Tokyo's Yamanote Line Marks 100 Years of Operation

Above, a Yamanote Line train in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Tokyo during my eight trips to Japan, I have used the Yamanote train line many times. The Yamanote Line encircles central Tokyo and is quite handy in exploring the city.

According to Kyodo News, the train line has reached 100 years of operation.

They begin with:

TOKYO - JR East on Saturday marked exactly 100 years of operation of the iconic Yamanote loop line train that encircles central Tokyo.

Connecting with private railways entering from the outer suburbs, bustling commercial districts formed around hubs such as Shinjuku and Shibuya stations, and laid the foundations for the capital's development.

Redevelopment continues along the line today and its status as the main artery of Tokyo, carrying huge numbers of people daily, remains unchanged.

JR East held a commemorative event using a train enveloped in a past train design that departed from Ikebukuro Station and made a complete circuit in about an hour. 

To read more, go here. 

What To Learn Before Traveling To Japan

Above, boarding a Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are contemplating a vacation trip to Japan, you won't find a more friendlier place to visit.

However, there are some "unspoken" rules visitors to be aware of so that the trip goes smoothly. 

Travel Daily News posted an article on some of those "unspoken" rules. 

They begin it with:

If you want to travel to a destination that excellently mixes traditional culture and modern living, Japan would be a great idea. You’ll find cities and neighborhoods retaining rich old cultures dating back to ancient times. At the same time, you’ll find the tallest buildings and state-of-the-art technologies. 

If you’re considering exploring nature, Japan won’t fall short of it as well. It has a fair share of the world's most beautiful sceneries and natural landscapes, from beaches to mountains. However, before booking your accommodations and flights, it’s vital to learn some unspoken rules and must-dos before traveling to Japan. Here are some of them.  

To read more, go here. 

Getting Around In Japan

Above, the JR Yamanote Line that circles Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With COVID-19 seemingly spiking up again in Japan, it will be a while before we can return to normal and take a vacation trip to there.

Even through that is a roadblock to travel planning, it is worth a read to see how to get around in Japan through various means of transportation once one does actually gets into the country.

Lonely Planet posted an article on different means of getting around the cities as well as the whole country.

They begin with:

Spread across 7000 islands and dotted with megacities, mountain ranges and mighty national parks, Japan can appear a little intimidating to explore upon first glance. But look a little closer and you’ll find this Asian powerhouse is a delight to travel around, whether by train, ferry or using a hired set of wheels. Here’s our guide to getting around in Japan. 

To read more, go here.  

Japan Tourist Passes & Day Tickets

Above, passengers board a JR Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One great thing about Tokyo is the city's vast network of public transportation.

A car isn't really necessary to own in Tokyo since there's trains, subways, buses and taxi services available. And going outside of Tokyo is very easy.

But for foreign tourists, there's additional bonuses and Live Japan presents them.

They begin with:

There are certain tickets available that are offered specifically to tourists who want to explore Japan – and there are some great deals to be made. 

While there’s a wide variety of special deal tickets for tourists available, every railway company sells them in a different manner and place. So with your sightseeing goal in mind, first check which company’s lines will take you there. Some special deals might not be sold at all stations and will require that you visit a specific information or ticket center instead.

 To read more, go here.

JR Yamanote Line's Last Train To Leave 27 Minutes Earlier

Above, the JR Yamanote Line train. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's subway and train systems are second to none for public transportation, but late-night revelers are going to have to catch the last train of the JR Yamanote Line 27 minutes earlier.

News On Japan reported:

In Tokyo, the party can keep going all night, with bars, pubs, and clubs that stay open until the morning light. However, if you’ve got something else you’d like to do before sunrise, like, say, go home and get some sleep, you’ll want to keep the time of your last train in mind while you’re out partying. 

