The Tokyo Metro Namboku Line

Overview

One of Tokyo's relatively recent train lines, the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line features 19 stations. Its emerald line starts from Meguro station in the south-west, cutting essentially straight north, before ending at Akabane-iwabuchi station in the north-west. Here is a simple guide to the line's stations and places to visit along the way.

Meguro, Shirokanedai, Shirokane-takanawa

Meguro station is close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum while Shirokanedai station can take you to the Institute for Nature Study. Shirokane-takanawa station provides access to the site where men of the infamous 47 ronin fame committed ritual suicide after their arrest.

Azabu-juban, Roppongi-itchome, Tameike-sanno

The cosmopolitan ambience surrounding Azabu-juban station is also home to the Juban Inari shrine. Roppongi-itchome station is great access to the Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum while Tameike-sanno station is close to not only the Prime Minister's residence but also the local Hashigo spicy hot ramen bar.

Nagatacho, Yotsuya, Ichigaya, Iidabashi

The National Engei Hall can be visited from Nagatacho station. Yotsuya station is good for Sainen-ji Temple, grave site of ninja, Hattori Hanzo. Ichigaya station takes you to the Ministry of Defence where celebrated author Yukio Mishima controversially ended his life while Iidabashi station is a short stroll to the popular Kagurazaka-dori shopping and dining street.

Korakuen, Todaimae, Hon-komagome

Korakuen station, besides the fabulous Korakuen Garden, takes you to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Todaimae station is good for Saikyou-ji Temple and its bell tower while the cluster of temples surrounding Hon-komagome station, makes visiting temples like Ryuko-ji and Jotoku-ji very convenient.

Komagome, Nishi-gahara, Oji

Komagome station is home to the beautiful Rikugien Garden and the Toki-no-wasuremono Art Gallery. Nishi-gahara station takes you to the Tokyo Goethe Memorial Museum, the Earthquake Science Museum or even the Kyu-Furukawa Teien Garden. Oji station is good for a trip to the Shibusawa Memorial Museum or the family-friendly Asukayama Park.

Oji-kamiya, Shimo, Akabane-iwabuchi

There is a nice children's play and water area at Kamiyabori Park close to Oji-kamiya station and Shimo station is good for a trip to the local sushi restaurant Miyako Sushi while the final station, Akabane-iwabuchi station, takes its visitors to a smattering of local temples that stretch out to Shingashi River and its park.