Anyone who uses the Yokohama Line has probably wondered at least once:
Despite being called the “Yokohama Line,” why do many trains not go all the way to Yokohama Station and instead turn back at Higashi-Kanagawa Station?

Shin-Yokohama Station timetable

“Standard = bound for Higashi-Kanagawa,” while trains to Sakuragicho are “exceptions”

Just one more stop to Yokohama Station, and yet…

Despite being just a short distance away from Yokohama Station or Sakuragicho Station, this inconvenience of having to transfer has a deep-rooted reason.
Let’s unravel this long-standing mystery and explore its background.

1. Operational Constraints and Tight Schedules

The main reason Yokohama Line trains turn back at Higashi-Kanagawa Station lies in operational constraints.
Higashi-Kanagawa Station is equipped with facilities that allow for efficient turnaround operations for the Yokohama Line.
It has two platforms for each direction, from track 1 to track 4, making it structurally easy for trains to change direction smoothly.

Efficient turnaround operations are possible at Higashi-Kanagawa Station

On the other hand, while Yokohama Station shares tracks with the Keihin-Tohoku Line, there are no facilities for the Yokohama Line to turn back.
Additionally, the Keihin-Tohoku Line operates on an extremely tight schedule.
It runs at high frequency—every 5 minutes during the day and every 3 minutes during morning and evening rush hours—making it impossible to add more Yokohama Line trains into the mix due to the already congested timetable.

Therefore, the transfer at Higashi-Kanagawa Station is a necessary measure to maintain the stable operation of the Keihin-Tohoku Line.
This is a practical example of the trade-off between efficiency and convenience often seen in Japan’s urban railways.

2. The Origin of the Name “Yokohama Line” and Historical Background

The reason the Yokohama Line does not go directly to Yokohama Station is also closely tied to the line’s historical background.
The predecessor of the Yokohama Line, the “Yokohama Railway,” opened in 1908 with the purpose of transporting goods like raw silk from Hachioji to Yokohama Port.
The terminal station at that time was Higashi-Kanagawa Station, and a freight branch line extended from there to Yokohama Port.
In other words, the name “Yokohama Line” was meant to signify the route from Hachioji to Yokohama Port.

Even today, when passenger transport is the main focus, this historical background continues to influence the line’s operations.

3. The Unrealized Plan to Extend to Yokohama Station

In fact, there was once a plan to extend the Yokohama Line beyond Yokohama Station toward Chinatown.
A 1985 report by the Transport Policy Council proposed an extension via Yokohama Station.
However, at the time, Japanese National Railways (the predecessor of JR) was facing severe financial difficulties and could not afford the high cost of building new lines.
Unfortunately, this plan remained unrealized and eventually faded away.

Later, railway development in the Minato Mirai area was realized through the mutually direct operation of the Minato Mirai Line—a third-sector railway led by Yokohama City

Yokohama Line

The Yokohama Line is a railway line in Japan operated by JR East, connecting Higashi-Kanagawa in Yokohama to Hachiōji in Tokyo. It was opened in 1908 to provide a direct freight and passenger link between the major port of Yokohama and central Japan, facilitating economic and industrial growth in the region.

Higashi-Kanagawa Station

Higashi-Kanagawa Station is a railway station in Yokohama, Japan, operated by JR East. It opened in 1872 as one of Japan’s first railway stations, originally serving as a vital stop on the Tokaido Main Line before the development of the current Yokohama Station. Today, it is a local station on the Keihin-Tohoku and Negishi Lines.

Yokohama Station

Yokohama Station is a major railway hub in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, which first opened in 1872 as the terminus of Japan’s first railway line. Today, it is one of the busiest stations in the country, serving the Tokaido Main Line, Shinkansen, and multiple commuter lines, while also being the center of a vast commercial and business district.

Sakuragicho Station

Sakuragicho Station is a major railway station in Yokohama, Japan, which first opened in 1872 and is one of the country’s oldest stations. It serves as a key transportation hub for the Minato Mirai 21 business district and provides direct access to popular landmarks like the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel and the Red Brick Warehouse.

Keihin-Tohoku Line

The Keihin-Tohoku Line is a major railway line in Japan, operated by JR East, which connects the major cities of Saitama, Tokyo, and Yokohama. It was fully electrified and opened as a through service in 1933, running parallel to the Tokaido Main Line to alleviate congestion. Today, it is famously known for its distinctive blue and white “blue train” livery and remains a vital commuter artery in the Greater Tokyo Area.

Yokohama Port

Yokohama Port is Japan’s first modern international trading port, officially opened in 1859 following the Convention of Kanagawa. It played a pivotal role in Japan’s industrialization and opening to the West after over 200 years of national isolation. Today, it is one of the country’s largest and busiest ports, known for its iconic waterfront area featuring landmarks like the Red Brick Warehouses and Minato Mirai district.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a historic ethnic enclave found in many major cities worldwide, often established in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants. These vibrant districts are cultural hubs known for their distinctive architecture, authentic cuisine, and traditional festivals. They serve as important centers for preserving Chinese heritage and community within a foreign urban landscape.

Minato Mirai Line

The Minato Mirai Line is a subway line in Yokohama, Japan, that opened in 2004 to connect major urban centers. It primarily serves the Minato Mirai 21 district, a large waterfront redevelopment project built on former shipyard lands, linking it to the city’s main railway stations. The line was constructed to provide access to the area’s business centers, shopping malls, convention facilities, and tourist attractions like the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel.