If you’re traveling on the Yamanote Line, you’ll breeze through Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line. This bustling hub links the city center with Haneda Airport, cultural sites, and waterside fun. In this ultimate guide, you’ll find station layouts, exit tips, transit connections, nearby sights, and handy services so you can make the most of your stop.
Station overview and layout
Hamamatsucho Station first opened in 1909 and now serves more than 150,000 travelers daily (JRailPass.com). You’ll find it on the JR East Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines, plus the Tokyo Monorail.
Lines and platforms
- Yamanote Line (tracks 2 & 3) – inner and outer loops around central Tokyo
- Keihin-Tohoku Line (tracks 1 & 4) – runs south to Yokohama and north to Omiya
- Tokyo Monorail (ground level) – direct link to Haneda Airport Terminal 2
Platform layout
| Line | Track(s) | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Yamanote | 2 | Outer loop via Tokyo Station |
| Yamanote | 3 | Inner loop via Shinagawa Station |
| Keihin-Tohoku | 1 | Southbound toward Yokohama |
| Keihin-Tohoku | 4 | Northbound toward Omiya |
| Tokyo Monorail | Ground | Haneda Airport (13 min ride) |
Navigate station exits
Not sure which exit leads where? Hamamatsucho has a clear sign system in English and Japanese, but knowing your exit in advance saves time.
JR north and south exits
- North exit – head toward Zojo-ji Temple, Shiba Park, and Tokyo Tower
- South exit – stroll to Hamarikyu Gardens, Tsukiji Outer Market, and the World Trade Center Building
Monorail exit
- Monorail ticket gates – follow signs for Haneda Airport (covered by the JR Pass)
- Nearby bus stops – local routes run to Asakusa, Odaiba, and other bay area spots
Change trains seamlessly
Keep your transfer smooth by knowing which level and platform to use.
Switch to the Tokyo Monorail
The monorail platform sits at ground level, a short walk from the JR concourse. Trains to Haneda Airport Terminal 2 depart about every 5 minutes and take 13 minutes (Minato City).
Transfer between JR lines
- To head west (Shimbashi, Shinjuku, Shibuya), use track 3 for the Yamanote inner loop. Check shimbashi station yamanote line guide for connections at the next stop
- To go east (Tokyo Station, Ueno, Ikebukuro), board track 2 for the outer loop. For exit maps at Tokyo Station, see tokyo station yamanote line exits
Explore local attractions
Want to step off the platform and land in a serene garden or a historic temple? Hamamatsucho delivers a mix of old and new just outside its doors.
Zojo-ji Temple and Shiba Park
- 5 minutes north on foot
- Historic Buddhist temple with iconic main gate and graves of the Tokugawa shoguns
Tokyo Tower
- 7 minutes from the north exit
- Observation decks at 150 m and 250 m offer city panoramas
Traditional gardens
- Hamarikyu Gardens – tidal ponds, teahouses, and seasonal blooms
- Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden – strolling paths framed by Edo-period landscaping (Go Tokyo)
Marine excursions
- Waterbuses from Takeshiba Pier – hop to Asakusa or Odaiba islands
- Dinner cruises around Tokyo Bay depart in the evening
Find food and drink
Feeling peckish after a ride? You’ll find fuel both inside and outside the station.
Dining at the station
- Fast ramen shops and sushi counters on the JR concourse
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) for quick snacks and drinks
Nearby eats
- Authentic izakaya (Japanese pubs) around Hamamatsucho South Exit
- Cafés with bay views along the waterfront promenade
Use station services
Hamamatsucho Station has you covered for luggage, connectivity, and accessibility.
Luggage storage and lockers
- Coin lockers in various sizes near both JR exits (¥300–¥800 per day)
- Paid baggage storage counters for larger items
Wi-Fi and ATMs
- Free JR-East Wi-Fi in the concourse (connect with your email)
- International ATMs at ticket hall and near the north exit
Accessibility and restrooms
- Elevators to all platforms and exits
- Barrier-free restrooms on the concourse level
Plan your visit
Looking for a quieter ride? Aim for off-peak times (late morning or early afternoon) to avoid commuter crowds. Here’s a quick reference for travel times and train frequency:
| Destination | Line | Travel time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku | 6 min | every 2 min |
| Shibuya Station | Yamanote | 19 min | every 3 min |
| Shinagawa Station | Yamanote | 12 min | every 4 min |
| Haneda Airport T2 | Tokyo Monorail | 13 min | every 5 min |
Peak weekday hours run 7–9 am and 5–7 pm. Keep your Suica or Pasmo card ready for faster tap-in and tap-out.
Frequently asked questions
Which exit takes me to Tokyo Tower?
Use the north exit, then follow signs and street markers toward Shiba Park.
How much are coin lockers at Hamamatsucho?
Lockers range from ¥300 to ¥800 per day, depending on size.
Is the Tokyo Monorail covered by the JR Pass?
Yes, JR Pass holders ride the monorail to Haneda Airport at no extra cost.
Can I leave my luggage overnight?
Lockers allow 24-hour storage, but large items may require the staffed counter.
Are there restrooms on the platform level?
Restrooms are on the concourse, near ticket gates, with barrier-free access.
Summary and next steps
You’ve got the lay of the land at Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line. Next, pick an exit that matches your itinerary, tap into one of Japan’s most efficient train networks, and dive into nearby temples, gardens, and waterside life. Want more station tips? Check out our Yamanote line stations guide or share your favorite Hamamatsucho hack in the comments below.
