The Hanzomon-sen is one of the most useful lines for those who visit Tokyo for the first time. The line crosses the centre and links major neighbourhoods that are constantly part of the programme of any visit to the city.
In this page we describe a one-day tour along the Hanzomon Line. The article includes a programme that is particularly suitable to those who are in Tokyo for a short period (3-4 days).
Recommended itinerary along the Hanzomon Line
The programme described below covers the whole length of the line, from Sumida to Shibuya. While such an ambitious tour is definitely feasible, we suggest you split the programme in two parts if you wish to enjoy your time and adopt a slower pace. This is the case if you want to visit the numerous museums located near the stations of this line.
Programme:
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9:00 - 13:00: visit to Sumida. You can begin your tour with a majestic view of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree observation deck. The tower lies above Oshiage Station, the north-western terminus of the Hanzomon Line. You can then walk to Ryogoku, core of Sumida, an area famous for the presence of numerous traditional sumo schools. Here are many museums such as Edo-Tokyo Museum (excellent introduction to the history of the modern city), the Museum of the Japanese Sword, the Yokoamicho Memorial Park and nearby Great Kanto Earthquake Museum. In spring you ought not to miss a pleasant walk along the Sumida River, one of Tokyo’s most appreciated cherry blossom viewing spots;
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13:00 - 14:00: lunch break and transfer to Kudanshita Station. You can reach it with the Hanzomon Line leaving from Kinshicho Station;
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14:00 - 16:00: visit to Yasukuni-Jinja, renowned Shinto shrine where the Japanese people worship the souls of those who gave their life for the nation;
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16:30 - 20:00: transfer to Shibuya Station. This is the centre of a major entertainment district. If you aim for a more cultural experience, head to Nezu Museum and visit Aoyama Cemetery.
Variants
The Hanzomon Line crosses a few areas of the centre that are usually neglected by first-time visitors, despite being rich in cultural heritage. Among the possible additional destinations, we suggest the following:
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Kanda, an affluent residential neighbourhood served by Jimbocho Station; here are prestigious universities, bookshops, high-quality shops and some important temples and shrines;
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Asakusa, historic neighbourhood next to Sumida;
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Omotesando, a long avenue with many luxury shops and malls.
Transfers
As anticipated, you can follow this programme by making sole use of the Hanzomon Line. Furthermore, the line serves some of the best areas where you can find convenient lodging options.
Main transfers:
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Oshiage - Kinshicho: 2 minutes | 170 yen
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Kinshicho - Jimbocho: 16 minutes | 200 yen
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Jimbocho - Kudanshita: 1 minute | 170 yen
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Kudanshita - Omote-sando: 9 minutes | 170 yen
For such a programme the available subway day passes (those related to the network operated by Tokyo Metro) do pay off.
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)
