Chiyoda Line Tokyo Subway

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Chiyoda Line 東京メトロ千代田線

The Chiyoda Line is a Tokyo subway line serving south-west, central, and north-east Tokyo. The Chiyoda Line, with 20 stations, goes from Shibuya ward in a roughly straight line east to the Imperial Palace, then goes up to Ueno and Nishi-Nippori, then out a little further north-east.

Nogi Shrine, by Nogizaka Station, Chiyoda Line, Tokyo

The Chiyoda Line is an important link between the Joban Line in the north-east, which goes all the way up the east coast of Honshu, and the Odakyu Odawara Line in the south-west, which goes to the famous tourist areas of Hakone, in one direction, and Kamakura, in another.

The Chiyoda Line is operated by Tokyo Metro (as opposed to the other subway line operator, Toei). It is subway line no.9, its station numbers are prefixed with the letter C, and its color on subway maps is green. It is named after Chiyoda ward, which is the area centered on the Imperial Palace and where six of the line's stations are located.

Yoyogi National Stadium, near Yoyogi-Koen Station, Chiyoda Line

National Diet Building, near Kokkaigijido-mae Station, Chiyoda Line

History

Commuter congestion on the Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya subway lines during the booming 1960s prompted plans to build a new subway line: the Chiyoda Line. Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. began work on the line in 1966 and the 20.9km between Ayase and Yoyogi-Koen stations was completed in 1972.

However, the single kilometer from Yoyogi-Koen station to Yoyogi-Uehara station took no less than 6 years to complete! Work on this final leg began in 1972, but a complicated relationship between the three companies involved: Tokyo Metro, Toei, and Odakyu, meant the project got bogged down and wasn't finished until 1978.

Chioyda Line Map

See a Google Map of the Chiyoda Line.

Chioyda Line Stations

The following is a list of the stations on the Chiyoda Line, with nearby features, attractions, hotels and transfers. Each station title includes the station name in Japanese and the station code. The Chiyoda Line is numbered from the west going east so follows that order here.

• Yoyogi-Uehara
• Yoyogi-Koen
• Meiji-jingumae "Harajuku"
• Omotesando
• Nogizaka
• Akasaka
• Kokkai-gijidomae
• Kasumigaseki
• Hibiya
• Nijubashi-Mae "Marunouchi"
• Otemachi
• Shin-Ochanomizu
• Yushima
• Nezu
• Sendagi
• Nishi-Nippori
• Machiya
• Kita-Senju
• Ayase
• Kita-Ayase

Yoyogi-Uehara Station 代々木上原駅 C-01

Yoyogi-Uehara Station is in Tokyo's Shibuya ward. The station is above-ground, in fact, elevated, and doubles as a station for both the Chiyoda Line and the Odakyu Odawara Line. Of the station's four platforms, platforms 2 (arrivals only) and 3 are for the Chiyoda Line, and platforms 1, 2 and 4 for the Odakyu Line.

Only about one in every three Chiyoda Line trains that depart Yoyogi-Uehara Station end their journey at Ayase, which is the last station on the main stretch of the Chiyoda Line. The majority carry on to the Joban Line as far as Toride, Kashiwa or Matsudo stations. Likewise, only about one in three trains arriving at Yoyogi-Uehara end their journey there. Most carry on to the Odakyu Odawara Line (Hon-Atsugi, Isehara, Seijogakuen-mae, Mukogaoka-Yuen, Sagami-Ono stations) or the Odakyu Tama Line (Karakida).

The Tokyo Camii Mosque and Turkish Cultural Center is a short walk from Yoyogi-uehara Station. For Japanese music fans, the Koga Masao Museum of Music, dedicated to Masao Koga (1904-1978), the father of enka, is also nearby. For dining, the yakitori restaurant, Fuku, about six minutes walk east of Yoyogi-Uehara Station, is highly recommended.

Transfer at, or carry on through, Yoyogi-Uehara Station to the Odakyu Odawara Line.

Yoyogi-Uehara Station is barrier-free, with a slope for wheelchair access at the East Exit (not East Exits 1 or 2) and elevators inside to the platforms.

Yoyogi-Koen Station 代々木公園駅 C-02

Yoyogi-Koen Station is on the south-western edge of the huge, green Yoyogi Park, which buzzes with life, especially on weekends, accessible from Exit 4. Also, 5-6 minutes walk north of the station are two ancient religious presences next to each other: Yoyogihachimangu Shinto shrine and the adjacent Fukuzenji Buddhist temple. Turn right out of Exit 1 ("Hachiman Exit"), go a few meters to Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line and cross over to the other side of that line.

