Ueno and Shibuya are both Yamanote stations, but on opposite sides of the loop. The Ginza Line subway is faster than the Yamanote. Here is the comparison.
Ueno is in the northeast of the Yamanote loop. Shibuya is in the southwest. The Yamanote clockwise journey between them passes through the entire eastern and southern arc in 37 minutes. The Ginza Line runs more directly between the two in 25 minutes.
Quick answer: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Ueno to Shibuya. 25 minutes, 260 yen. Faster than the Yamanote for this specific journey. The Ginza Line platform at Ueno is in the Ueno-Hirokoji area, a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station.
Option 1: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (Fastest)
- Station: Ueno-Hirokoji Station or Ueno Station (Ginza Line), 5-minute walk from JR Ueno
- Board: Ginza Line westbound toward Shibuya
- Journey time: About 25 minutes, stopping at Ueno, Suehirocho, Kanda, Mitsukoshimae, Nihombashi, Kyobashi, Ginza, Shimbashi, Toranomon, Omote-sando, Shibuya
- Cost: 260 yen with Suica
Option 2: JR Yamanote Clockwise
- Board: Yamanote clockwise from JR Ueno toward the Okachimachi direction
- Journey time: 37 minutes via the eastern arc (Akihabara, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ebisu, Shibuya)
- Cost: 220 yen with Suica
The Yamanote is simpler (same card, same platform) but takes 12 minutes longer. The Ginza Line is worth the short walk if speed matters.
