On the weekend of April 19 and 20, 2025, the Yamanote Line and the Keihin-Tohoku Line will experience significant service disruptions due to construction work related to the Haneda Airport Access Line. This suspension will affect approximately 546,000 passengers, causing widespread inconvenience across Tokyo's transport network.
The disruptions will begin on Saturday, April 19, when service on the Yamanote Line will be halted between Ueno and Osaki on the outer loop. Additionally, the Keihin-Tohoku Line will be suspended between Shinagawa and Higashi-Jujo. The service interruptions are expected to continue until around noon on Sunday, April 20, when the same sections of both lines will remain non-operational for the inner loops as well.
The construction is part of a broader initiative to enhance access to Haneda Airport, aimed at significantly reducing travel time from Tokyo Station. Currently, passengers must transfer between lines, taking about 30 minutes to reach the airport. The proposed Haneda Airport Access Line is designed to cut this travel time to approximately 18 minutes, with an expected opening date set for the fiscal year 2031.
The track work will primarily take place at Tamachi Station, where switching operations are necessary to facilitate the new route's construction. This route, known as the "East Yamanote Route," will connect Haneda Airport directly to Tokyo Station over a length of 12.4 kilometers. It includes plans for a new underground station near the airport's domestic terminal and a new tunnel extending approximately 5 kilometers to the Tokyo Freight Terminal located in Shinagawa Ward.
As part of the adjustments during this weekend's service interruptions, JR East plans to increase the frequency of trains on the Ueno-Tokyo Line as an alternative route. They will also provide alternative transportation options across 15 different railways, including Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, to accommodate affected passengers.
In light of these disruptions, JR East has established a dedicated phone line for inquiries regarding train schedules and service interruptions. This service will be available from the change of date on April 19 until 1:00 AM, and again from 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM on April 20. Passengers can reach this service at 050-2016-1625 for assistance.
Moreover, the construction not only aims to streamline access to the airport but is also part of a larger strategy to enhance Tokyo's competitiveness as a global city, especially as inbound tourism continues to rise. The improvements are expected to make it easier for tourists to navigate the city and visit popular attractions.
Future plans include a direct connection between the Yurakucho Line and the Tobu Line by the mid-2030s, which will further improve access to various tourist destinations. For example, a journey from Toyosu Station to Kasukabe Station is projected to take around 53 minutes, reducing the previous travel time by approximately 8 minutes and eliminating the need for transfers.
With these enhancements, passengers will be able to plan more efficient trips, such as visiting the Toyosu Market in the morning, followed by a sightseeing tour of the Skytree, and then heading to Nikko Tosho-gu for an overnight stay—all without needing to switch trains.
As the weekend approaches, commuters and travelers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, allowing extra time for travel due to the reduced service frequency outside the suspended areas. The official websites and customer service lines will provide real-time updates to keep passengers informed.
As Tokyo prepares for these changes, the construction of the Haneda Airport Access Line stands as a testament to the city's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the overall travel experience for both residents and visitors alike.
