Our page with articles for all stops on the Hanzomon Line are complete.
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Hanzomon Line Posts Complete
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Kudanshita
Name: Kudanshita
Kind: Town/City
Free Wifi: Yes
Location: 35°41’44.37″ N 139°45’05.56″ E
Stations: Kudanshita Station – Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, Chuo-Sobu Line for Tsudanuma, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line for Nagatsuta and Chūō-Rinkan
Worth it? If you’re in the area.
Our Rating: ⭑⭑⭑
Updated 9/12/2021
©2021 tenmintokyo.com
Kudanshita is a small area of Tokyo sandwiched in between Tokyo Dome City on the north, and Kitanomaru Park on the south.
Oddly, the name Kudanshita means 9 Levels Hill.
There’s not a huge amount to do in the area.
The most important sights nearby are the controversial Yasukuni Shrine to the west, and the Imperial Palace grounds to the south.
There is also a large science museum called simply The Science Museum.
You can also enjoy the long walks north to Tokyo Dome, or southeast to the heart of Tokyo in Otemachi and Marunouchi.
Access
To get to Kudanshita, take the Metro Tozai Line or Hanzomon Line to Kudanshita Station (T07/Z06). You can also easily walk fro Tokyo Dome City, Jimbocho to the east, or Ichigaya to the west.
Also check out our post about all the stops along the Hanzomon Line.
If you’re in the area, stop in and have a walk around.
LINKS
Kudanshita Station – Wikipedia
Kudanshita Station – Wikipedia
Kudanshita Area Guide | Tokyo Cheapo
Yatagarasu (八咫烏); The Alcoholic Ramen, Kudanshita, Tokyo — Ramen Guide Japan
https://www.apahotel.com/en/hotel/syutoken/tokyo/tokyo-kudanshita/
Yasukuni Shrine | Tokyo Cheapo
VIDS
Toyosu: An Island in Tokyo Bay
Name: Toyosu
Kind: Town/City
Free Wifi: Yes
Location: 35°39’16.52″ N 139°47’47.47″ E
Stations: Toyosu Station – Yūrakuchō Line, or Yurikamomé
Worth it? A must-see.
Our Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Updated 9/12/2021
©2021 tenmintokyo.com
Toyosu is small man-made island in the upper northwest part of Tokyo Bay around 35°39’24.99″ N 139°47’48.54″ E built in 1938. Today, it is most well-known for the Toyosu Fish Market – a brand new relocation of the world-famous old Tsukiji Fish Market.
The island also has several other interesting attractions.
Don’t get the new station confused with the old Tsukiji Station on the Metro Hibiya Line in the old location southeast of Ginza – not on Toyosu.
There are also a large variety of high-rise condo residences + short-term apartments on the island.
For an excellent history of the fish market, see this article.
If you have time and also want to visit nearby Obaiba, check out this post.
Access
There are several ways to Toyosu island, but the 2 quickest are on the Metro Yūrakuchō Line, or on the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station. Keep in mind the Yūrakuchō Line is one of the longest in Tokyo, but it also offers a multitude of stops around the city. Toyosu Station is only 4 stops from the world famous Ginza area on the line (from Yurakucho Station/Y18). Taking Yurikamomé has the advantage that there are many other stops around the cluster of islands in Tokyo Bay, including Odaiba and at Tokyo Big Sight. In fact, Yurikamomé runs a ring around most of the islands.
Toyosu Station is smack in the middle of the island, but the fish market is actually several long blocks west towards the bay out on the long narrow western part of the island. It’s still within walking distance for most people.
If you have a little extra time, also check out Toyosu Gururi Park at the far western shore of the island – it provides epic views of Tokyo Bay + the Tokyo skyline (incuding the Rainbow Bridge). It’s one of the best kept photo secrets in Tokyo. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re up for a long walk, you can also actually walk to the island from the Ginza area by following Rt. 473 southeast across the Sumida River, then cutting over east on Rt. 304 into Toyosu.
Area Layout
Toyosu Island. Tokyo Bay is to the left (west). There are 2 parts to the island: the smaller square area on the right (east) side, and the longer western part. The station is on the east side, and the fish market is at the far lower left (west) corner. Toyosu Gururi Park is at the extreme west side. Ginza is in the upper left corner.
Toyosu Fish Market
The island’s main attraction is the huge new Toyosu Fish Market – where a huge variety of fish and bought, sold, and processed. Tours are available and parts of the facility are open to the public.
After the fish market, the next biggest attraction on the island is LaLaport TOYOSU – a huge mall with numerous attractions. There is also a Kinokuniya Bookstore, and a Tokyu Hands in the mall. There’s loads to do at LaLaport.