Sure, you could always grab a taxi, but cabs are already expensive in Japan, and they increase their rates for late-night rides (a 20-some-odd-minute taxi ride in nocturnal Tokyo can easily run you 5,000 yen, so the train really is your, and your wallet’s, friend. Unfortunately, the most important train line in Tokyo is about to move the time of its last train up by roughly 30 minutes.

To read more, go here.

Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Above, a shinkansen arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People planning a trip to Japan often wonder if they should get a Japan Rail Pass.

It depends if one is just going to hang out in Tokyo and, maybe, visit some close-by places such as Kamakura or Yokohama or go further to places as Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka or Sendai.

Three years ago, we traveled from Tokyo to Atami and, from there, to Kyoto and Osaka. I bought the seven-day Japan Rail Pass for the trip and saved money. We also used it for commuter trains to go back and forth between Kyoto and Osaka.

Above, a JR Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the Rail Pass was still valid after returning to Tokyo, we used it for some commutes within the city. It can be used for the JR Yamanote trains, for example.

Kyo Tours Japan has an article that explains how the Japan Rail Pass will save visitors money and won't.

They begin with:

Questions about the Japan Rail Pass come up all the time when communicating with guests during the planning phase of their Japan vacation. The Rail Pass is a fairly well publicized element of Japan travel, but it can be a bit daunting when trying to figure out travel plans and rail prices in Japan. 

So is the Rail Pass worth it? That depends on a number of factors: the route that you’ll be taking through the country, where you’ll be flying in and out of, and how long you’ll be here. However, it’s almost always a worthwhile investment. Here are some tips, info, and sample itineraries that lay out the exact nature of the savings that can be had if you opt for the Rail Pass.

To read more, go here. 

Japanese Train Station Melodies

Above, passengers boarding the JR Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things that is enjoyable (at least I find it so) while traveling around Japan: the melodies played at Japanese train stations.

According to Japan Info:

If you’ve ever been to the cities of Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll notice the melody being played when trains are about to arrive and depart from stations. They are called train departure melodies or “hassha merodii” in Japanese. These jingles that whisk commuters on their way were actually made by Japanese composer Minoru Mukaiya, who has created almost 200 train jingles in his lifetime. 

Aside from Tokyo and Osaka, there are other cities around the world that use train melodies such as Budapest in Hungary and Seoul in Korea. First introduced by French classical pianist Charles-Valentin Alkan, these melodies or jingles are known to provide a feeling of relief when trains are departing and alertness when arriving. In 1971, they were introduced to Japan; and Keihan Electric Railway was the first Japanese railway company to use such train melodies. 

Bells were first used to mark the departure and arrival of trains. It didn’t sound calming and relaxing, thus certain criteria were used in creating the tunes. Later on, local train managers were able to customize the alarms into melodic ones. It created a positive reaction among passengers and quickly became popular, as passengers felt unhurried before disembarking. Most train melodies are related to Japanese history and are seven-seconds long.

Here are some examples:

And you can even buy some! Here's some you can buy of Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line:




To read more, go here.

How To Ride Tokyo's Trains

Above, riders boarding a JR Yamanote Line train. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo probably has the best public transportation system in the world.

At first glance, navigating around the city may appear daunting to a newbie. But once one gets the hang of it, it is actually very easy.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on how to use Tokyo's transit system.

It begins with:

Tokyo boasts world-class cuisine, an endlessly vibrant culture and more places to explore than you can manage in a lifetime. But our dear capital also stands out in one rather more practical way: it’s got the best train and subway system of any major world city. Sure, rush hour is hell and unlike all those breathless travelogues suggest, trains actually do get delayed. But considering Tokyo’s scale, its public transport system is almost impossibly convenient. 

That’s once you get used to it, though. With 13 subway lines, well over 100 train lines and a dozen or so different transport companies in the metropolitan region, learning to navigate Tokyo’s trains is almost like learning a new language. Read up on the basics below, get out there and start studying…

To read more, go here. 