Change at Yoyogi-Koen Station for Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line, using the No 1 "Hachiman" Exit.

Yoyogi-Koen Station is barrier-free, with an elevator at Exit 4 (just beside the entrance with stairs) and another elevator inside barrier-free access to the platforms.

The following accommodation is nearby Yoyogi-Koen Station, from budget to upscale.

The Almond Hostel & Cafe Shibuya is a budget hostel with bunk-bed domitories, and shared bathroom and laundry facilities about 3 minutes' walk from the North Exit of Yoyogi-Koen Station. No elevator, but helpful staff, recommended for good value and convenience.

Meiji-jingumae "Harajuku" Station 明治神宮前原宿駅 C-03

Meiji-jingumae "Harajuku" station is at the top end of the elegant sloping shopping street, Omotesando Boulevard, which is the road leading up to Meiji Jingu Shrine, the entrance to which is near Exit 2, near the JR Yamanote Line's Harajuku Station.

Besides the elegant shopping of Omotesando, there are streetier options nearby: Harajuku (Exit 3) with its full-on, fun-fair atmosphere down Takeshita-dori Avenue; and Cat Street (Exit 4) for a quieter, hipper scene (and more accommodation options).

Change here to Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line (Exit 2) and Meiji-jingumae "Harajuku" station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. Both the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin subway lines are operated by Tokyo Metro, so you can change lines using the same ticket you purchased at your starting station. If you're changing lines using a paper ticket (instead of a pre-paid smartcard), be sure to use an orange ticket wicket.

Meiji-jingumae "Harajuku" Station is barrier-free with elevator access at Exit 2, and another elevator inside going down to the platforms. Changing between the two subway lines at this station is also barrier-free. From the Chiyoda line platform take the elevator down, then another downwards elevator in the Fukutoshin Line station.

Billboards on Omotesando, Tokyo

Omotesando Station 表参道駅 C-04

Omotesando is one of Tokyo's most famous shopping streets, and represents major, as well as up-and-coming, fashion brands, from Japan and the rest of the world. Omotesando Station is halfway along this elegant, sloping, tree-lined boulevard. The architecturally notable Omotesando Hills complex is just out Exit A2. Cat Street is a mainly pedestrianized fashion alley intersecting Omotesando about 400 meters along from Exit A1, and offers more accommodation options than around the station.

Change at Omotesando Station for the Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line (which run parallel at this point). All three subway lines are operated by Tokyo Metro, so you can change between them using the same ticket you purchased at your starting station. Changing to the other lines takes about 3 minutes on foot. Be sure to go through the orange ticket gates.

Omotesando Station is barrier-free with elevator access at Exit A1, and another elevator inside going down to the platforms.

Nogizaka Station 乃木坂駅 C-05

Nogizaka Station is between the Meiji Jingu Shrine, about a kilometer north, and Roppongi, half a kilometer south. The name Nogizaka means "Nogi Slope," and comes from the nearby Nogi Shrine (Exit 1), celebrating the hero of the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War, General Maresuke Nogi. The ultra-modern National Art Center Tokyo is out Exit 6, as is the huge Aoyama Cemetery. The cutting-edge art gallery, 21_21 Design Sight is a 6-minute walk from Exit 2, and is part of the huge, modern Tokyo Midtown development in Roppongi.

Nogizaka Station is barrier-free with elevator access at Exit 2, and another elevator inside going down to the platforms.

There are few budget accommodation options in this part of town, but the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, about a 7-minute walk away in the Tokyo Midtown tower, guarantees the ultimate in spacious comfort and attentive service, with fantastic views of Tokyo and proximity to the stimulating shopping, cultural features and nightlife of Roppongi.

Akasaka Station 赤坂駅 C-06

Akasaka Station is between Roppongi and the political heart of Tokyo, Nagatacho. It is at the southern end of the densely packed entertainment district of Akasaka-mitsuke, full of little bars and restaurants, and several live performance venues, that include some great finds. Akasaka Sacas is a residental/office/entertainment/dining complex housing the headquarters of the TBS broadcasting company, and connects directly to Akasaka Station. Read more about the Akasaka district.

The Centurion Hotel Residential Cabin Tower offers budget accommodation just 3 minutes' walk from Exit 1 of Akasaka Station. Each guest has a private bed-sized compartment (a "cabin"), somewhat roomier than a typical capsule and with a TV. Private bathroom facilities, with towels, etc. provided. Helpful English-speaking staff on hand 24 hours.

The Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka is a regular hotel with small but clean, modern rooms, and-for an inexpensive hotel-the unusual feature of a communal Japanese-style onsen public bathhouse, in addition to the regular bathroom facilities.

