JR Central Tokyo Sightseeing Train

The Yamanote Line is a loop that encircles the center of Tokyo, making it one of the busiest commuter lines for people working or going to school in the city. At the same time, the 30 stations along the route also often make the Yamanote Line the fastest way to get to major downtown sightseeing and entertainment destinations.

Beginning in March, a special train will depart from Ikebukuro Station and make a full lap of the Yamanote Line. During the ride, guides will point out sights of interest as the carriages pass through some of the most interesting and famous parts of the city. The tour was developed by conductors who work the Yamanote Line every day.

The sightseeing train is scheduled to run on March 2, departing Ikebukuro at 1:26 p.m. and pulling back into the station again at 2:32. A total of 270 tickets are being offered, priced at 2,000 yen (US$14) for adults (designated as middle school students or older) and 1,000 yen for children (elementary-school age), with two younger-than-elementary-school children able to accompany a paying adult free of charge. Tickets go on sale February 1 at 3 p.m. via the JR East Mall website.