I took the Yamanote Loop Line and alighted at every stop (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of my adventure on the Yamanote Line (山手線 Yamanote-sen)! In Part 1, I detailed my journey from Shibuya Station (JY20) to Shimbashi Station (JY29). As a continuation, I will recollect my adventure from Yurakucho Station (有楽町駅 Yūrakuchō-eki) in this second part of my article series!
Yurakucho (JY30): The luxury street
Ginza, the luxury district. (Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
Due to its proximity to Ginza (銀座), passengers alighting at the station will be greeted with the sight of numerous buildings selling luxurious brands. From the latest high-end fashion wear to perfectly crafted cuisine, the stores in the vicinity feature both quality and quantity that will be sure to satisfy those who are willing to splurge.
Just giving myself a little treat… (Image credit: Endure Goh)
Fortunately, affordable options are also available for the budget-conscious. Uniqlo’s largest flagship store is located just a stone’s throw away from the station and shoppers will be in awe by the creative expertise of Fast Retailing to market affordable functional wear in a luxurious manner!
Tokyo (JY01): The labyrinth
The Marunouchi Station Building standing strong after 100 years. (Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
We now arrive at the very first station of the Yamanote Line! The architecture of Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki) never fails to impress me every visit. The Marunouchi Station Building which was constructed in the early 1900s has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan and has been restored and preserved in its glorious state. The Marunouchi Station Building is situated amid tall modern skyscrapers, which paints an impressive contrast of old and new in Japan’s busiest city.
My favourite part of the Marunouchi Station Building. (Image credit: Endure Goh)
However, what frustrates me is the interior of the station which is a complicated labyrinth that I can never navigate despite multiple visits. The gigantic station houses a complex network of underground passageways that are linked to numerous shopping malls and commercial buildings. Even with the kind assistance of station attendants, I struggle to arrive at my destination via the underground passageways.
Visit JAPAN RAIL CAFE Tokyo to find your way around Japan like a pro, despite being quite lost around Tokyo Station! (Image credit: Endure Goh)
My advice for anyone with a poor sense of direction is to escape to the surface and follow the instructions of Google-sensei. However, for those who derive pleasure from navigating an intricate network of underground tunnels, Tokyo Station is the perfect playground for you.
Kanda (JY02): Catered to the office workers
(Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Nesnad / CC BY 4.0 & Endure Goh)
Kanda (神田) is one of my favourite places as its vicinity is lined with numerous izakaya (居酒屋) that will satisfy my cravings. Among the locals, Kanda is known as a place that caters to the needs of diligent and exhausted office workers. The place is serviced by several shopping districts that sell daily necessities and the eateries are usually filled with office workers drinking their woe and exhaustion away. There is a good balance of izakaya that offers cheap eats (imagine ¥300 for all beer and food) and izakaya that offers a slightly pricier menu that will guarantee to entertain your palate.
Akihabara (JY03): Otaku sanctuary
Onwards to the Otaku Sanctuary! (Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & IQRemix / CC BY-SA 2.0 & Endure Goh)
Once you alight at Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅 Akihabara-eki), you will be blasted by the latest Anisong (アニソン Anime song) playing in the nearby stores. Despite the State of Emergency, there was still a crowd. Although e-commerce for merchandise and video games have been on the rise in Japan, brick-and-mortar stores continue to retain their appeal.
Fancy a bit of Sega-logo-yaki? (Image credit: Endure Goh)
Akihabara is where visitors can view a massive collection of anime figurines (plastic models) lined up strategically in various showcases of brick-and-mortar stores. Additionally, visitors may chance upon unexpected gems or get the best deals when they shop in physical stores. Akihabara is also known for some quirky food items that grab your attention. If you want to immerse yourself in Japan’s popular culture, Akihabara is the place to go.
Okachimachi (JY04): Bargain heaven
Get your bargains here! (Image credit: LERK & Mister0124 / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
The vicinity of Okachimachi Station (御徒町駅 Okachimachi-eki) is usually bustling with shoppers hunting for the best bargains in Ameyokocho (アメ横丁), one of Tokyo’s famous districts. It is a popular place to hunt for affordable food, apparel, and bags. However, I think the best deals are mostly the snacks and souvenirs. Shoppers can purchase vast quantities of snacks and souvenirs at extremely competitive prices. I frequently visit the souvenir shop at Ameyokocho to fulfil my promise to bring back tons of gifts for my family and friends in Singapore. Sometimes, you may find “interesting” off-brand items that are based on famous Japanese souvenirs such as Shiroi Koibito or Tokyo Banana.