The Centurion Classic Akasaka is a smart, modern hotel a short walk from Exit 1 of Akasaka Station. The interior is chic Japanese-minimalist, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there are extras for guests such as massage chairs, washing machines, complimentary bathroom accoutrements.

Kokkai-gijidomae Station 国会議事堂駅 C-07

Kokkai-gijidomae means "In front of the National Diet Building" - accessible from Exit 2. The imposing Hie Shrine, in the vicinity of the Prime Minister's residence, and on elevated ground, is at the other end of the station: Exit 6.

Change here for the Marunouchi Subway Line. You can also change directly to Tameikesanno Station on the Ginza Line (G-06) and Namboku Line (N-06) directly from the platforms of this station.

Kokkai-gijidomae Station is barrier-free, with an elevator at Exit 2, and a stairlift for when transferring to Tameikesanno Station.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu connects directly to the station, and is a artfully designed accommodation with spacious rooms and great views of the city. This luxury hotel offers guests the best in service, with several English-speaking staff, but facilities such as the pool and gym are for over-18-year-old guests only.

Kasumigaseki Station 霞が関駅 C-08

Kasumigaseki Station is right in the middle of the district by the same name, which is where Japan's national bureuacracy is headquartered. The eastern end of the station (Exits C1 to C4) provide access to the south-west corner of Hibiya Park. The small Edo Castle Moat Underground Museum (more a preserved portion of a wall rather than a full-fledged museum) is a 3-minute walk from Exit A13.

Change at Kasumigaseki Station to the Hibiya and Marunouchi subway lines.

Kasumigaseki Station is barrier-free, with an elevator near Exit A11a, and barrier-free access inside to the the Hibiya and Marunouchi subway line stations.

Hibiya Station 日比谷駅 C-09

Hibiya Station provides access to Tokyo's grand old Hibiya Park at Exit A10 (north-east corner) and A14 (main entrance on eastern flank). Hibiya Park adjoins the southern edge of the Imperial Palace, specifically the Kokyo Gaien National Garden, separated only by Harumi-dori Street (Route 1).

Change here to the Mita Line, Yurakucho Line, and Hibiya Line.

The Peninsula Tokyo is one of the top Tokyo hotels. "International by Design, Japanese by Inspiration," the Peninsula Tokyo cuts a fine silhouette on the south-eastern corner of the moat of the Imperial Palace, and just across from historical Hibiya Park. This attractive hotel, lit up in colors by night, offers superb views over sprawling, verdant Hibiya Park and the moats and grounds of the Imperial Palace. Even the smallest room at the Peninsula is 51 sq m, on up to the super-deluxe Peninsula Suite at 347 sq m.

Nijubashi-Mae "Marunouchi" Station 二重橋前丸の内駅 C-10

Nijubashi-Mae Station is on the eastern edge of the Imperial Palace, with Tokyo Station just 200 meters away. The station provides access to Marunouchi, Tokyo's most prestigious business district. Nijubashi-Mae Station is named after a famous iron bridge in the Imperial Palace, nicknamed Nijubashi (formal name: Seimon Ironbridge), but which is almost 10 minutes walk away from the station into the Imperial Palace grounds from Babasenmon Gate (from station Exit 2).

Nijubashi-Mae "Marunouchi" Station is barrier-free, with an elevator near Exit 3 and Exit 5A.

Otemachi Station 大手町駅 C-11

Otemachi Station is served by five subway lines, including the Chiyoda Line, making it Tokyo's biggest subway station, or more like a "subway complex," with no less than 40 exits onto street level.

Transfer at Otemachi Station to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (M-18), the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (T-09), the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Z-08), and the Toei Mita Line (I-09). Tokyo Station is walking distance from Otemachi Station, either above ground or underground.

Otemachi Station is barrier-free, with an elevator at Exit A5 to the ticket wickets, and other elevators inside. There is also a wheelchair-accessible up escalator and a stairlift from the Ogikubo-bound Platform 1 to the Marunouchi Gate. Changing between stations at Otemachi is also barrier-free.

The nearby Palace Hotel Tokyo, set amid the moats of the Imperial Palace, is one of Tokyo's most desirable accommodations.

Shin-Ochanomizu Station 新御茶ノ水駅 C-12

Shin-Ochanomizu is in the Kanda district, which has many interesting sights. Also, this is a university area, so has numerous small, cheap bars and eateries geared to students.

Change here to the JR Ochanomizu Station from Exit B1, to Ogawamachi Station on the Shinjuku Line via an underground walkway, and to the Marunouchi Line, from Exit B1, with its entrance north of the Kanda River, just across Hijiribashi Bridge.

