Yamanote Line - Tokyo's City Loop Train Service

The Yamanote Line (山手線 Yamanote-sen) is a railway loop line in Tokyo, Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It is one of Tokyo's busiest and most important lines, connecting most of Tokyo's major stations and urban centres, including the Yūrakuchō/Ginza area, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, with all but two of its 29 stations connecting to other railway or underground (subway) lines.

The "Yamanote Line" as an official line name indicates the tracks between Shinagawa and Tabata that is used by local trains on their own tracks as well as the parallel Yamanote Freight Line which is used by Saikyō Line andShōnan-Shinjuku Line trains, some limited express services, and freight trains. However, in everyday usage the "Yamanote Line" refers to the entire 34.5 km loop line served by local trains. (This article uses the same definition.)

Service

Trains run from 04:26 to 01:18 the next day at intervals as short as 2.5 minutes during peak periods and four minutes at other times. A complete loop takes 59 to 65 minutes. All trains stop at each station. Trains are put into and taken out of service at Ōsaki (which for timetabling purposes is the line's start and terminus) and sometimes Ikebukuro. Certain trains also start from Tamachi in the mornings and end at Shinagawa in the evenings. Trains which run clockwise are known as sotomawari (外回り, "outer circle") and those counter-clockwise as uchi-mawari (内回り, "inner circle"). (Trains travel on the left in Japan, as with road traffic.)

The line also acts as a fare zone destination for JR tickets from locations outside Tokyo, permitting travel to any JR station on or within the loop. This refers to stations on the Yamanote Line as well as the Chūō-Sōbu Linebetween Sendagaya and Ochanomizu.

The line colour used on all rolling stock, station signs and diagrams is JNR Yellow Green No.6 (■, Munsell code 7.5GY 6.5/7.8), known in Japanese as "Japanese Bush Warbler green" (ウグイス色 uguisu-iro).

Tsukiji Fish Markets

The Tsukiji fish market are a renowned tourist destination and you can find plenty of articles about the markets on the internet.  I have been to Japan many times but this was my first visit to the market and I can see the attraction.  Now not being an early morning person I didn't do the famous tuna auctions, but instead visited the inner and outer markets only.  However there was still much to see and enjoy.  You still need to be their early I'd suggest 8:30 to 9:00am and start at the inner market where you will see all sorts of fish being displayed, chopped up and a frantic pace of buyers and sellers getting the best cuts.

Once you have explored the inner market head to the outer market where you can explore what the stores have purchased in the morning at the inner market.  In addition, this is where you'll find loads of small Sushi stands selling the freshest of fish.  Now some of the stands only have seating for a few and will specialise in certain preparations.  Now some of the shops look a bit dodgy but in Japan you really don't need to worry about the food being served it's all great.  Of course the busier vendors with the locals are usually always the best.

Again many of the shops provide sample tasting and I found sheets of wasabe seawood. Being a lover of wasabe I stocked up on those.

Sugamo - Harajuku for the elderly

Most people heading to Tokyo will always be looking out for the young, fashionable and hip crowds around Shibuya and Harajuku which are popular tourist locations.  But if you are wanting to find where the older generation flock then Sugamo is the place.  The street is much more crowded than Harajuku but everyone is basically over 60 and you'll be fighting for space amongst the wheelchairs, strollers, walking sticks and frames.  And believe me the place is full of action and excitement amongst the elderly.  The time I was there I watched a stretcher with medical staff on either side being wheeled up the street with the staff blowing whistles trying to cut a path between the crowd, to get to and I can only imagine, is some one who took a turn for the worst whilst shopping.  In addition I saw another older lady do a massive dive into the pavement after losing her footing on the curbside.  It was great to see the other elderly come to her rescue and assist her.  Thankfully she wasn't hurt and proceeded on her way.

