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.
Pronunciation
The general word and the Tokyo area are read やまのて. Some place names use やまて: Yokohama's hillside district of Western-style houses is 山手.
Cultural note
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.