The Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line connects Shibuya to Oshiage
and offers through-services with both the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and the Tobu Skytree Line.
It is known as one of the most important commuter lines in Tokyo,
linking the suburbs with major city centers in a single, transfer-free route.
For daily commuters and students, it’s an essential and highly reliable line.
🏛 1. Basic Information & History
Official Name: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
Operator: Tokyo Metro
Line Color: Purple
Total Length: Approx. 16.8 km
Number of Stations: 14
Terminals: Shibuya Station (Shibuya-ku) – Oshiage
Through Services:
West side: Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line (toward Chuo-Rinkan)
East side: Tobu Isesaki Line / Tobu Skytree Line (toward Kuki)
📜 Historical Highlights
1978: First section opened between Shibuya and Aoyama-itchome
2003: Fully extended to Oshiage, forming the current route
Designed from the start as a “suburb-to-city commuter line,”
serving as a crucial link between Den-en-toshi Line, Tobu Line, and central Tokyo.
🌟 2. Advantages of the Hanzomon Line
✅ 1｜Direct connection from the suburbs to central Tokyo
Connects Kanagawa (Chuo-Rinkan area) through central Tokyo to Saitama (Kuki area) without transfers.
Extremely convenient for long-distance commuters and students.
✅ 2｜Covers Tokyo’s key business and commercial hubs
Passes through Omotesando, Nagatacho, Hanzomon, Otemachi, Mitsukoshimae, and Oshiage.
Offers a smooth route through Tokyo’s main government, business, and shopping areas.
✅ 3｜All trains stop at every station (no express/rapid)
No express/local distinctions, making train intervals simple and predictable.
Easy to use even for those who get on/off at intermediate stations.
✅ 4｜Excellent transfers at Shibuya
Seamless connections to Tokyu Lines, JR Lines, and the Fukutoshin Line.
Provides multi-directional access to most parts of the city and suburbs.
⚠️ 3. Disadvantages of the Hanzomon Line
❌ 1｜Very heavy morning rush-hour congestion
Especially crowded between Shibuya and Nagatacho due to Den-en-toshi Line through-services.
Congestion rates reach some of the highest levels in Japan during weekday mornings.
❌ 2｜Some sections have long distances between stations
Example: Oshiage–Kinshicho, Nagatacho–Omotesando
Fewer transfer stations in these sections may lead to longer travel times.
❌ 3｜Complex underground structures at major stations
Stations like Otemachi, Nagatacho, and Shibuya have deep underground passages.
Many escalators and stairs → first-time users may easily get lost.
🧺 4. Everyday Convenience (Overview)
Transportation: ★★★★★
Direct suburban access + central Tokyo coverage = top-class commuting convenience
Shopping: ★★★★☆
Shibuya, Omotesando, Mitsukoshimae, Kinshicho, Oshiage offer strong retail options
Education & Safety: ★★★★☆
Nagatacho/Hanzomon area = calm, safe, with many educational institutions
Nature: ★★★☆☆
Mainly urban, but areas around the Imperial Palace, Sumida River, and Oshiage offer good open spaces
Safety: ★★★★☆
Government/office districts are generally very safe
(Some busy areas like Shibuya and Kinshicho are exceptions)
🏠 5. Real Estate Perspective (2025 Estimates)
💴 Rent Price Range (Monthly)
Shibuya
1R–1K: ￥100,000–￥130,000
2LDK+: ￥230,000–￥350,000
Omotesando
1R–1K: ￥100,000–￥140,000
2LDK+: ￥250,000–￥400,000
Hanzomon
1R–1K: ￥85,000–￥110,000
2LDK+: ￥180,000–￥280,000
Nagatacho
1R–1K: ￥90,000–￥120,000
2LDK+: ￥200,000–￥300,000
Kinshicho
1R–1K: ￥75,000–￥95,000
2LDK+: ￥140,000–￥200,000
Oshiage
1R–1K: ￥70,000–￥85,000
2LDK+: ￥130,000–￥180,000
※ Central Tokyo areas tend to be expensive,
but the eastern section (Kinshicho–Oshiage) is more affordable and popular with families.
🏘 Housing Trends Along the Line
Shibuya–Omotesando: High-end rentals, luxury tower apartments, DINKs & affluent residents
Hanzomon–Suitengumae: Office + residential mix, compact condos & single-person rentals
Kinshicho–Oshiage: Redeveloped high-rise towers + traditional low-rise homes, family-friendly zone
🎯 6. Recommended For
Commuters who want a transfer-free ride from the suburbs into the city
Professionals working in Shibuya, Otemachi, Nihonbashi, or Kinshicho
DINKs seeking calm, refined neighborhoods like Omotesando or Hanzomon
Families looking for good value and convenience in Kinshicho or Oshiage
📌 7. Summary
The Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line is:
A major commuter artery connecting Kanagawa → Tokyo → Saitama
High convenience with broad coverage of central Tokyo
Strong real estate diversity, from luxury areas to affordable family zones
Well-balanced for both working and living
Despite heavy morning crowds, the line’s overall usability, connection range, and neighborhood variety make it one of Tokyo’s most practical and livable railway lines.