1.
uptown area, hilly residential district
The elevated, hilly areas of a city, traditionally associated with wealthy residential neighborhoods. In Tokyo, refers to areas west of the city center.
山手の住宅街は静かだ。
The residential area in the uptown hills is quiet.
山手に住んでいる。
I live in the uptown area.
横浜の山手には洋館が多い。
There are many Western-style buildings in Yokohama's Yamate district.
READING NOTE:
The reading やまのて is traditional. The alternate reading やまて also exists but is less common for this meaning.
GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES:
山手 contrasts with 下町 (downtown, low-lying commercial areas). In Tokyo, 山手 historically referred to the western hilly areas where samurai and later wealthy families lived.
FAMOUS REFERENCE:
山手線 (Yamanote Line) - Tokyo's major loop railway line
RELATED TERMS:
- 下町: downtown, low-lying area
- 高台: elevated ground, hilltop