Picture this: You step off at yoyogi station yamanote line and Tokyo’s buzz hits you.
Serving almost 100,000 daily riders, this stop packs a punch (JRailPass.com).
In this ultimate guide you’ll learn how to navigate exits and find hidden gems.
You’ll also sample tasty eats and breeze through onward travel.
Navigate station layout
Yoyogi Station has a two-level layout that keeps things moving. The ground floor houses ticket gates, coin lockers, and shops. Head up a level to find platforms for the JR lines and the Toei Ōedo Line.
History snapshot
- Opened on October 23, 1906, then nationalized a week later (Wikipedia).
- The Toei Ōedo Line platforms debuted on April 20, 2000 (Wikipedia).
Lines and platforms
| Line | Tracks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JR Yamanote Line | 1 & 2 | Loop service (JY18) |
| JR Chūō–Sōbu Line | 3 & 4 | Local service (JB11) |
| Toei Ōedo Line | 1 & 2 | Underground loop |
Station numbering
- JY18 for the Yamanote Line platforms.
- JB11 for the Chūō–Sōbu Line platforms.
- Numbering rolled out in 2016 to ease navigation (Wikipedia).
Explore station exits
Which exit should you pick to kick off your Tokyo adventure? Yoyogi Station has three main doors, each opening to a different vibe. Just follow the color-coded signs above the gates.
East exit
Use the East exit to reach leafy Yoyogi Park in under five minutes. As you emerge, you’ll see a broad paved path leading north.
- Bus stops to Shibuya and Shinjuku are right across the street.
- A taxi rank sits near the stairs if you need a direct ride.
West exit
The West exit drops you into a quieter residential block with local bars and ramen shops. You’ll find fewer crowds here and more neighborhood charm.
- Look for small izakayas tucked into side alleys.
- A handful of cosy pubs line the main street.
North exit
This lesser-used door is perfect if you’re heading toward Yoyogi-Uehara or avoiding peak crowds. The walk to Harajuku is also shorter from here.
- A single bus route links you to nearby suburbs.
- Fewer ticket gates often mean a faster escape.
Discover nearby attractions
Yoyogi Station sits on the edge of one of Tokyo’s greenest hubs and cultural hotspots. From tranquil shrines to vibrant streets, there’s plenty to explore on foot.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park spans a vast urban oasis just a short stroll from the East exit. It’s perfect for a picnic, people-watching, or joining weekend performances.
- Cherry blossoms bloom in spring.
- Yoga sessions and dance circles pop up on weekends.
- Vending machines and benches dot the grounds.
(Flip Japan Guide)[https://flipjapanguide.com/yamanote-line-itinerary/]
Meiji Shrine
Just beyond the park’s gate you’ll find Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most serene Shinto sites. Stroll under the massive torii gate, then drop ¥500 for an ema (wooden prayer plaque) to leave your wish behind.
- Rows of sake barrels line the approach.
- A forested path shields you from city noise.
(Flip Japan Guide)[https://flipjapanguide.com/yamanote-line-itinerary/]
Yoyogi National Stadium
Built for the 1964 Olympics, Yoyogi National Stadium still hosts sporting events and concerts. Check its schedule for swim meets, basketball games, or live shows.
(JRailPass.com)[https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/yoyogi-station]
Harajuku and Takeshita Street
A 10-minute walk south brings you to the neon bustle of Takeshita Street. You’ll find crepe stands, secondhand boutiques, and the latest youth fashions.
Dive deeper at harajuku station yamanote line guide.
Sample local eats
Hungry? Yoyogi Station and its surroundings serve up quick bites and cozy spots that won’t slow you down.
Station dining options
- A Vie de France bakery inside the concourse offers fresh pastries and sandwiches.
- 7-Eleven and Lawson outlets stand by for on-the-go snacks.
- A standing soba noodle bar pours hot broth in minutes.
Nearby restaurants
- A tucked-away soba shop two minutes west serves crispy tempura.
- A casual curry spot near the North exit dishes up katsu curry.
- Small izakayas around the West exit pour cold beers and yakitori.
Cafes and bars
- A coffee kiosk by the East exit keeps lattes coming.
- Trendy cafes a block away offer matcha lattes and toast sets.
- Late-night bars around the station serve cocktails until midnight.
Use station facilities
Yoyogi Station keeps you covered with lockers, restrooms, charging spots, and more. You’ll find everything on the ground level just past the ticket gates.
Lockers and storage
- Small lockers (30×35×57 cm): ¥300
- Medium lockers (40×35×57 cm): ¥400
- Large lockers (60×35×57 cm): ¥600
Lockers fill up early on weekends so arrive with time to spare.
Restrooms and amenities
Clean restrooms sit on both levels, with accessible stalls on the ground floor. Baby-changing stations stand near the East exit.
Wi-Fi and charging
Free JR-EAST Wi-Fi covers both floors. Charging points dot the concourse near seating areas.
Ticket office and ATMs
- A JR ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi) handles rail passes, seat reservations, and travel advice.
- An ATM next to the gates dispenses yen 24/7.
Plan your onward travel
Once you’ve soaked in Yoyogi’s highlights, it’s easy to hop back on the loop or switch lines. Let’s map out your next move.
Connecting lines
- JR Chūō–Sōbu Line for local stops toward Nakano and Chiba.
- Toei Ōedo Line for a circular ride through Tokyo’s suburbs.
- Local bus routes depart from the East exit for short hops.
Yamanote loop basics
The JR Yamanote loop stretches 34.5 km around central Tokyo. A full circle takes about 60 minutes (Japan Rail Pass). Trains run every 2.5 minutes at peak times and every 4 minutes off peak.
Next stations
- Clockwise: Shibuya (next stop south, JY19) – see shibuya station yamanote line exits.
- Counterclockwise: Shinjuku (next stop north, JY17) – see shinjuku station yamanote line guide.
JR Pass tips
If you have a JR Pass, just show it at the gate for free rides on the Yamanote loop. No seat reservations are needed for local trains so hop on and off as you please.
FAQs
- How do I reach Yoyogi Park from the station? Use the East exit and follow the broad path north for about five minutes.
- Are there coin lockers at Yoyogi Station? Yes, ground floor lockers cost ¥300–¥600. They fill up early on weekends.
- Can I use a JR Pass at this station? Absolutely, your JR Pass covers the Yamanote Line. Just flash it at the gate.
- What time do trains run from Yoyogi Station? Local trains run from 4:26 am until about 1:20 am the next day.
- Which exit is best for Meiji Shrine? The East exit drops you right at the park entrance, then it’s a short walk to the shrine.