The elderly shopping days are held on the 4th, 14th or 24th of each month as the number 4 has special significance for Japanese.  Sugamo is located on the Yamonte line and is the second stop from Ikebukuro heading towards Ueno.  When you get out of the station on the days of the street festival just follow the crowd.  The traffic cops are out in force but I doubt for any unruly behavior but to ensure the elderly cross the road before the lights change.

The street is famous for its red undies and there are many stores selling them.  These are not your slinky briefs these are the granny versions.  For the Japanese they are known as aka pantsu and are a must have item.  The underpants are known for warmth and apparently provide vigor.

Another great thing is the free food sample tasting thats available from many of the vendors.  However, one that I'll leave up to you is the grasshopper or inago apparently a delight but you won't find the younger generation chewing on'em they will be at Harajuku with a crepe in the hand.

This lady I reckon completely forgot about the hair rollers being in her hair but such things are not a big surprise in Sugamo.

So if your looking for something a little different and not really on the list of tourist destinations head down to Sugamo.

Edo-Tokyo - Open Air Museum

This museum seems to be known more by the tourists than  the locals.  When we visited the staff asked how we new about it and informed them via the internet.  The same day another couple from Singapore said the same thing.  When asking our Japanese friends about it they said they have never been or hadn't heard of it.  This of course makes it a bit more that interesting.  Details on the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum and how to get there can be found here.

It's an interesting mueseum with the restored buildings and how much there was a western influence in architecture even before World War 2 but with a distictive Japanese flavour. 

One building which as the distinctive copper facade was from the Ueno area which was heavily bombed and you can stillstill the shrapnel scars in the copper.

They also have a restored 1950's style bath house. which has great murals on it's walls.

Definately worth a look.

Getting around in Tokyo - Use the Subway

The Tokyo Metro Subway train system will get you  to most of the major tourist destinations without many issues.  Probably the hardest part is knowing which exit to take once you get off the train.  However, there are large yellow maps at each station showing where you are and which exit will take you to which location.   All in english thankfully.  If your a tourist and heading out for a day of sightseeing I recommend getting the open day ticket which will get you an open ended ticket for the day on any of the metro subway lines.   A very cheap option.

Grab yourself the Metro Subway map so you can plan your trips in advance.

If your are want more of the above ground train experience then the Yamanote train line is for you.  Think of it as the equivalent of any major city loop train but this ones BIG.  

With any of the train lines you never have to worry about paying the wrong fare.  At each destination and just before the exit gates you'll find a fare adjustment machine (there is an english menu option).  If you are ever unsure of which fare to pay then pay the lowest fare at the start of your journey and then locate the fare adjustment machine near the exit gate when you get off at your station, place in your ticket and pay any extra amount owed.

Narita Airport Tips

Narita - Buying Duty Free on Arrival ?

Thinking of buying duty free on arrival at Narita Airport.  Forget it.  Unlike other countries where you can purchase duty free items before clearing customs, Narita airport does not have this facility.

Narita - Will you need a mobile phone in Japan ?

If so you'll need to rent one at the airport.  Pre Paid phones are not available to visiting foreigners. 

Narita - Passport clearance

When you get to the passport control gate you will be finger printed (it's digital so no messy ink stains) and have your photo taken.  A painless affair.

 

Narita - Getting out of the airport

Don't take a taxi, they are very expensive.  

Take either the Limousine Bus Service or the Narita Express Train Service.

The limousine bus service has a counter to purchase tickets from located in the arrivals hall.  Staff speak english so there should not be a problem.

The fares are similiar so the mode of transport you decide will depend on your destination and departure times.  The Limousine Bus Service has drop offs at many of the major hotels in Tokyo so it may be the better option.

Tokyo - Places to visit

The following is my recommended list of places to visit while in Tokyo in no specific order.

Hakone

You really need 2 days to explore Hakone. You get the Romance Car to Hakone and then catch the mountain railway and then onto the Hakone Ropeway.

