In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about kanda station yamanote line, from exits and platforms to nearby eats and attractions. Picture this: you’re fresh off the train, excited to explore Tokyo, and you want to hit the ground running without getting lost. That’s where Kanda Station comes in—your friendly hub on the Yamanote loop, rich in history and buzzing with local flavor.
You’ll discover station layouts, ticket tips, the best exits for bookshops or shrines, and handy travel hacks to save time. Let’s get started.
Station overview
Kanda Station sits at kilometer 26.4 on Tokyo’s famous Yamanote loop, making it a key link between Tokyo and Akihabara. It’s actually two stations in one—JR East and Tokyo Metro—and each has its own ticket gates and platforms.
History
Kanda Station opened on March 1, 1919, replacing the old Manseibashi station that was destroyed in the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake (Wikipedia). Its brick-arched viaduct was an architectural innovation at the time.
Ridership and codes
In fiscal 2013, about 97,600 people boarded JR East trains here each day, making it the 40th-busiest JR East station. The Tokyo Metro side handled roughly 52,600 daily users, ranking 70th among Metro stations (Wikipedia).
Station numbering helps you navigate:
- JY02 for Yamanote line
- JK27 for Keihin–Tōhoku line
- JC02 for Chūō rapid line
- Three-letter code KND for transfers
Lines served
You can catch four lines at Kanda:
- JR Yamanote line (inner loop around Tokyo)
- JR Keihin–Tōhoku line (rapid and local services)
- JR Chūō line rapid (east–west across Tokyo)
- Tokyo Metro Ginza line (subway from Shibuya to Asakusa)
Platform layout
Getting to the right train is a breeze once you know the setup. Here’s a quick look:
| Line | Platform(s) | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Yamanote line | 2 & 3 | Counterclockwise and clockwise |
| Keihin–Tōhoku line | 1 & 4 | North to Ueno, South to Tokyo |
| Chūō line rapid | 5 & 6 | Westbound toward Shinjuku, Eastbound to Tokyo |
| Ginza line (Metro) | 1 & 2 | Southbound to Ginza/Shibuya, Northbound to Ueno/Asakusa |
Signage is color-coded—look for green for Yamanote, blue for Chūō, light blue for Keihin–Tōhoku, and orange for Ginza line.
Navigate exits
Kanda’s JR East station has two main gates, plus the Metro entrance. Each leads you to a different side of the neighborhood.
JR north gate
- Best for book lovers heading to Jinbōchō, the literary district
- Walk straight ahead for Tokyo Denki University and secondhand bookstores
- Look for blue “North Gate” signs above ticket barriers
JR south gate
- Leads you to Kanda Myōjin Shrine, Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral, and traditional restaurants in “Kanda Suda”
- Exit onto a wide street lined with standing bars (tachinomiya)
- Spot red lanterns marking local eateries once you’re outside
Tokyo Metro gate
- Dedicated entrance for the Ginza line, just steps from JR’s south side
- Perfect if you want to head straight to Ginza or Shibuya
- Follow orange line markers on station walls
Tips for finding exits
- Station maps are posted above ticket machines—take a quick photo if you’re unsure
- Look for overhead bilingual signs (JR East and Metro have slightly different styles)
- If in doubt, ask station staff; a friendly “Kita-guchi wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the north exit?) will get you pointed the right way
Transfer and tickets
Switching between JR East and Tokyo Metro requires separate tickets or compatible IC cards. Here’s how to breeze through.
Ticket gates
- JR gates use Suica, PASMO, or paper tickets
- Tokyo Metro gates take PASMO, Suica, and single-ride tickets
- If you leave through the wrong gate, you might need to purchase a transfer ticket—avoid this by tapping in and out carefully
Using IC cards
- Suica and PASMO work on both JR and Metro
- Tap at the entry gate and again at your exit
- No mental math, no fuss—just tap, ride, tap, done
Transferring lines
- To move from a JR line to the Ginza line, exit JR south gate and follow orange floor arrows to the Metro entrance
- Signs mark estimated walking time (usually under 5 minutes)
- Keep an eye on train departure boards for next service times
Buying tickets
- Use touch-screen machines for single-ride Metro tickets
- Machines have English menus—just select destination, pay, and grab your ticket
- JR tickets can be bought at kiosks or ticket machines near the south gate
Explore nearby attractions
You’ll find a mix of history, culture, and Tokyo’s literary heart within easy walking distance.
