I Tried Visiting EVERY Tokyo Station in a Day - Patreon Exclusive Content (Patreon)

Hey guys,

Hope you’ve been enjoying the onslaught of videos over the last few days - and it’s about to get worse! (Or better depending on how you view it). It’s been a crazy month of filming and relentless editing and it’s a relief to finally get them out there.

I’ve always been bloody amazed how much you can stuff into one day if you really set your mind to it; how far you can travel, how much you can see and how much you can do (and how MUCH YOU CAN EAT of course). So I went a bit mad and decided to visit ALL the stations along the Yamanote Line - all 30 of them.

If you’ve come to Japan, you’ll likely know the line well. It’s a circular line stopping at many of the major stations; Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo stations to name just a few. Admittedly, those are also my least favourite stations on the Yamanote line and half the fun on this journey was uncovering new stops and locations I’d never explored before, particularly on the north side of Tokyo.

With any luck, I was able to burn off a few calories as well! (And promptly put them back on during the trip).

As some bonus content we’ll be sharing tips on what to see and do around the stations at the bottom of this post. I’ve selected things that can be reached within 20 mins of each stop. On my travels I’ve been to at least half before, so will share some stories along the way and some photos from the filming.

AS WELL as that, we’ve made a spectacular map of EACH AND EVERY location we visited in the video just for you guys, so you don’t have to waste time searching for each one. You can check it out here.

I Visited EVERY Tokyo Station in a Day

🍿 WATCH: https://youtu.be/4HvZJndiBlQ

As much fun as it was to film, we had many many takes interrupted by the sheer noise, of the people, cars, trains, building work. Of course it's to be expected in such a busy and bustling city, but it made for a funny compilation of outtakes.

Patreon exclusive video - Why I Hate Filming in Tokyo

🍿 WATCH: https://youtu.be/jetTxzxIO5g

Well folks, what a bloody epic day!

Tokyo has so much to offer, and it’s impressive that after years of exploring, I’m still discovering new places and things to do.

Personally, my favourite stops are probably Nippori and Nishi-Nippori Stations with Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka Ginza. If you can’t get round the whole line (it’s quite the undertaking!), put these ones top of your list.

I really hope you enjoy this video guys, it was incredibly fun to film. Let us know your favourite stops, your thoughts on alternative station names for Takanawa Gateway and of course feel free to share your snaps if you hit up any of the places we’ve listed.

Chris

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YAMANOTE TRAVEL TIPS

We’ve turned our stops into a Google map for you guys, which you can check out here.

Plotted are all the Yamanote Line stations, the spots featured in the video, and some other honourable mentions. Looking at this again, I can’t bloody believe we managed to make it all the way round!

Happy travels!

JY01. Tokyo Station - Grab freshly made Bentos at Tokyo Station 🍱

Take a photo with the iconic, red brick station opened in 1914. Definitely the most impressive station on the line, Tokyo station connects you to all of wider Japan through the train, Shinkansen and bus networks.

JY02. Kanda Station - Pick out a book in Jimbōchō Book Town 📖

Stroll to Jimbocho Book Town, or jump in a cab if you’re pressed for time, to browse the delightful book stores for treasures like a George Lucas magazine or Japanese festival guidebooks.

JY03. Akihabara Station - Spend 500 yen on a Gatcha Capsule 🛍️

Experience the true madness of Akihabara by diving into the noisy arcades and exploring the side streets, filled with electronic stores. We found a cool camera shop stocking almost any model you could name!

JY04. Okachimachi Station - Grab a street snack in Ameyoko Market 🍡

Ameyoko, short for "Ameya Yokocho" which translates to ‘candy store alley’, is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. You’ll find everything here from clothes and cosmetics to kebabs and candied grapes on stick. You can either grab something whilst on the go, or take a seat to people watch while you chomp away on something tasty.

JY05. Ueno Station - Snap a photo at the iconic Yamanote line overlook 📷

Or should we say ‘Ueno Stastion’?! Head out from Shinobazu exit, take a right and head up to the first floor balcony, using this sculpture as your destination! The corner of this terrace offers a fantastic photo spot for when the trains whizz past.

JY06. Uguisudani Station - Escape to the calm of Yanaka Cemetery (and spot a cat) 🐈

Exiting at Uguisudani station take a gentle walk to Yanaka Cemetery, which stretches between this station and the next. My first trip here was hunting for cats to befriend for the televisual masterpiece ‘Cat Nation’. It’s absolutely stunning and, as you’d expect, offers a space of calm where you can escape the Tokyo crowds… and Tokyo cats, as, like before, they proved elusive!