Yamanote Line To Get Security Cameras

Above, passengers boarding the Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Statiom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The JR Yamanote train line that encircles central Tokyo will soon be installing surveillance cameras in its trains.

According to Japan Today:

Tokyo - East Japan Railway Co (JR East) said Tuesday it will introduce security cameras on trains running on Tokyo's Yamanote loop line to enhance security. 

The railway operator will introduce the cameras on 550 train cars starting in the spring of 2018, completing installation by 2020 in time for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, it said. 

The installment of the cameras is expected to cost around 2 billion yen ($18 million), according to the company. 

"Crimes and nuisance are becoming noticeable on trains. (Security cameras are) necessary to prevent terrorism as well," President Tetsuro Tomita said at a press conference, adding train cars on other JR East lines are planned to be equipped with surveillance cameras.

To read more, go here. 

Train Etiquette In Japan

Above, rush-hour commuters boarding the Yamanote Line in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you are riding in a commuter (or even a long distance) train in Japan. You may get the urge to do something that, in the eyes of Japanese citizens, may be a no-no.

Well, to educate yourself on train etiquette, City-Cost.com has a list of things to avoid doing while in a Japanese train and creating an "international incident".

They start with:

There are rules for a reason, though; without them some people wouldn’t care. Even with them, some people don’t, but the numbers are probably reduced. In Japan it’s not unusual to see polite appeals from authority for passengers to pay attention to rules, situations regarding safety, and the desired etiquette that comes with shared spaces and services. Interestingly these polite appeals tend to have more of a presence than the blunt threat of fines or legal action that you might find in other nations. Some anti-authoritarian types might sneer, ‘Rules are there to be broken.’, and foreigners in particular are often unwittingly guilty. So, to avoid surprise, embarrassment, and causing upset among the locals let’s take a look at what one can expect to find in terms of rules (written and not) and common etiquette on Japan’s trains. These would be more of the ‘don’ts’ rather than the ‘dos’ for Japan’s trains.

To read on, go here. 

Getting Around Tokyo

Above, a view of the Sumida River from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo, Japan is the main arrival point when traveling to Japan. It is also the one Japanese city that has many things to see in pop culture. The trick is getting around the city to see its attractions.

Fortunately, the Tokyo transit systems (there's more than one) are some of the most efficient in the world. Frankly, one does not really need a car in Tokyo.

TNT Magazine has posted a detailed article on the many transit systems available to foreign visitors for getting to and around the city.

They begin with:

The city of Tokyo has the third largest population in the world. The first two positions belong to Beijing and New Delhi. Its surface covers over 2,188 square kilometers, while the population of this thriving city numbers over 13.62 million people. Ever since the Summer Olympic Games were held in Tokyo in 1964, the city has become an increasingly popular destination. Tokyo’s infrastructure and transportation system have developed significantly over the last years, making it easier and faster for commuters and visitors to reach any part of it. 

So, how do you get around using the Tokyo Metro, the Yamanote line, Narita Express, and the Japan Rail Pass.

To read more, go here.

A Day's Cost of Tokyo Trains

If there's a big city in the world where one doesn't need to own a car, Tokyo is it.

Above, passengers boarding the Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo has a transportation network of trains and subways that is the envy of the world. While it is far from perfect, one can get to anywhere in Tokyo through the train and subway system and, surprisingly, it is relatively cheap to use. It is a lot easier than it looks.

So, how much does train travel in Tokyo cost for a day?

Fortunately, City-Cost has that all figured out and it is explained.

They start with:

Let’s get this straight, Tokyo’s transport network is nothing short of phenomenal. Somehow it manages to shift an army of economic foot soldiers of Biblical proportions, from home to office, office to home, every day.  And usually without major incident. Yes, it’s not without its faults and yes, at times, cramped carriage conditions border on a human rights violation.  But still, cities the world-over eye-up Tokyo’s system with envy. And rightly so!

