Tokyo: itinerary along the Namboku Line

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

 

The Namboku-sen is a subway line that can be very useful for organising sightseeing tours in central Tokyo.

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

 

The Namboku Line (Namboku-sen) is managed by the main operator, Tokyo Metoro. As suggested by its name, the Namboku line serves a north-sound route. Of particular usefulness is the section between Komagome and Meguro (both station are served by the Yamanote Line) through Iidabashi, Akasaka, Azabu neighbourhoods.

Areas of great interest for visitors are the following:

  • Komagome, a northern neighbourhood of Bunkyo district. The magnificent Rikugi-En garden is located here;

  • Iidabashi, residential area of Chiyoda, in the very heart of Tokyo. The station is close to Koishikawa Koraku-En garden as well as a few shrines and temples;

  • Akasaka and Azabu, in Minato. Not to be missed here are Hie-Jinja, an ancient Shinto shrine, and Zenpuku-Ji, one of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples. In the same area are Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park and Roppongi;

  • Meguro, near one of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom viewing spots.

 

 

Recommended itinerary along the Namboku Line

Below is the outline of a programme that suits well the needs of a first-time visitor. We assume you start your journey in Komagome, interchange station served by the Yamanote Line (loop line):

  • Komagome (Rikugi-En): 1 hour;

  • Kudanshita, Iidabashi and Bunkyo (Yasukuni-Jinja, Sotobori Park, Koishikawa Koraku-En): 2-3 hours;

  • Minato (Hie-Jinja, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban, Zenpuku-Ji): 2-3 hours;

  • Meguro (Meguro-gawa cherry blossom spot): 1 hour.

 

Variants

You can add a few more destinations, especially if you do not mind including some walking tours:

  • Yotsuya (museums in Shinjuku): 2 hours;

  • Shibuya (through Ebisu): 2-3 hours;

  • Shirokanedai (Takanawa, Institure for Nature Studies): 2 hours.

 

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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