stations with trains leading to other parts of Japan, making it very convenient for foreign tourists as well.

In terms of convenience, "inside the Yamanote Line" gives the impression of a prestigious location in the heart of the city and has high asset value. The Yamanote Line is also a popular location for finding rental properties and properties for sale, and many high-end residential areas are located along the Yamanote Line.　

In terms of accessibility, the 'inner Yamanote Line' gives the impression of being a prime location in the city center and has high property values. The Yamanote Line is also a popular location for finding rental properties and properties for sale, and there are many exclusive residential areas along the Yamanote Line. This article details the beginnings of the Yamanote Line and the origin of its name.

What is Yamanote Line?

The Yamanote Line is a loop line connecting the major cities of Tokyo, stopping at 30 stations and taking approximately 60 minutes to complete its 35km length. It is also characterized by frequent departures at intervals of approximately 3-5 minutes. As it is a loop line, it is not indicated with a 'destination' but with "Outbound" for clockwise direction and "Inbound" for anti-clockwise direction.

> Finding a Train Route in Tokyo

Starting from Shinagawa Station, trains heading towards Ebisu and Shinjuku are outbound, while those heading towards Shinbashi and Tokyo are inbound. The last train terminates at either Shinagawa, Osaki or Ikebukuro Station.

> IC Cards in Japan: Traveling with Suica, PASMO and More

The Yamanote Line, also known as the Loop Line, is actually divided into three lines. Shinagawa Station to Tabata Station via Shinjuku Station is connected by the Yamanote Line, Tokyo Station to Shinagawa Station by the Tohoku Line, and Shinagawa Station to Shinagawa Station by the Tokaido Main Line. The background to the 3 lines is related to its history.

History of the Yamanote Line

The Yamanote Line began running in 1885, connecting Shinagawa Station to Akabane Station via Shinjuku. At the time, the line didn't carry passengers; instead, it served as a freight train that carried supplies to the outlying areas. The loop line as we know it today was not formed until 1925, after the line had been gradually built up. The combination of the various lines mentioned above resulted from the gradual increase in the number of lines.

> History of Tokyo

Origin of the Name - Yamanote

Yamanote (or Yamate) is a term referring to a slightly elevated area, and the western area of the Tokyo metropolitan area is also called Yamanote. The Yamanote Line's initial route between Shinagawa and Akabane gave rise to its moniker as a line connecting the Yamanote region. Incidentally, the opposite of Yamanote is " Shitamachi," which includes Asakusa, Nihonbashi, and Ningyocho.

The hilly neighborhood in Yokohama, also known as Yamate, used to house a large number of foreigners. There are several other places in Japan with the name Yamanote or Yamate.

There was a time when the Yamanote Line was called "Yamate-line," but it is now officially unified as "Yamanote-line".

Cycling in Tokyo: Bicycle Rules & Regulations

Cycling in Tokyo is great as long as you know the rules. For those wanting to ride a bicycle in and around Tokyo, there are some things you need to understand first. Everything you need from bike registration and parking to road etiquette and more, to start your two-wheeled journey is right here.
Train running late? Get a Train Delay Certificate(Chien Shoumei)!

In Japan, companies, governments, and schools are strict about being on time. Much of the population relies on public transportation, and delays greatly affects one's ability to be on time. Our quick guide to Train Delay Certificates (Chien shoumei), will get your out of a tough spot when being late is not your fault.
Tokyo Subway Ticket Options: Suica or PASMO?

To make travel by train in and around Tokyo easier, there are IC cards that are used instead of tickets. You may notice there are two kinds of IC cards, PASMO and SUICA. This quick overview will show you how they are different and help you decide which is best for you.
Catching A Taxi in Tokyo: Everything you Need to Know

Wondering how to catch or call a taxi in Tokyo? With 50,000 taxis active on the streets, catching a taxi in Tokyo is quite a simple and civil affair. You either hail one off the street, wait for one at a taxi stand, book one via a smartphone app or via phone. Here’s our guide on how to read signs, who to call and what to say when catching a taxi in Tokyo.
Getting around in Tokyo: A guide to transportation options

Getting around in Tokyo can seem overwhelming at first glance. Once you know what to do though you will be able to take advantage of Tokyo's impeccable public transportation. Nothing beats Tokyo's reasonably priced, on time, and clean transportation. Our short guide to getting around in Tokyo will show you the way.
Finding a Train Route in Tokyo - Route Planners

Riding a train is an essential part of being able to get around in Tokyo. Once you know the times, your options and prices of each possible route, you'll be navigating Tokyo like a local. Here we will guide you through the basic steps of planning a train route using the popular Jorudan site