The Chuo Main Line, operated by JR, runs across the centre of Tokyo. Two types of trains operate on this line: the Chuo Line (Rapid), which uses orange-coloured trains, and the yellow Chuo-Sobu Line local trains. It can be a fantastic alternative to the Yamanote Line, offering a convenient shortcut across the city by connecting Shinjuku with Tokyo Station or Akihabara.
The stations where the trains stop depend on which service you board. The orange Chuo Rapid trains stop at Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Ochanomizu, Kanda, and Tokyo Station. In contrast, the yellow Chuo-Sobu local trains stop at all stations between Shinjuku and Ochanomizu, then continue east on the Chuo-Sobu Line all the way to Chiba.
While the full Chuo Main Line stretches all the way to Nagoya in the south and through the Tama Region, most visitors to Tokyo will stay within the city limits—so we’ll focus on notable stops within Tokyo.
Starting at Shinjuku, home to a massive entertainment and shopping district, the train heads to Yoyogi, where visitors can explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. The next stations are Sendagaya and Shinanomachi, which are served only by the yellow local trains. Yotsuya is next, followed by Ichigaya, just a short walk from the Yasukuni Shrine. Then comes Iidabashi and Suidobashi, home to Tokyo Dome City. With the exception of Yotsuya, the orange rapid train skips all these stations and travels directly to Ochanomizu, where the yellow and orange lines diverge.
From Ochanomizu, the Chuo Rapid train continues towards Tokyo Station, stopping only at Kanda along the way. Tokyo Station is a major transport hub, ideal for visiting the Imperial Palace, the Marunouchi business district, or catching a Shinkansen bullet train.
Meanwhile, the yellow Chuo-Sobu Line train’s next stop after Ochanomizu is Akihabara, famous for electronics and otaku culture. It then continues to Ryogoku, home to the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. From there, it continues through Tokyo’s eastern wards and into Chiba Prefecture.
Because the Chuo Line cuts directly across the Yamanote Line loop, from Shinjuku and Yoyogi to Kanda, Tokyo Station, or Akihabara—it can be a very handy shortcut depending on your destination. The Chuo-Sobu local trains stop at all ten stations between Shinjuku and Ochanomizu, while the Chuo Rapid trains stop at just five.
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