The Keihin-Tohoku Line is one of the most essential commuter routes in the Tokyo metropolitan area, running from Ōmiya in Saitama through central Tokyo and down to Yokohama and Ōfuna in Kanagawa.
With excellent connectivity, high train frequency, and coverage of major hubs, it is regarded as a “lifeline” for everyday commuting, shopping, and travel.
🏛 1. Basic Information & History
Line name: JR East – Keihin-Tohoku Line
(officially part of the Tōhoku Main Line & Negishi Line)
Line color: Sky blue
Route length: 59.1 km
Number of stations: 36 (as of 2025)
Terminals: Ōmiya → Yokohama / Ōfuna
Opened: 1914 (initial section: Tokyo–Takanawa)
Train type: Local trains (with rapid service during daytime)
📜 Historical Highlights
“Keihin” means Tokyo–Yokohama, “Tōhoku” means Tokyo–Ōmiya.
Originally built for intercity transport; later evolved into a commuter-oriented line.
Rapid urbanization after WWII made it a core route for the expanding metropolitan region.
🌟 2. Advantages
✅ 1. Directly connects three major metropolitan centers
Ōmiya → Tokyo → Yokohama with no transfers.
Perfect for commuting, shopping, travel, and daily errands.
✅ 2. Covers nearly all major transfer hubs
Ueno, Tokyo, Shinagawa, Yokohama, Akabane, Urawa —
making inter-line transfers extremely easy.
✅ 3. Rapid service (daytime) improves speed
Rapid trains between Akabane and Kamata skip several stops,
offering faster travel through central Tokyo.
✅ 4. Extremely frequent service
2–3 minutes between trains during rush hours.
Late-night services remain frequent and reliable.
⚠️ 3. Disadvantages
❌ 1. One of the most crowded lines during rush hours
Especially between Tabata → Ueno → Tokyo → Shinagawa.
❌ 2. Delays and disruptions spread easily
The long route means small incidents can affect the entire line.
❌ 3. Easy to board the wrong train (Rapid vs Local)
Common mistake: “I took the rapid and skipped my station.”
🧺 4. Living Convenience Along the Line
Transportation: ★★★★★
— Direct access to Tokyo, Yokohama, and Ōmiya.
Shopping & Commercial: ★★★★★
— Many stations have supermarkets, malls, or commercial complexes.
Education & Childcare: ★★★★☆
— Numerous schools; quality varies by municipality.
Safety: ★★★☆☆
— Some busy districts require caution, while suburban areas are calm.
Nature & Parks: ★★★☆☆
— Central Tokyo has little greenery; northern/southern ends have more.
🏠 5. Real Estate View (as of 2025)
💴 Rent Market (Monthly)
Tokyo / Shimbashi
・1R：￥110,000〜￥140,000
・2LDK〜：￥220,000〜￥350,000
Ueno / Akihabara
・1R：￥90,000〜￥120,000
・2LDK〜：￥180,000〜￥280,000
Oimachi / Omori
・1R：￥85,000〜￥100,000
・2LDK〜：￥160,000〜￥220,000
Kawasaki / Tsurumi
・1R：￥75,000〜￥95,000
・2LDK〜：￥140,000〜￥190,000
Yokohama
・1R：￥90,000〜￥110,000
・2LDK〜：￥180,000〜￥250,000
Urawa / Akabane
・1R：￥80,000〜￥105,000
・2LDK〜：￥150,000〜￥220,000
Ōmiya
・1R：￥75,000〜￥90,000
・2LDK〜：￥140,000〜￥190,000
🏘 Housing Trends
South area (Yokohama–Shinagawa): Many high-rise condos & mixed-use buildings, ideal for singles and DINKs.
Central area (Shinagawa–Ueno): Older stock mixed with highly liquid, high-value properties.
North area (Ueno–Ōmiya): Large residential zones popular with families.
🎯 6. Who the Line Is Best For
Those commuting to Tokyo, Yokohama, or Ōmiya
People who want minimal transfers for daily travel
Residents seeking commercial, administrative, and medical facilities near their station
Renters or buyers who prefer stable property values and strong rental demand
📌 7. Summary
The Keihin-Tohoku Line is a vital north–south commuter artery supporting everyday life in the Tokyo metropolitan region.
With exceptional convenience, high frequency, and strong urban infrastructure along its route, it offers a well-balanced and practical living environment.
While crowding and occasional delays are drawbacks, the overall accessibility, versatility, and stability make it one of the most reliable and user-friendly lines in the area.