On a nice day you should get great views of Mt Fuji. Don't forget to get off the cable car at Owakudani (it smells of sulphuric acid) so you can't miss the spot. Buy the black eggs which are cooked in the volcanic water and according to the locals provide good health and a long life after eating them.  Highly recommend a visit to Hakone Kowaki-En Yunessun.  It gets quite crowded in the summer months one of the pool gaurds told me upwards of 7000 people but I went in winter and it's still highly enjoyable as the water is extremely warm and even the outside slider is heated and the best part, no crowds.

Kawagoe

Not far out of Tokyo, around an hour from Ikebukuro station, you can get to Kawagoe. Kawagoe is about the only area in Tokyo which still has the traditional Japanese buildings which have survived fires and earthquakes. The area boasts sweet potato "purple" chips and sweet potato ice cream.

Ameyoko

Near the Ueno train station Ameyoko is about the only street style market area in Tokyo. You'll see many types of food in the street and as you'd expect in Japan it evolves around seafood. There are other foods and snacks which you can sample. You'll also find a number of clothes and accessories stores and possibly even a bargain or two. At new year it's always busy as families stock up for their new year feasts with spider crab and octopus.

Asakusa

One of the biggest and most famous of temples can be found here. The street leading up to the temple has every type of souvenir imaginable. I'd definitely stock on the sembei (Soya rice crackers) and manju (sorta of like a pancake filed with sweet bean paste).

Shinjuku

Just take a wonder around the area, lots of shops and a visit to Tokyu Hands is worth it for the weird and wonderful. The east side of Shinjuku has the more sleazy side with many hostess and drinking bars. It's all fairly safe just like the rest of Tokyo.

Shibuya

Get out of the train station and take the Hachaikou exit. Check out the busy street crossing. A good place to find a yakiniku (bbq) restaurant sometimes they have all you can eats for an hour for around 1500 yen. The next station on from Shibuya is Harajuku. This is where the young and trendy hangout. It has great crepes. Close by you will also find the Meiji shrine. On weekends head over towards the shrine and your likely to find 50's rockers, goths and all manner of Japanese kids or should I say adults in costume play.

Monzen-Nakacho

An interesting area which has a temple dedicated to the dead. Not far away is a great park called Kiyosumi Teien which was owned by the founder of Mitsubishi where glamorous picnic parties were held in the early 1900's set among picturesque gardens.

IMPERIAL PALACE CYCLING

Cyclists on a budget will enjoy the latest initiative by the Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute. On Sunday afternoons between 10am and 3pm, you can borrow a bike and take it out on a 3km cycle track around the Imperial Palace and surrounding areas. Nearby roads are closed to motor traffic on Sundays. A selection of 250 bicycles are available for both adults and childen, including new models, road bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes and tandems. Simply show up at the Uchibori-dori reception desk to register.

Tel: 03-3211-5020. Reception desk located three minutes’ walk from exit 2 of Nijubashi-mae station (Chiyoda line), next to the police box. See http://tinyurl.com/palace-cycle for English details and map. Note the track is closed on rainy days and during special events.

Odaiba

Catch the driverless train over the rainbow bridge and end up at Odaiba. A great Sega World exists here if your into virtual gaming with life size cars on hydrolics for your Sega Rally experience.

Great views over Tokyo bay as well as the Toyota Megaweb. A great showcase of the latest in Tokyo vehicles and the Tokyo museum is worthy of a visit. And check out Venus Fort where the roof changes colour depending on the time of day. Your inside a shopping center but you feel like your outside with it's fake clouds and sky lit roof. Not far away is also a hot spring bath house. If you are unable to get to a hot spring ryoken then Oodeo Onsen Monogatari is the next best thing is this place where you can experience various types of hot springs in the one spot. Be warned you'll still need to get naked but the baths are segregated.

Tokyo Station - Shinkansen Watching

If you want to see the different types of bullet trains (Shinkansens) up close a cheap option is to buy a 140 yen train ticket and you can wonder between platforms and check out the trains. You'll be amazed at how they depart on time and that they line up the doors with the exact spots on the platform.

Akihabara

If your into electronics or Japanese manga then this is the stop for you..