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Anyone remember where this train melody was played at?
Assuming it's a very comm… Former resident of Keihanshin here. I just recently visited Tokyo and while riding a subway train I remembered hearing a particular melody but I don't remember where it was.
Assuming it's a very common tune and many Tokyoite might be aware of it, I'd like to ask if anyone can recall where this is played. I have a playable recreation of how the tune went (just that it wasn't piano).
https://musescore.com/user/12370041/scores/13396501
I don't remember exactly what station or it was, but here are lines I took if that might help:
Lines: Chuo-Sobu, Ginza, Keikyu (Airport & Main), Marunochi, Mita, Narita Express, Saikyo, Tokyu, or Yamanote.
I highly doubt this, but Shinkansen: Tokyo - Odawara
I tried to find it myself using YouTube but to no avail. If anyone can help that would mean the world to me!
That's the Marunouchi Line departure chime, specifically the one used on the 02 series trains. You can hear it at most stations on the main line between Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, but the most distinct version is at Ginza station on the Marunouchi Line platforms. The newer 2000 series trains have a slightly different chime, so if it sounded a bit more electronic, you might have been on one of those instead.
oh man i think i know the one youre talking about, that melody is played at Shinagawa station on the Keikyu line platforms. its that little chime that goes up and down a few notes before the train doors close, kinda cheerful but not too loud. i ride Keikyu all the time and its def there, prob the Main Line platform since the Airport line uses a slightly different one
oh that's the tokyo metro "departure melody" pattern, specifically the one used on the marunouchi line's newer trains. it plays right before the doors close at a few stations, most notably on the marunouchi branch between nakano-sakaue and ogikubo. you might've caught it at shinjuku or ikebukuro too since those are major stops on that line
if it was a higher pitched chime with a faster tempo, that's the yamanote line's version which is slightly different. the marunouchi one has a more drawn out rhythm from what i remember hearing on my commute
honestly the easiest way to confirm is to listen to the marunouchi line departure chime on youtube, there's a bunch of recordings from 2022 onwards when they updated the sounds. the melody you made matches the three-note pattern they use at stations like ginza and kasumigaseki
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.