Tamachi station in Tokyo: a gateway to Tokyo Bay

Published on : 20/03/2024
by : O.F.

Tamachi station, located in the Minato district of southeast Tokyo, offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and Sengaku-ji temple. Inaugurated in 1909, it is one of the historic stations on the famous Yamanote line, which circles the Japanese capital. Find out all you need to know about this station and its neighborhood.

Location and access to Tamachi station

Tamachi station is located in the district of the same name, in the Minato district. It is located in the southeast of Tokyo, just a few stations from Hamamatsucho station. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo Bay and its many attractions.

Tamachi station is served by two major rail lines operated by JR East: the Yamanote line, which loops around central Tokyo, and the Keihin-Tohoku line, which connects the cities of Saitama, Kawaguchi, Tokyo, Kawasaki and Yokohama.

Tamachi is just a 5-minute walk from Mita station, which is served by the Asakusa and Mita subway lines, providing easy access to other parts of the Japanese capital.

Station history and features

Tamachi was one of many stations built in the early 20th century as part of Tokyo's rapid modernization during theMeiji era. Inaugurated on December 16, 1909, it became the 16th station on the Yamanote line.

The area where Tamachi station stands today did not exist just over a century ago. Until the early 1900s, it was just a portion of Tokyo Bay. Extensive land reclamation was carried out to fill in the area and enable urbanization. The station opened a few years after these developments were completed.

Although part of the busy Yamanote line, Tamachi station remains relatively anonymous compared with other stations on the line, such as Shinjuku or Shibuya. Its passenger building has a ticket office open every day.

Lines serving Tamachi station

Two JR East rail lines stop at Tamachi station:

The Yamanote line: Tokyo's iconic circular line connects the capital's main stations and lively districts. On the Yamanote, Tamachi lies between Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa stations.
Keihin-Tohoku line: this busy regional line links Saitama in the north to Yokohama in the south, via Tokyo and Kawasaki. It shares the same tracks as the Yamanote line between Tamachi and Tabata stations.

The Tamachi district: between residential areas and universities

The name "Tamachi" actually covers several districts in the Minato district: Shiba, Shibaura and Mita. This toponym, which literally means "field city", probably derives from the presence of rice paddies nearby during theMeiji era (1868-1912).

Today, the Tamachi district is mainly residential and student-oriented. It is home to prestigious higher education establishments such as Keio University and the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

To the east of the station, the artificial islands and their picturesque canals offer a pleasant setting for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. A stroll along the water's edge offers breathtaking views of Tokyo Tower and SkyTree.

Sengaku-ji temple and the legend of the 47 rōnin

Just a few minutes' walk from Tamachi station is Sengaku-ji temple, famous for its cemetery housing the tombs of the 47 rōnin. These valiant samurai are the heroes of a true story dating from the early 18th century, which has become legendary in Japan.

After their master, Lord Asano, was condemned to ritual suicide (seppuku) following an altercation with a high-ranking official, the 47 samurai who had become rōnin ("samurai without a master") decided to avenge him. Almost two years after Asano's death, they attacked his rival's residence and killed him before surrendering to the authorities. Sentenced to death, the 47 rōnin were allowed to commit honorable suicide by seppuku.

This story vividly illustrates the values of loyalty, sacrifice and honor so important to Japanese culture. A visit to Sengaku-ji temple allows you to pay your respects at the tomb of the 47 rōnin and discover a fascinating part of samurai history.

Temple Sengaku-ji — Sengaku-ji Temple
Adriano

Tombes des 47 ronin au temple Sengaku-ji — 47 ronin tombs at Sengaku-ji temple
Stéfan Le Dû

Rainbow Bridge: the bridge linking Tamachi and Odaiba

Inaugurated in 1993, the monumental Rainbow Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of Tokyo Bay. This 798-metre-long suspension bridge links the "mainland" districts of Shibaura and Tamachi to the ultra-modern, artificial island ofOdaiba.

Rainbow Bridge can be reached on foot in just 15 minutes from Tamachi station, crossing the picturesque canals to the east of the station. The bridge has two footpaths, one on each side, offering breathtaking views of the bay, skyscrapers and Tokyo attractions.

From the northern path, admire Tokyo Tower, SkyTree, Shiodome and Toyosu buildings. On the south side, the sublime view of Odaiba with its Ferris wheels, the Rainbow Bridge itself and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji silhouetted against the horizon. The 30-minute walk takes you to Odaiba, where beaches, shopping malls and futuristic attractions await you for an ideal day of relaxation.

Howabout dinner on the waters of Tokyo Bay? 4 night cruises in Tokyo.

Discover other emblematic stations on the Yamanote line

Tamachi station is just one of the 30 stations along the circular Yamanote line, the backbone of Tokyo's transport system. Discover the Yamanote and its main stations, gateways to the most famous districts of the Japanese capital:

Tokyo Station: the central station in the heart of the Marunouchi business district.
Nippori station: gateway to Ueno Park and old Tokyo.
Uguisudani station: a quiet district on the outskirts of Ueno.
Ueno station: the hub for trains to northern Japan.
Akihabara station: the epicenter of Japan's otaku culture.
Kanda station: a crossroads between tradition and modernity.
Shimbashi station: gateway to Tokyo Bay and Odaiba.
Hamamatsuchô station: opposite the World Trade Center Tower.
Ebisu station: a chic station nestled in a peaceful residential area.
Harajuku station: epicenter of Japanese fashion and kawaii culture.
Shinjuku station: the busiest station in the world.
Shin-Okubo station: the gateway to Tokyo's Korean Quarter.
Takadanobaba station: a lively student district.
Ikebukuro station: another of the capital's giant stations.
Ôtsuka station: along the picturesque Toden Arakawa streetcar line.
Komagome station: gateway to the quiet residential district of Komagome.
Tabata station: railway junction in northeast Tokyo.