A key part of said system is the JR East train network.  These are the trains that navigate Tokyo above ground.  Despite having a map that looks like a preschooler went mad with some crayons, the JR network is perfectly navigable, given a bit of time.  But is it affordable?  Here we ask, What’s the cost of a day’s train travel in Tokyo?

 To read more, go here.

"10 Reasons Why Japan is Awesome for Solo Female Travel"

Above, a JR Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Public transit is safe, affordable and easy. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This really doesn't apply to us guys, but it will be of interest to the ladies who may be contemplating a solo trip to Japan. Yes, there are female Godzilla/kaiju, anime and manga fans who may want to visit Japan.

As a man, it was very easy for me to travel solo to Japan (or anywhere else, for that matter), but women traveling alone may feel vulnerable in a different country. In seven out of eight trips to Japan, I traveled solo. Last year, I brought Denise Santos and her son Aiden with me. It was a different but enjoyable experience.

Writer Alyssa Ramos has written "10 Reasons Why Japan is Awesome for Solo Female Travel" for the Huffington Post. Here, she describes why Japan is such a great place for the female solo traveler.

She begins with:

I didn’t go to Japan looking to test out its safety or to see if it was or wasn’t a good place for solo female travel. I’m so used to traveling on my own these days that it seems normal to me, however I have to say, I was especially blown away by my solo experience in Japan. 

Not only did I feel safer in Japan than I usually do back home in LA, but I also felt more respected, welcomed, and able to freely and easily explore than I have in most countries. The people in Japan are some of the nicest I’ve ever met, and there was not one single millisecond when I thought I was in a dangerous area or situation. Japan was also fairly easy to travel around in, and even had specific transportation and accommodation options for females only! 

So as a an experienced solo female traveler, here’s what I noticed about Japan that made it one of my top choices for solo female travel:

To see the 10 reasons, go here. 

Stations Along The JR Yamanote Line In Tokyo

Above, Harajuku Station is the oldest wooden station, built in 1924. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is well known for its efficient subway system, but it also has surface trains that are equally efficient. 

Perhaps the most well-known and, probably, the most important train line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line that encircles central Tokyo.

I have taken rides on the Yamanote Line many times during eight visits to Tokyo. That, plus other train and subway lines, make car ownership almost unnecessary.

Japanistas.com has an article on different train station stops that the Yamanote Line makes.

They begin with:

A popular drinking game among the Japanese is called the “Yamanote Sen” game, or the Yamanote Line game. It basically involves saying a name of any train station on the circular Yamanote line while keeping to a rhythm that everyone claps to. Missing a beat or repeating a station results in a forfeit of drinking up! 

Be it secret training, so to speak, for an impromptu round of the Yamanote Line drinking game, or to impress the locals with your station knowledge, here is a brief introduction to the Yamanote Line and all its stations.

Above, boarding the Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

An Australian's View of Japan

Above, Tokyo residents boarding the JR Yamanote Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japanese are well-known for their natural politeness, which is nice to experience, especially during rush hour commutes.

For an Australian's perspective on a visit to Tokyo, News.com.au has an article on a visit to Tokyo and her thoughts on it.

She begins with:

THE first thing I notice when I got to Japan was how nice everyone on the peak hour Tokyo subway smelled. Like the delicate fragrance of clean hair and freshly washed linen. 

The second thing I noticed was the carriage was so quiet I was afraid to blow my nose, and a third of the passengers wore face masks. 

“It’s not because they’re afraid of catching your germs, it’s because they’re sick and don’t want anyone else to catch theirs,” my partner explained. 

To an Australian used to riding with the great unwashed, negotiating junkies, violent ticket inspectors and clouds of teenage girls’ Impulse, the Japanese are unnervingly respectful of other people’s personal space. 

Stand still and look confused, and within 30 seconds someone will have either offered you help, or else queued politely behind you (queuing is a phenomenon in Japan) for no apparent reason.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo Cheapo's Trains, Toilets and Trash

Above, a JR Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first visited Tokyo in 2001, I marveled at how clean the city's streets and sidewalks were. Not a scrap of litter could be seen.