JY07. Nippori Station - Discover the retro charm of Yanaka Ginza shopping street 🛍️

From this station you can explore Yanaka Ginza shopping street, one of Japan's old shopping streets (or Shotengai). It’s a cool place with a 1950s vibe. Its retro charm lies in the - around 60 - small independent shops, selling their handmade crafts, tea, or indeed bites to eat such as the bagel shop, ‘Fuku bagels’.

Start from the steps of Yūyake Dandan and work your way through the quirky streets.

JY08. Nishi-Nippori Station - Explore the stunning Nezu Shrine ⛩️

Nezu Shrine was a trip highlight. Despite being in Tokyo for over a year I can’t believe I’d never heard of this place. The shrine is simply stunning with its many vibrant Tori gates, streams, koi and turtles and azalea plants. It’s almost a mini version of the well known Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, minus the noise and frustration of crowds. It’s about a 20 min walk from the station, but it’s well worth the trip.

JY09. Tabata Station - Move to Tokyo on a Budget 💰

Tabata is an area known for it's writers, artists and creatives. These professions don’t typically pay well and so the area was, and is still, the most affordable with the lowest average rental price along the whole Yamanote line. Unfortunately there’s not a whole lot nearby the station, we could only find a rather boring bridge in Tabata, which you can check out if you’d like. But don’t. It’s really pretty dull!

JY10. Komagome Station - Get lost in the oasis of the Rikugien Gardens & taste the Matcha tea 🍵

There was a period where I briefly lived in Komagome, so I’m pleased to share the beautiful Rikugien Gardens with you guys. The gardens were first made between 1695 and 1702 and are now listed as a special place of scenic beauty. Absolutely worth a visit, it’s cleverly landscaped with at least one species always in bloom at any time throughout the year. Take a stroll around and enjoy a cup of matcha at the teahouse.

JY11. Sugamo Station - Feel young again in ‘Granny Harajuku’ Sugamo Jizodori Street 🎈

Visit an 800 metre long road, that actually formed part of the Nakasendo Trail in the Edo period, the street now contains about 200 shops and restaurants. It’s mainly targeted toward the elderly so has adopted the nickname 'Granny Harajuku'. If you need clothes with elasticated waists (no judgements from me!) or fancy some delicious food, then this is one hundred percent the place to go!

JY12. Otsuka Station - Indulge in Gourmet Onigiri 🍙

Onigiri bingo is the unique name for a very popular restaurant. Located right next to the tramline, it’s a great place to pick up one of these gourmet treats. It won’t be a quick stop though, this place is far from undiscovered so you’ll be queuing for a while.

JY13. Ikebukuro Station - Shop ‘Til You Drop at Sunshine City’s Pokemon Center 🛍️

Sunshine City complex packs a punch with around 200 retail stores, a multitude of restaurants, and even an Aquarium and theme park. Whilst I’m not a fan of shopping in general, normally avoiding malls at all costs, the Pokemon Centre holds fond memories for me as it’s where I first hung out with Sharla bloody ages ago.

JY14. Mejiro Station - Spot Japanese Nobility at Gakushuin University 🎓

Built in 1885 and now serving the Gakushuin university, where members of the Royal family have studied, there’s not a whole lot in the area that warrants the trip. Reading some reviews on the station, it became clear the station itself is divides opinion. Some people love the stained glass windows, some people thought the place was a dump. We solved the mystery once and for all and give the place a rating of ‘good’.

JY15. Takadanobaba Station - Experience the Thrill of Tokyo’s Legendary Arcade (Just Don’t Work up a Sweat) 🎮

Takadanobaba Mikado Game Center is probably one of the best arcades in Tokyo. Sadly, we couldn’t film inside on our spontaneous adventure, so you’ll have to take our word for it! Remember to bring a) bring whole stash of coins with you as many of the machines only accept 100Y coins, and B) smell fresh!

JY16. Shin-Okubo Station - Indulge in the miracle of Korean Fried Chicken 🥡

Explore vibrant Korean Town and experience the best fried chicken in Tokyo. With a potent combo of cheese, chicken and kimchi this place does it right and is a total gamechanger. Be prepared to battle your way through the crowds of youngsters to get your hands on the delicious streetfood though!

JY17. Shinjuku Station - Grab a photo overlooking the Kabukicho Rail bridge (at night) 📷

I’ve been lost in the jungles of Okinawa and the forests of Hokkaido, but I’ve never been as lost as I was a few days ago in Shinkjuku station. If you can navigate your way out (exit A18 or D4 is best), head over to the footbridge we’ve pinned which gives you both bustling views back to Shinjuku or imposing, futuristic views of the Sompo building and surrounding office blocks.

JY18. Yoyogi Station - Beat the Crowds by using Meiji Jingu’s ‘Secret’ Entrance ⛩️

Walking South from the station for approx 6 minutes, you’ll be accessing Meiji Jingu from it’s North, or back, entrance. This ‘secret’ entrance offers a quieter entry to the shrine, away from the bulk of tourists who enter from the South/Harajuku. Pausing at the entrance, if you look backwards you’ll see the Docomo Tower soaring over the treetops.

