Keihin-Tohoku Line (JK)

The Keihin-Tohoku Line (JK) is a major north-south JR line in Tokyo that connects Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa, with a total of 47 stations. It offers three key advantages for travelers: First, on the downtown section from Tabata to Shinagawa, it stops at many key areas, such as Tokyo Station, Kanda Station, and Akihabara Station, making it convenient for sightseeing and transfers. Second, it provides direct service from central Tokyo to Yokohama, allowing you to easily visit major attractions in Yokohama such as Minato Mirai 21 and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. It also reaches Ofuna Station, a key gateway to Kamakura. Third, for travelers wishing to explore Saitama Prefecture and visit Japan’s largest railway museum, the Keihin-Tohoku Line serves as a viable option.

The Keihin-Tohoku Line is represented by sky blue, which is shown in its train exteriors, station signs, and route maps. 

Introduction to the Major Stations

JK12 Yokohama Station
Nearby attractions: Minato Mirai 21
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Tokaido Main Line, Yokosuka Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line
(2) Private Railways: Tokyu Toyoko Line, Keikyu Main Line, Sotetsu Main Line

JK20 Shinagawa Station
Nearby attractions: Sengakuji Temple, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
You can transfer to:
(1) Shinkansen trains to various destinations
(2) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line
(3) Private Railways: Keikyu Main Line
(4) Other: Tokyo Monorail

JK23 Hamamatsucho Station
Nearby attractions: Tokyo Tower, World Trade Center Building
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line
(2) Subway: Toei Asakusa Line, Toei Oedo Line
(3) Others: Tokyo Monorail

JK24 Shimbashi Station
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line
(2) Subway: Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line
(3) Private Railways: Yurikamome Line

JK25 Yurakucho Station
Nearby attractions: Ginza, Hibiya Park
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line
(2) Subway: Yurakucho Line, Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line, Toei Mita Line

JK26 Tokyo Station – An Important Transport Hub
Nearby attractions: First Avenue Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, Marunouchi, Nihonbashi
You can transfer to:
(1) Shinkansen trains to various destinations
(2) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Chuo Line (Rapid), Keiyo Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line, Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, Sobu Rapid Line
(3) Subway: Marunouchi Line

JK27 Kanda Station
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Chuo Line (Rapid)
(2) Subway: Ginza Line

JK28 Akihabara Station
Nearby attractions: Mecca for Anime and Video Games, Electronics Shopping Paradise
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Chuo-Sobu Line
(2) Subway: Hibiya Line
(3) Private Railways: Tsukuba Express

JK29 Okachimachi Station
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line
(2) Subway: Hibiya Line, Ginza Line, Toei Oedo Line

JK30 Ueno Station
Nearby attractions: Ameyoko, Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum
You can transfer to:
(1) Shinkansen trains to various destinations
(2) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line, Joban Line
(3) Subway: Ginza Line, Hibiya Line
(4) Private Railways: Keisei Main Line

JK32 Nippori Station
Nearby attractions: Yanaka Ginza
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Joban Line
(2) Private Railways: Keisei Main Line
(3) Other: Nippori–Toneri Line

JK36 Oji Station
Nearby attractions: Asukayama Park, Oji Shrine
You can transfer to:
Subway: Namboku Line

JK38 Akabane Station
Nearby attractions: Akabane Hachiman Shrine
You can transfer to:
(1) JR Lines: Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line, Saikyo Line
(2) Subway: Namboku Line

JK47 Omiya Station
Nearby attractions: Railway Museum, Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
You can transfer to:
(1) Shinkansen trains to various destinations
(2) JR Lines: Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Kawagoe Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line
(3) Private Railways: Tobu City Park Line, New Shuttle

Operating Hours & Train Frequencies

The trains on the Keihin-Tohoku Line operate from approximately 4:30 to 24:00. Generally, during morning and evening rush hours, trains run every 2 to 5 minutes; during other regular daytime hours, trains run every 5 to 10 minutes; and in the early morning and late at night, trains run every 10 to 15 minutes.

Train Types

There are two types of trains operating on the Keihin-Tohoku Line, but at totally different times:

Local Trains

Operating Hours: Approximately 04:30–10:30 and 15:30–24:00
Stops: Stops at every station

Rapid Trains
Operating Hours: Approximately 10:30–15:30
Stops:
(1) Weekdays: All stations except Nishi-Nippori, Nippori, Uguisudani, Otsucho, Yuyakucho, and Shimbashi.
(2) Weekends and holidays: All stations except Nishi-Nippori, Nippori, Uguisudani, Yuyakucho, and Shimbashi.

Fare

Fares for the trains on the Keihin-Tohoku Line are based on the distance traveled, with a starting fare of JPY160 (USD1). For your reference, the fare for the entire route from Ofuna to Omiya is JPY1,410 (USD8.7). The pricing rules are the same for both local and rapid trains.

Tips

1. The Keihin-Tohoku Line is one of Tokyo’s most crowded railway lines, especially the section between Ueno and Akihabara during rush hours from 07:30 to 09:00 and 17:30 to 19:00. If possible, you are recommended to avoid riding the Keihin-Tohoku Line during these hours.
2. Please note that there are some section trains on this line. Generally, the final stop of each train will be displayed on the electronic signs at the platform, announced over the PA system, and shown on the electronic signs on the train cars. Be sure to check carefully before boarding.