But then, I noticed a lack of trash receptacles to even toss a candy wrapper into. How could a city be so clean-looking when there's no trash cans to be found?

A new article by Tokyo Cheapo will answer that question and will answer questions regarding to toilets and trains.

They begin it with:

When you first come to Japan there are quite a few major cultural differences that you might encounter. Being aware of the differences can really ease your transition to life in Japan, so we’ve outlined the basics to the three Ts—trains, toilets, trash—to help you do just that. Equipped with this knowledge, we ensure you won’t get pegged as a newbie…at least not right away. 

In regard to trash cans, I have since learned where to find them.

To read more, go here. 

Types of Japanese Trains

Above, passengers boarding the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many kinds of trains in Japan.

Some are fast, some are slow. Some travel long distances while others are for short inter-city commutes.

Japan Travel Blog (BY H.I.S. TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER) has an article listing the different kinds of trains in Japan.

It starts out with:

There are many types of train in Japan, some fast, some slower than other. 

Knowing types of train will get you to your destination faster. Let’s explore it together in our blog today!

To read more, go here.

May 12 Blog Post Pick-ups

The good folks at The Japan Daily picked up three latest Japan travel-related blog posts for sharing with their readers.

The are:

To read The Japan Daily, go here.

Free Wi-Fi On Tohoku Shinkansen Trains and Yamanote Line Stations

Above, the Harajuku Station is one of the stations of the Yamanote Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's good news for travelers on the JR East Tohoku shinkansen line and Tokyo's Yamanote train line.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO —Although it’s taken some time to catch on, the number of places offering free Wi-Fi in Japan has been steadily increasing over the last few years, and is now available on the Tohoku shinkansen and all of the stations on Tokyo’s Yamanote train line. 

This new push for easier access to the Internet is a result of contact with the rest of the world. At the same time as Japan is receiving more visitors from overseas, tourists are increasingly relying on online guides and networking to navigate the country and coordinate with their travel companions. 

To help them do so, on May 1, Japan Railways began offering free Wi-Fi onboard E5 Type 1 trains on the Tohoku shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo with northern Aomori Prefecture. By the end of June, the service will be expanded to include E5 Type 3 trains as well.

To read more, go here.

Osamu Tezuka Celebrated In Tokyo's "Astro Town"

Above, a Niigata bank's "Astro Boy" window display in 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's an area in Shinjuku where manga creator Osamu Tezuka and his character creations are celebrated. It sounds like an interesting place to visit.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported:

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Osamu Tezuka, known as the “god of manga.” Events and exhibitions are being held nationwide, with stage performances scheduled in the metropolitan area during the year-end season. After the end of World War II, Tezuka moved from Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, to Tokyo, where he left behind numerous masterpieces. Even a quarter-century after his death, many people are still enchanted by his work. 

Whenever a train on the Yamanote Line departs from JR Takadanobaba Station in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, the “Astro Boy” theme song reverberates throughout the area. Outside the station, characters from Tezuka’s works can be seen on a gigantic mural 2.7 meters high and 16 meters wide, and streetlights along the shopping street in front of the station bear plates depicting well-known creations of the manga artist.

I remember first watching Astro Boy cartoons around 1963 on a Los Angeles television station. Later, I discovered new Astro Boy cartoons were made in the early 1980s and a new batch were made in 2003. I saw a few of the 2003 episodes while flying aboard Korean Air to Japan. While visiting Niigata in 2010, I saw a bank near Niigata Station with a huge Astro Boy display. And, at Niigata Station, an ATM booth was decorated with Astro Boy images.

Above, JR Takadanobaba Station is three stops above Shinjuku Station on the Yamanote Line.

I decided to skip the Astro Boy 2009 movie as it didn't look right to me.

To read the article (the first of a series of articles on Tezuka), go here.