Ueno (JY05): The land of the giant panda
Panda-sama affirming his reign over a subject. (Image credit: LERK & 江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
The giant panda is the icon of Ueno (上野), and it reigns over the hearts of its visitors with their kawaii-ness. Ueno Zoological Gardens (上野動物園 Ueno Dōbutsu-en) is a 5-minute walk from the station and the most popular and iconic animal here is no other than the giant panda.
Alert! Panda propaganda! (Image credit: Endure Goh)
The popularity of these clumsy and cute bears has permeated into the vicinity of Ueno and you can witness its influence on businesses. Interestingly, some of my Japanese friends have commented that the giant pandas are rather obnoxious because the pandas seem to enjoy basking in the limelight and adoration but refuse to entertain visitors. Unfortunately, I was not able to confirm the testimonies of my friends because the zoo was temporarily closed due to the pandemic, you can be sure that I will be back to pay my respects to panda-sama!
Uguisudani (JY06): More to be explored
(Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
The immediate vicinity of Uguisudani Station (鶯谷駅 Uguisudani-eki) is lined with numerous hotels of various types (business and love hotels) and does not appear to interest tourists. However, the locality map reveals that there are numerous statues and religious buildings that will be of interest to history buffs and those with a keen interest in religious establishments. Additionally, it is rumoured that some of the best ramen shops are in the locality of Uguisudani and ramen lovers frequent these places to get their ramen fix.
Nippori (JY07) and Nishi-Nippori (JY08): Transiting to the residential district
Vicinity of Nishi-Nippori. (Image credit: LERK & Nesnad / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
Alighting at Nippori (日暮里) and Nishi-Nippori Station (西日暮里駅 Nishi-Nippori-eki), I observed that I have transited to the residential district of the Yamanote Line. The vicinity of the stations comprises several shops selling daily necessities to the residents nearby, as well as the popular shopping street Yanaka Ginza (谷中銀座).
Get your bargains at Heiwadо̄! (Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Nesnad / CC BY 4.0 & Endure Goh)
A notable store near Nippori Station is a thrift shop called Heiwadо̄ (ヘイワ堂) where you can purchase apparel at low prices. If you are lucky, you can get a pair of good quality stockings for about ¥100 (insights for gentlemen, stockings are expensive).
Tabata (JY09): Railway crossing
(Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Nesnad / CC BY 4.0 & Endure Goh)
The surrounding of Tabata Station (田端駅 Tabata-eki) consists of residential and office buildings that are serviced by commercial buildings providing a variety of services and goods. At first glance, the place seems to be devoid of tourist attractions.
An exclusive sight on the Yamanote Line. (Image credit: Endure Goh)
However, if you are willing to walk 20 minutes, you can view the only railway crossing on the Yamanote Line. I couldn’t really understand the appeal of railway crossings but my Japanese travelling companion insisted on seeing it and we spent some time waiting for a train to pass. Perhaps the railway crossing may appeal to train enthusiasts?
Komagome (JY10), Sugamo (JY11), Otsuka (JY12): Work and home
Vicinity of Komagome Station. (Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
Just like Tabata Station, the vicinities of these stations comprise mainly residential and commercial buildings. However, I did notice that the designs of the buildings became increasingly stylish as I approached Otsuka Station (大塚駅 Ōtsuka-eki), possibly because I was nearing the entertainment and tourist districts of the Yamanote Line again.
(Image credit: LERK & Mister0124 / CC BY-SA 4.0 & Endure Goh)
In my adventure to conquer all the stations of the Yamanote Line, my stops at these residential districts provide some respite. Although the tourists and entertainment districts are exciting and interesting, the crowd does wear me out.
(Image credit: LERK / CC BY-SA 4.0 & MiNe / CC BY 2.0 & Endure Goh)
The stops at these residential districts also appeal to my academic side as a Japanese Studies graduate, where I can observe the daily lives of Japanese, compare it to my existing knowledge and hopefully, come up with new perspectives.
With that, we have come to the end of part 2 of my adventure on the Yamanote Line! Part 3 will feature my experience on the final stretch of stations on the Yamanote Line. Stay tuned!
Header image credit: Endure Goh
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