STATION NAME WALKS

Shinagawa Station isn't in Shinagawa Ward. And that's just the beginning of Tokyo's hidden stories.

Millions of people ride Tokyo's Yamanote Line, passing through some of Japan's most famous neighborhoods. But how many stop to wonder where those station names came from?

Why is a Tokyo neighborhood named after a beer?

What does a long-forgotten rice field have to do with Gotanda?

And why does one of Tokyo's busiest stations carry the name of a place it isn't actually in?

STATION NAME WALKS: The Yamanote Line takes you on a fascinating journey through all 30 stations of Tokyo's iconic railway loop, uncovering the surprising history, forgotten landscapes, and cultural stories hidden in names we often take for granted.

Written by Itsuki Ryu, a Japanese author with more than 20 years of experience working in the railway industry, this book offers a distinctive perspective on Tokyo-one shaped by years spent working in and around its stations.

Inside, you'll discover:

• The origins and surprising meanings of all 30 Yamanote Line station names.
• How Edo-period roads, samurai families, rivers, temples, and old villages shaped modern Tokyo.
• Historical landmarks, shrines, gardens, and unexpected places you can explore on foot.
• Fascinating details about stations you may have visited dozens of times without noticing.
• Personal observations inspired by the author's years of railway experience.

Each station chapter is designed for an enjoyable, bite-sized read, with historical stories and suggestions for nearby places to explore.

More than a railway guide, this is a new way to experience Tokyo.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan, returning to discover a different side of the city, living in Tokyo, or simply fascinated by Japanese history and culture, this book invites you to look beyond the familiar sights.

You don't need to be a railway enthusiast. You just need a little curiosity.

Thirty stations. Thirty starting points. A whole new way to see Tokyo.

Your next Tokyo adventure may begin at a station you've already passed through.