Kanda Myōjin Shrine
A 1,300-year-old shrine dedicated to good fortune, tech success, and happy marriages. Stop by to snap photos of the vermilion gate and purchase an ema (wooden prayer plaque).
Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral
Often called Nikolai-do, this stunning Orthodox cathedral features onion domes and tranquil gardens. It’s a peaceful contrast to the city buzz.
Jinbōchō book district
Just north of the station, Jinbōchō has over 175 bookstores, many specializing in rare or secondhand volumes. It’s been Tokyo’s bibliophile hub for 130 years.
Tei Park Communication Museum
Located south of the station, this little museum traces postal history to modern telecom. It’s free and fun for tech buffs and curious kids alike.
Tokyo Denki University area
You’ll spot students and study cafes near the north exit. It’s a lively spot for grabbing a reasonably priced coffee between sight-seeing stops.
Eat and drink
Kanda’s food scene ranges from standing bars to cozy ramen shops. Here’s where to fuel up.
Traditional restaurants
Head toward “Kanda Suda” for family-run spots serving eel, yakitori, tempura, and more. Their menus have English snippets and photos.
Standing bars (tachinomiya)
Join salarymen at high-top counters, order a cold beer and yakitori skewer, and mingle. It’s a quick, authentic taste of after-work Tokyo.
Cafés and coffee shops
- Café de Crie (north exit) for pastries and free Wi-Fi
- Excelsior Caffé (near south gate) for iced lattes and a view of passing trains
Quick bites
- Noodle carts near the entrances (try the black sesame ramen)
- Convenience stores inside the station for on-the-go snacks
Station amenities
Even if you’re just passing through, Kanda Station has your back.
Coin lockers
- Available on the JR concourse, sizes range from small (300 yen) to large (800 yen)
- Perfect for dropping off bags while you explore
Restrooms and facilities
- Restrooms on each platform level, including accessible stalls
- Nursing rooms in the Tokyo Metro section
Wi-Fi and charging
- Free JR East wi-fi zones near platforms
- Power outlets in café seating areas and some Metro waiting spots
Shops and services
- Kiosk for drinks, snacks, magazines
- Fast-food stand inside Metro fare area
- Tourist information counter at the JR north gate (English-speaking staff on peak hours)
Practical travel tips
Make the most of your visit with these friendly hacks.
Best times to visit
- Off-peak hours (10am–4pm) for shorter lines and fewer crowds
- Early evening if you want to catch shrine lights at dusk
Peak hour warning
- Morning rush (7am–9am) and evening commute (5pm–7pm) can be packed
- Avoid platform edges and follow the flow—don’t block doors
Accessibility
- Elevators connect street level to platforms on JR side
- Escalators at both north and south gates
- Tactile paving guides throughout
Safety reminders
- Watch your step on narrow staircases
- Keep an eye on belongings during busy times
- In emergencies, use station intercoms or find staff in bright blue jackets
Nearby stations guide
If you want to keep riding the Yamanote loop, here are your next stops and handy links.
- Tokyo station – major hub with Shinkansen and local lines, check tokyo station jr yamanote line
- Akihabara station – electronics, anime, maid cafés, see akihabara station yamanote line
- Explore all stops – full list at yamanote line stations guide
Frequently asked questions
What lines stop at Kanda Station?
You can catch the JR Yamanote, Keihin–Tōhoku, and Chūō rapid lines, plus the Tokyo Metro Ginza line.
How do I transfer between JR and Metro?
Exit through the JR south gate, follow orange arrows on the floor, then tap into the Metro entrance—usually a 3- to 5-minute walk.
Which exit is best for Kanda Myōjin Shrine?
Use the JR south gate, then turn right and walk 2 minutes. You’ll see the shrine’s red torii gate.
Are there coin lockers at the station?
Yes, you’ll find coin lockers on the JR concourse, with sizes for bags of all shapes.
Is the station wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely, with elevators at both north and south gates, plus accessible restrooms on each level.
Try out one exit today, grab a local snack, and soak up Kanda’s unique vibe. Safe travels and enjoy your Tokyo adventure!