Toyosu Sanchome Park
2 blocks east of LaLaport TOYOSU is Toyosu Sanchome Park – and open-air mostly concerete park used for sports + concerts.
Just across from Toyosu Sanchome Park is Super VIVAHome – a huge home furnishings store occupying an entire block. There is also a big Yamada Denki inside.
In the very northeast corner of the western 1/2 of the island is the Tokyo Gas Science Museum which also has a huge outdoor park for kids. There is also a long jogging path along the shore.
Just northeast of the Gas Museum are Toyosu Park + Harumibashi (Springtime Beauty Bridge) Park.
Toyosu Roku-chome Park
In the southeast corner of the western 1/2 of the island is another small park called Toyosu Roku-chome Park.
MIFA Football Park
On the very north side of the western 1/2 of the island are 3 large public soccer fields called MIFA Football Park.
teamLab Planets TOKYO
Just south of that is a small art collective called teamLab Planets TOKYO.
Tokyo Sport Playground
One block west of teamLab Planets TOKYO is a small exercise park popular with teens called Tokyo Sport Playground, which includes basketball, dance, and a skateboard park.
Conclusion
Well that’s it for now. Toyosu has lots to offer. Even besides the fish market, the views, parks, and other attractions make it a worthwhile stop. If you’re in the area, check it out.
Enjoy!
LINKS
Tokyo Railway Labyrinth: “Yurikamome”
Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line – Wikipedia
Toyosu Area Guide | Tokyo Cheapo
Toyosu Guide | JapanVisitor Japan Travel Guide
Toyosu Fish Market: Full Guide Including the Tuna Auction | Tokyo Cheapo
The Difference Between Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets | tsunagu Japan
LaLaport Toyosu – Japan Travel
Toyosu – 🐟 Tokyo’s New Fish Market
Tokyo Travel: Toyosu Fish Market
How to Go Toyosu Market (formerly Tsukiji Fish Market)
Toyosu Market Guide – Everything You Need to Know!
15 Closest Hotels to LaLaport Toyosu Mall
Super Viva Home Center Toyosu | Tokyo Cheapo
Super Viva Home Center, Toyosu
How to photograph Rainbow Bridge from Toyosu Gururi Park
Gas Science Museum Tokyo | JapanVisitor Japan Travel Guide
21 Best Museums In Tokyo To Visit
Condominiums
VIDS
Hanzomon
Name: Hanzomon
Kind: Town/City
Free Wifi: Yes
Location: 35°41’05.75″ N 139°44’39.04″ E
Stations: Hanzomon Station/Z05, Hanzomon Line
Worth it? Yep.
Our Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Updated 9/10/2021
©2021 tenmintokyo.com
Just west of the Imperial Palace and just north of the natonal Diet Building in Tokyo is the small district of Hanzomon. The area is rich in history and dates back to the 1600’s. It’s named after a Edo-period samurai Hattori Hanzō, who was a guard and retainer for Tokugawa Iyesu, who later became a Shogun. Hattori died just before 1600.
Hanzomon was orginally a sentry outpost on the west side of the Imperial Palace grounds. The area is bounded on the west side by a large moat which runs north-south around the palace. Around 35°41’05.75″ N 139°44’39.04″ E is an ancient sentry post building called Hanzomon Gate.
The area is accessible in several ways: you can walk around the sidewalk on the north side of the palace + wind around down to the south (along Rt. 401), you can take the Tokyo Metro subway on the Hanzomon Line to Hanzomon Station/Z05, or you can walk to to from the south in the Nagatcho/Akasaka area where the Diet Building is located.
You can also ride the road that rings the palace on a bike – if you’re feeling adventurous. The ride downhill from the northwest of the palace all the way down into Nagatcho is a spectacular ride, especially at dawn.
The moat is open to the public for small non-powered boats in the spring – and the area is a popular recreation area for joggers + walkers.
See our other post on Nagatcho/Akasaka for more info.
We also have a page featuring posts on nearly every stop on the Hanzomon Line.
The Hanzomon Line will also take you south to Shibuya and all the way out to Sky Tree on the northeast end.
One YouTuber even made a video of every stop on the Hanzomon Line from a conductor’s POV out the front of a train (see vid below).
Hanzomon Gate circa late 1800’s.
Today a sidewalk runs almost exactly where these people are standing.
Access
To get to Hazomon on the Metro, take any station on the Hanzomon Line and exit station Hanzomon Station/Z05 (Hanzomon). You will be slightly west of Hanzomon Gate and just north of the Diet Building.