JY19. Harajuku Station - Chill out in Yoyogi Park 🌳

Yoyogi Park is where I spent a lot of time learning to play chess in the run up to the big chessboxing tournament a couple of years back.

It’s a sizeable park where you’ll see people enjoying themselves by walking their dogs, dancing and exercising together and has a whole different vibe to the rest of Tokyo.

JY20. Shibuya Station - Snap up a record (or cassette) at the iconic Tower Records 📼

Tower Records is the best store in all of Shibuya. A lot of people in Japan still buy records, CDs and cassettes, and it’s nice to own a physical version of your favourite artists’ music. In this case, I bought a Tatsuro Yamashita cassette, and then realised I needed a cassette player…

Seriously though, if you like music at all, it’s a place you’ll need to check out.

JY21. Ebisu Station - Try Tokyo’s Greatest (and Messiest) Wagyu Burger at Henry’s 🍔

Henry’s Burger is my favourite burger joint in the whole of Tokyo. They’ve truly mastered it with tomato, lettuce and an insanely soft, buttery Wagyu patty. It’s everything that a good burger should be and if you feel like ruining your cholesterol level - small price to pay - then head over to their restaurant.

JY22. Meguro Station - Stroll Along the relaxing Meguro River 🏞️

If you’re lucky enough to come over in Spring, head to Meguro River, where your walk will be lined in stunning pink cherry blossom. Outside of the blossom, the river still provides respite from both the sun and the crowds with its quiet, shaded walkways.

JY23. Gotanda Station - Discover the hidden Kiji Shrine nestled beneath concrete towers ⛩️

A new place for me, I’d never heard of Kiji shrine before this shoot. It’s a tiny shrine nestled under a huge modern concrete building, only a few minutes walk from Gotanda. I wonder how many folks whizz past this shrine, oblivious to it’s history. It’s worth a visit, and you can get a fortune with a 100 Yen coin.

JY24. Osaki Station - Savour a Taste of the UK (stick with the cider) 🥫

Missing fish and chips? Wish you could have a crisp, refreshing sip of Magner’s Cider?! Well, head to Footnik British pub, just moments walk from Osaki station, and your wishes will become reality! I won’t lie, it wasn’t the best meal I’ve had, but the ambiance is almost like ‘home’ and it’s a fun place to drop by if you fancy a flavour of the UK. Plus if you for some reason want to watch some live sport on TV, I'm told they show lots of it there.

JY25. Shinagawa Station - Lament Sony’s Absurdly Branded Products 🤨

We’re big fans of Sony at Abroad in Japan, and used their equipment in the production of this very video. So it hurts us to say this, but, what the hell were they thinking giving their products such tedious, clunky and nondescript names?! Seriously, if anyone out there has a connection, let us know, we’re full of (better) suggestions!

JY26. Takanawa Gateway - Wander the Yamanote Line’s newest station (and think of a better name) ❔

The latest addition to the Yamanote Line and there’s honestly nothing to do here… yet. If you do swing by bring headphones, as with all the construction going on it’s a bloody noisy station!

JY27. Tamachi Station - Frame the Perfect Photo of Rainbow Bridge 📷

Hidden under the Rainbow Bridge, we found the Shibaura Minami Futo Park which gave us the perfect place to frame the Rainbow Bridge and the iconic Fuji Television Building over in Odaiba. The Rainbow bridge will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where my journey began all those years ago, and I remember passing over it, looking out across the Tokyo skyline on my very first day in Japan.

JY28. Hamamatsucho Station - Get the perfect shot of Tokyo Tower from Zōjō-ji Temple 🗼

Over in the beautiful grounds of Zojoji Park, you’ll find Zōjō-ji Temple which is impressive in its own right. But, looming behind it is both Azabudai Hills at 325 metres and Tokyo Tower at 333 metres. Get your perspective right, and all three line up in a trifecta of building brilliance.

JY29. Shimbashi Station - Explore Tokyo’s most underrated night time photography spot 📸

I love Shimbashi and it’s the oldest station on the line, first opened in October of 1872. Vibrant, chaotic and loud, it’s the perfect spot for nightime photography. I’ve explored the area before with Pete in our I Tried Walking Across Tokyo in a Day ⛩️ video, so if you want another perspective on the area you can dive into that video.

JY30. Yurakucho Station - Pick Up Electronic Gadgets Old & New at Bic Camera 📹

Yurakucho is a shopping district and you could spend hours exploring the stores and eateries. For me, I needed to pick up a cassette player and dived into the nearby BIC Camera store.