Higashiyama Line
The Higashiyama Line is a rapid transit line in the Nagoya Municipal Subway system, operated by the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It extends 20.6 kilometers eastward from Takabata Station in Nakagawa Ward to Fujigaoka Station in Meitō Ward, serving 22 stations and facilitating key commuter and tourist travel across the city.[1][2] As the system's inaugural and most heavily used route, the line opened on November 15, 1957, with an initial 2.4-kilometer segment linking Nagoya Station to Sakae Station (then known as Sakaemachi Station), marking Nagoya's entry into underground rail operations following construction that began in 1954.[1][3] Subsequent extensions, including eastward expansions to Ikeshita in 1960 and Fujigaoka in 1969, completed its current configuration, with portions elevated near the eastern end.[1] Designated by the color yellow on system maps and using the "H" prefix for stations, the Higashiyama Line handles approximately 476,000 passengers daily (fiscal year 2024), underscoring its vital role in connecting central hubs like Nagoya Station (with Shinkansen and JR lines) and the Sakae commercial district to residential and educational areas.[4][5] It intersects with other subway lines such as the Sakuradori and Meijō lines and provides a transfer to the Linimo guided transit system at Fujigaoka, enhancing regional connectivity.[5][1]Line Overview
Route Description
The Higashiyama Line follows an east-west alignment through Nagoya, spanning 20.6 kilometers from its western terminus at Takabata Station in Nakagawa Ward to the eastern terminus at Fujigaoka Station in Meitō Ward, with the entire route confined to the city's boundaries.[1][5] This configuration positions the line as a vital east-west corridor, traversing diverse urban landscapes from compact residential and industrial zones in the west to expansive suburban developments in the east.[2][5] Functionally, the line bridges key areas of Nagoya by connecting western industrial and residential districts to the bustling central business district—most notably facilitating travel between Nagoya Station and Sakae—while extending service to the eastern suburbs.[5][2] This connectivity underscores its role in supporting daily commutes and urban mobility across the city's core and periphery. Designated as the busiest among Nagoya's subway lines, it handles the highest ridership due to its alignment with major commercial hubs like Sakae, which draw significant passenger traffic for business, shopping, and entertainment.[5][1] On system maps and signage, the Higashiyama Line is represented by the color yellow and the line symbol "H," aiding quick identification for passengers navigating the network.[5][1]Technical Specifications
The Higashiyama Line operates on a standard gauge of 1,435 mm, facilitating compatibility with conventional rail infrastructure while supporting efficient urban transit. Power is supplied through a third-rail system at 600 V DC, enabling consistent electrical delivery to trains throughout the route.[1][6] The line is mostly underground, with elevated sections near the eastern end, spanning 20.6 km with 22 stations and an average station spacing of approximately 1 km, which optimizes passenger access in densely populated areas. This configuration contributes to the line's role as a core component of Nagoya's subway network.[1] Safety and operational efficiency are enhanced by the implementation of Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems, which monitor train speeds and prevent collisions by automatically applying brakes if necessary.[3][6] Platforms are designed to accommodate 6-car trains, typically measuring around 140-150 m in length to ensure safe boarding and alighting. All stations feature accessibility enhancements, including elevators from street level to platforms, supporting wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments in compliance with universal design standards.[1][3][7]Stations
Station List
The Higashiyama Line consists of 22 stations spanning 20.6 kilometers from its western terminus at Takabata Station to its eastern terminus at Fujigaoka Station, all located within the city of Nagoya. The stations are identified by codes H01 through H22 and are situated in various wards of the city. The following table lists them in sequence, including cumulative distances measured from Takabata Station.| Code | Station Name | Ward | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| H01 | Takabata (高畑) | Nakagawa-ku | 0.0 |
| H02 | Hatta (八田) | Nakagawa-ku | 0.9 |
| H03 | Iwatsuka (岩塚) | Nishi-ku | 2.0 |
| H04 | Nakamura-kōen (中村公園) | Nishi-ku | 3.1 |
| H05 | Nakamura-nisseki (中村日赤) | Nishi-ku | 3.9 |
| H06 | Honjin (本陣) | Nishi-ku | 4.6 |
| H07 | Kamejima (亀島) | Nishi-ku | 5.5 |
| H08 | Nagoya (名古屋) | Nakamura-ku | 6.6 |
| H09 | Fushimi (伏見) | Naka-ku | 8.0 |
| H10 | Sakae (栄) | Naka-ku | 9.0 |
| H11 | Shinsakae-machi (新栄町) | Naka-ku | 10.1 |
| H12 | Chikusa (千種) | Chikusa-ku | 11.0 |
| H13 | Imaike (今池) | Chikusa-ku | 11.7 |
| H14 | Ikesita (池下) | Chikusa-ku | 12.6 |
| H15 | Kakuōzan (覚王山) | Chikusa-ku | 13.2 |
| H16 | Motoyama (本山) | Chikusa-ku | 14.2 |
| H17 | Higashiyama Kōen (東山公園) | Chikusa-ku | 15.1 |
| H18 | Hoshigaoka (星ヶ丘) | Chikusa-ku | 16.2 |
| H19 | Issha (一社) | Meitō-ku | 17.5 |
| H20 | Kamiyashiro (上社) | Meitō-ku | 18.6 |
| H21 | Hongo-dōri (本郷) | Meitō-ku | 19.3 |
| H22 | Fujigaoka (藤が丘) | Meitō-ku | 20.6 |