71: JR East Tokyo General Vehicle Center ＪＲ東日本東京総合車両センター

JR East Tokyo General Vehicle Center – Trains Behind the Scenes

The JR East Tokyo General Vehicle Center (ＪＲ東日本東京総合車両センター) is one of Japan’s most important train maintenance facilities. Located in Hiromachi, it plays a vital role in keeping the region’s commuter rail system running smoothly. Chiefly, it maintains rolling stock.

It was established by merging the Yamanote Train Depot – a rolling stock depot – and the Oi Factory – a rolling stock factory . The east side, at the former Yamanote Train Depot, all trains , test cars , and service cars used on the Yamanote Line are stored here, and regular inspections and special repairs are carried out day and night. The west side specialises in inspecting, repairing and modifying trains in the Tokyo area particularly more modern types.

Though the facility is normally closed to the public, it opens its gates once a year for an eagerly anticipated open day — complete with train displays, family activities, and engineering exhibits.

Massive, organized, and buzzing with industrial energy, this is where Tokyo’s rolling stock is cleaned, serviced, and overhauled. For fans of Japanese rail, the once-a-year tour is a bucket list item. And even outside of the special event, walking near the perimeter offers a unique glimpse into the scale of Tokyo’s train operations.

🚆 Steel and Steam

The center serves multiple train types, including Yamanote Line stock. Open Day usually occurs in August and features a popular chance to sit in driver seats, photograph rarely seen carriages, and browse railway merchandise. The atmosphere is like a festival — with families, otaku, and curious locals mingling amid cranes and carriages.

👑 A Hidden Legacy: The Imperial Car Shed

Tucked away within the Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center was once a dedicated building for storing the Imperial Train Car (御料車). Known as the Imperial Shed or Building No. 1, this structure housed some of the most ornately decorated rolling stock used by the Japanese Imperial Family. Though no longer active, the shed’s former presence adds a layer of prestige and historical depth to the site — a reminder of when train travel represented the very pinnacle of ceremonial statecraft.

🧭 Visitor Information

Address: 2-1-1 Hiromachi , Shinagawa-ku , Tokyo

Best season: August (for the Open Day)

Admission: Free (on Open Day)

Official Info: None

Note: For security reasons, regular entry is not permitted outside of events. Be cautious when photographing from outside the fence.