Map of Tokyo Metoro Chiyoda Line
Schematic diagram of Tokyo Metoro Chiyoda Line; in light green the Yamanote Line (JR urban railway loop line)

 

For the purpose of sightseeing, the Chiyoda-sen is among the most useful lines of Tokyo’s subway networks.

The line runs north-south connecting many of the city’s most popular tourist areas such as Bunkyo, Akihabara, Chiyoda, Minato and Shibiya.

In this page we describe a one-day tour along the Chiyoda Line. The article includes a programme suitable for short stays.

 

The Chiyoda Line (Chiyoda-sen) is managed by Tokyo's main subway operator, Tokyo-Metoro.

The line links many places of interest and serves important stations and transportation hubs.

 

Areas of interest served by the line are the following:

  • Adachi and Arakawa, peripheral districts where it is possible to find very accommodation solutions in a wide range (cheap hotel, hostels and guest houses). While the context is not particularly pleasant, these areas are a great choice for a budget traveller that plans a non-short stay;

  • Yanaka, a historic neighbourhood with an atmosphere of nostalgia;

  • Bunkyo, one of Tokyo’s most important central areas. Here are a few historical shrines and temples. The Chiyoda Line serves this area in an excellent way;

  • Akihabara, the “electric town”, a gathering place for otaku and anime and manga buffs;

  • Chiyoda, Tokyo’s central district, where the Imperial Palace and Yasukuni Shrine are located. Within the area is Otemachi Station, major subway station served by four more lines (Marunouchi, Tozai, Mita, Hanzomon lines).Tokyo Station, the city’s central railway station, can be reached on foot via an underground passage;

  • Minato, large district located south of the centre. The Chiyoda Line serves mainly the northern part, in particular Akasaka and Roppongi neighbourhoods;

  • Shibuya, major commercial district and important destination for tourists. The line serves major points of interest such as the Nezu Museum, Omotesando, Harajuku and Meiji Shrine.

 

It is not possible to visit all these areas in one day, especially if you wish to include in your programme visits to all major shrines, temples and museums served by the line.

If you do not mind including in your journey a few walking routes, the Chiyoda Line is a fundamental route around which an entire 3-5 day itinerary can be arranged.

 

 

Recommended itinerary along the Chiyoda Line

Below is the outline of a programme that suits well the needs of a first-time visitor. We assume you start your itinerary in Yanaka:

  • 8:30 - 9:30: visit to Yanaka. Here you can visit the large cemetery, a few temples and shrines. The area is also noted for its vibrant markets and street food scene. The neighbourhood is full of small shops, street vendors and cheap restaurants. In case you want to experience its bustling atmosphere, you can postpone the visit to the late afternoon. Yanaka can be reached on foot from Sendagi Station;

  • 10:15 - 11:00: visit to Nezu-Jinja, a major shinto shrine, most noted for its elegant and largely distinctive architecture. It is served by Nezu Station;

  • 11:30 - 13:00: lunch break and visit to Akihabara, a little dreamland for those who love anime, manga, cosplay and electronics;

  • 13:30 - 19:30: walking tour in Shibuya. You can start a walking tour from Nezu Museum, a major collection of Oriental art. You can then reach Omotesando, a large avenue lined with luxury shops and Harajuku, a gathering point for those who are into the most bizarre and eccentric trends in fashion. Next is a visit to Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine. You can then have dinner and spend the night in Shibuya. Around Shibuya Station are all kinds of attractions for party-goers.

 

Tokyo; itinerary along the Chiyoda Line: a visit to Yanaka
Tokyo, Yanaka Cemetery

 

Variants

We chose an itinerary that offers a mix of experiences and attractions. Since the Chiyoda Line connects an incredible amount of places of interest, you can easily calibrate your itinerary according to your likes and needs.

 

Religious architecture

A few other lines connect a similar amount of major religious sites as does the Chiyoda Line. The line runs through Bunkyo and Chiyoda where you can visit important shrines and temples such as Yushima Seido, a Confucian temple, Kanda-Myojin Yushima Tenmangu, Nezu-Jinja, major shinto shrines. Not far is also Yasukuni-Jinja.

Other major shrines served by the line are Hie Shrine (served by Kokkai-gijido-mae Station) and Nogi Shrine (served by Nogizaka Station).

 

Ueno

Yanaka is very close to Ueno. You can therefore reach it on foot from Sendagi Station. Another option is to travel by train, along the Yamanote Line (loop line) from Nishinippori Station.

 

Where to stay

The Chiyoda Line connects two areas where you can find accommodation at interesting prices:

  • Adachi and Arakawa, peripheral districts, where there is plenty of cheap hotels;

  • Akasaka, an elegant neighbourhood in central Minato, a perfect location, well-served by the subway system and right in the centre of all major itineraries. The area is very close to Roppongi, which is definitely a pro if you plan on spending some nights out. In Akasaka you can find very good value for money mid-range hotels but booking in advance is crucial.

 

Related articles:

Main article: Tokyo 3-day itinerary

Itineraries along the subway lines (Asakusa, Hibiya, Ginza, Marunouchi, Tozai, Mita, Namboku, Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Shinjuku, Hanzomon, Oedo, Fukutoshin)

 

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