Area Layout
The station is off to the west and directly north of the Diet Building to the south. It’s an easy walk from one area to another. The moat rings the palace grounds t the east across Rt. 401. To the southeast is Hibiya and Hibiya Park as well as Kasumigaseki (which has its own station).
Hanzomon area: Imperial Palace + gardens to the northeast, Hanzomon to the west (left side of frame), and Diet Building in Nagatcho to the south. Kasumigaseki is in the lower right corner.
Just 3 blocks south of the station is the very nice Hanzomon Museum – a must-see. The museum contains many ancient and interesting displays + artifacts.
National Theater + Supreme Court of Japan
Just southwest of Hanzomon Gate is the National Theater of Japan – also worth a look. The Supreme Court of Japan is also in the same complex.
Also just to the south is the Liberal Democratic Party HQ – home of the current ruling party of Japan.
Chidorigafuchi Park
Jammed in a narrow strip to the north between the moat + Rt. 401 is Chidorigafuchi Park (try saying that 3 times quickly) – which a sidewalk runs through. The area is popular with joggers.
https://www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp/shisetsu/koen/chidorigafuchi-ko.html
To the west less than a mile is the north end of the Akasaka area – a hip + trendy area popular with young people. The area also contains the very upscale New Otani Hotel. Just to the west of that is the Imperial State House guest house – which offers free tours when foreign dignitaries aren’t occupying it.
However, the real interesting part of Akasaka is just to the south down Rt. 405.
You can also get to Akasaka quickly on the Hanzomon Line by going to the previous station – Nagatcho (Z04).
Akasaka at dusk facing northwest.
Security
One last word: be aware that because of its proximity to the Imperial Palace + Diet Building, the area is crawling with security. Behave yourself and don’t do anything which might even slightly be construed as threatening while in the area. The guards don’t take kindly to problems or disturbances. In general if you mind your business, you’ll be fine.
Conclusion
Hanzomon is an interesting historical area, as well as a nice place to stroll around or ride a bike, weather permitting. If you have time and are on the Hanzomon Line, stop in and check it out.
Enjoy!
Hanzomon Line station map 5 stops east of Hanzomon.
To the south in Akasaka.
LINKS
Hanzomon Area Guide | Tokyo Cheapo
Top 20 Spots to Enjoy a Relaxed Stroll in the Hanzomon Area of Tokyo
25 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0082
03-3263-1752
Chidorigafuchi Park | JapanVisitor Japan Travel Guide
NEST HOTEL TOKYO HANZOMON (around 35°41’00.38″ N 139°44’31.38″ E)
APA Hotel Hanzomon (around
)
VIDS
Hotel Hillarys Akasaka
Name: Hotel Hillarys
Kind: Hotel
Free Wifi: Yes
Location: 35°40’26.41″ N 139°44’16.74″ E
Stations: Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line.
Worth it? Yep.
Our Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Updated 8/31/2021
©2021 tenmintokyo.com
Hotel Hillarys Akasaka is an upscale hotel in the Akasaka area of Tokyo.
If you’re looking to stay in Akasaka and don’t mind spending a few bucks, check it out. It’s an extremely nice + comfortable hotel in the $50-$100/night range. But the amenities + location can’t be beat.
The best thing, other than the quality, is the fact that it’s located right on one of Aksaka’s best + most popular nightlife streets: Peach St. Step out the front door and a dazzling array of things to do is at your feet.
Peach St. at night.
Across from Peach St. facing west. The hotel is just down a block to the right.
There is also a huge FamilyMart right on the corner.
Access
The best Metro station to use in the area is Akasaka-mitsuke Station/G05/M13 just a stone’s throw and one street over. The station is just to the northeast around 35°40’34.02″ N 139°44’16.60″ E. From there is just a 2 block-walk to the hotel. You can also easily get to many other Tokyo destinations from the station on the Ginza + Marunouchi Lines.
There is also an exit in the .belleVie shopping complex where the Bic Camera is:
There is also another station just a few blocks further northeast tucked back behind the Diet Building: Tameike-sanno Station – but only on the Ginza + Namboku Lines.
From either station, head west across the main street, one street further west, and onto Peach St. – the narrow hidden street behind the large Bic Camera building.
Akasaka-mitsuke Station/G05/M13
Just south of Peach St. in Akasaka.
Conclusion
There is so much to see around Akasaka, at stay on Peach St. will be a delight. You’ll have immediate access to everything – and you could easily spend a few days in the area. There’s that much to do.
Enjoy!
LINKS
https://www.agoda.com/hotel-felice-akasaka/hotel/tokyo-jp.html