Shin-Ochanomizu Station is barrier-free, with elevators at Exit B2 and Exit B3b. Transfer to the adjoining Marunouchi Line station is also barrier-free.

bnb+ Kanda(Ogawa machi) is a modern, economical hostel at the southern end of Shin-Ochanomizu Station. Rooms have bunk beds and are shared with other guests, as are bathroom facilities. Nice terraces to relax on, and helpful staff. Opened in 2018.

the b tokyo ochanomizu jimbocho, just 2 blocks from Exit B3, offers small but comfortable rooms, air conditioned, with soft lighting, and a fridge and kettle. Free coffee in the lobby, coin-laundry facilities.

Yushima Station 湯島駅 C-13

Yushima Station is is in the Yumshima district, which has many interesting sights, one of the most famous being Yushima-tenmangu Shrine, near Exit 3. Close to the Okachimachi, Ueno and Akihabara - and with lots of shopping and dining opportunities all around.

Change here for Ueno-Hirokoji Station on the Ginza Subway Line, and Ueno-Okachimachi Station on the Oedo Subway Line, both just 250 meters east of Exit 2. Okachimachi Station on the Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line is about 400 meters east of Exit 2.

Yushima Station is barrier-free, with an elevator at Exit 3, and an elevator inside down to the platforms.

Hiromas Hostel in Akihabara is a hostel with shared accommodation. Sleeping is bunk-bed, each guest with one capsule. Clean, modern, attractive facilities, with kitchen and bathrooms shared. A great budget option in a very convenient location, and just three blocks south of Exit 6.

Centurion Ladies Hostel Ueno Park (Female Only) is another good-value, clean, tidy, hostel with the option of shared sleeping quarters, but for women only. There is a choice of rooms with various numbers of beds, from twin to dormitory. Some rooms have great views of Shinobazu Pond in Ueno. Near Exit 2.

Nezu Station 根津駅 C-14

Nezu Station is right between Tokyo University to the west and Ueno Park to the east.

There are no transfers at Nezu Station.

Nezu Station is barrier-free, with an elevator at Exit 2, and an elevator inside down to the platforms.

Ryokan Katsutaro offers real domestic hospitality, Japanese-style, with plain, warm homely comfort. Located in a very quiet neighborhood, this old guesthouse makes guests very welcome, with friendly, courteous owners. Futons on tatami flooring, and spotlessly clean shared bathroom facilities. There's also a traditional sento bathhouse, just 2 minutes' walk from here.

Sendagi Station, Tokyo

Sendagi Station 千駄木駅 C-15

Sendagi Station is right beside the characterful Yanaka district, that preserves the look and feel of old Tokyo.

There are no transfers at Sendagi Station, but Nippori Station is a 10-minute walk east of here.

Sakura Hotel Nippori blends convenient, up-to-date facilties with a traditional-style Japanese stay. Sleeping quarters are tatami rooms with futons, or bunk beds. Airconditioning, elevator, laundry facilities. Barrier-free, including bathroom facilities. Handy to Nippori Station, as well. Near Exit B3.

Nishi-Nippori Station 西日暮里駅 C-16

Nishi-Nippori Station is in Tokyo's Arakawa ward: a mainly residential area. Nishi-Nippori Park is a small, one-third hectare (one acre) wooded park immediately south of the station with a toilet and smoking area. Just south of the park is the also heavily wooded and atmospheric Suwa Shrine ("O-Suwa-sama"), dating from the 13th century, with some unusual lion guardian statues, and a festival at the end of August. Just south of, and originally part of, the shrine is Jokoji Temple, with some notable statuary, and which is part of a cluster of other small Buddhist temples lining the stretch between Nishi-Nippori and Nippori stations.

Change at Nishi-Nippori Station for the Yamanote Line (JY-08), the Keihin-Tohoku Line (JK-33, going to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Kawasaki and Yokohama stations) and the Nippori-Toneri Liner (NT-02).

Nishi-Nippori Station is barrier-free, with an outside elevator down to the ticket wicket and an elevator inside down to the platforms. The outside elevator provides access, too, to the Nippor-Toneri Liner, one floor further up.

Machiya Station 町屋駅 C-17

Machiya Station forms the center of a small suburban commercial area with restaurants, supermarkets and other services. The scenic Arakawa Natural Park, with baseball fields, tennis courts, and other green space beside it, and flanking the Sumida River, is about 11 minutes walk from Machiya Station—or two stops, to Arakawa-Nichome Station on the Tokyo Sakura Tram from the tram's Machiya-eki-mae Station, which is very near Machiya Station.

Change at Machiya Station for the Keisei Line (for access to Ueno in one direction and Narita Airport in the other) and the Tokyo Sakura Tram (formally known as the Arakawa Streetcar Line).

Machiya Station is barrier-free, with an outside elevator down to the ticket wicket and an elevator inside down to the platforms. There is also a stairlift.

Residential Hotel Ikidane Machiya is a spacious, top-rated apartment just five minutes walk from Machiya Station. Friendly, accommodating staff, comfortable and comprehensive facilities, in a quiet neighborhood with restaurants nearby.

Kita-Senju Station 北千住駅 C-18

Kita-Senju Station is in Tokyo's Adachi ward, and just 500 meters from the west bank of the Arakawa River. Kita-Senju Station is one of Tokyo's busiest stations. While the surrounding area is overwhelmingly residential, there is a small bustling commercial area just west of the station. The Tokyo Senju campus of Tokyo Denki University is on the east side of the station. The Senju campus of the Tokyo University of the Arts is on the west side. Hardcore fans of Japanese literature and literary history may be interested in the former residence of Ogai Mori (1862–1922), two minutes' walk west of Kita-Senju Station.

Change here for the Tobu Skytree Line, the Joban Line, the Hibiya Line (H-21), and the Tsukuba Express Line.

Kita-Senju Station is barrier-free, with elevators to the ticket wickets and further elevators to the platforms. There is also barrier-free transfer to the Hibiya and Tokyo Skytree lines.

Ayase Station 綾瀬駅 C-19

Ayase ("ah-ya-say") Station, in Tokyo's Adachi ward, is effectively the final stop on the Chiyoda Line, in spite of there being another station, Kita-Ayase, one stop further on. This is because Kita-Ayase accommodates only 3-car trains, whereas the trains on most of the line are 10-car. The stretch of railway line between Ayase and Kita-Ayase is considered a branch line, rather than part of the main line.

Change here for the Joban Line local service.

Kita-Ayase Station 北綾瀬駅 C-20

Kita-Ayase Station is the sole station on the Chiyoda Line's sole branch line, which curves northwards from Ayase Station. The three-car train that operates on this branch line operates on this branch line only. To get any further, you must transfer to the main line at Ayase Station. There are generally six to eight trains per hour on this branch line.

Shobunuma Park, just south-west of the station, features over 140 varieties of iris, blooming by the thousand in early- to mid-June, and with wooden walkways going through them. There is an iris festival there on the first weekend in June. There are also hundreds of sakura cherry blossom trees.

There is a large rail yard north of Kita-Ayase Station.

Kita-Ayase Station is barrier-free, with a ramp at the South Exit and an elevator inside for access to the platform.

Chiyoda Line Times

On weekdays, the first Chiyoda Line train from Yoyogi-Uehara Station going in the Ayase direction leaves at 5am, and the last train at 12 midnight. However, the last train to (and stopping at) Shinjuku departs at 12:40am. The first train from Yoyogi-Uehara Station going in the Odawara direction leaves at 5:07am (bound for Shinmatsuda), and the last train at 1am (bound for Kyodo Station).

On weekdays, the first Chiyoda Line train from Ayase Station going in the Yoyogi-Uehara direction leaves at 4:38am (bound for Kita-Senju) and 5am (bound for Yoyogi-Uehara), and the last train at 12:05am. The first train from Ayase Station going in the Joban Line direction leaves at 4:58am (bound for Abiko Station in Chiba Prefecture), and the last train at 1:08am (bound for Matsudo Station in Chiba Prefecture.

Subway services are a little less frequent on weekends and public holidays. There are things you can do if you miss the last subway and have to wait until the first train the next morning.

Tips for When Riding the Chiyoda Line

Here are some useful tips for using the Chiyoda Line (and all other trains in Japan).

1. First buy a pre-paid smartcard, such as a Suica or Pasmo (if purchased in Tokyo, different if purchased elsewhere). They require a refundable 500 yen initial charge, but make subway use much easier than having to buy a paper ticket at a station whenever you ride a train. Simply touch the card for a second on the sensor at the ticket wicket as you pass through.

2. Identify in advance the number of the exit you will need to take at the destination station and ...

3. having identified that exit, board the car closest to that destination exit. You will save time (and be less likely to get lost) if you can board the car that will stop closest to the destination station exit you will leave from. There are charts for that purpose on the station wall, telling you the appropriate cars for each exit at each station, or you can ask a station attendant. " no deguchi ni oriru no de, dono sharyo ni noreba ii desu ka."

4. Mind your manners. Don't eat or drink on the train, remove your backpack if you're standing, don't put luggage on the seat beside you, don't talk on your cell phone, and if you're talking to people, try and keep it subdued.

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