📍 Overview
The Tama Area refers to the municipalities located outside Tokyo’s 23 central wards, including cities such as Tachikawa, Hachioji, Mitaka, and Fuchu.
Covering nearly two-thirds of Tokyo’s total land area, this vast region offers a rare harmony between natural surroundings and urban convenience, making it one of the most desirable residential zones for those seeking both comfort and space.
🗾 Origin of the Name
The name “Tama” has been used since ancient times and appears in historical records as a long-standing geographical term.
Today, it generally refers to the western part of Tokyo, outside the 23 wards.
Administratively, it is called the “Tama Region,” and in the real estate industry, the term often means the main suburban cities surrounding central Tokyo.
🚆 Transportation Access
The Tama Area boasts excellent rail connectivity, allowing easy commuting to central Tokyo.
JR Chuo Line (Shinjuku – Tachikawa – Hachioji – Takao)
Keio Line (Shinjuku – Chofu – Fuchu – Takaosanguchi)
Seibu Lines (Kokubunji, Tanashi, Higashimurayama, Tokorozawa areas)
Odakyu Line (Shinjuku – Machida – Tama Center)
Especially Tachikawa and Hachioji serve as major terminals, with rapid and express trains offering direct, fast access to the city center.
🏙 City Highlights
Tachikawa City
The commercial and administrative hub of the Tama Area.
Home to major facilities like IKEA Tachikawa and Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi, it offers top-tier convenience and livability.
Hachioji City
Surrounded by nature and known as an academic city with numerous universities.
Spacious residential plots and affordable detached homes make it ideal for families.
Mitaka City
A highly popular residential area close to central Tokyo along the Chuo Line.
Features Inokashira Park and the Ghibli Museum, combining culture with greenery.
Fuchu City
A historical city blending tradition and redevelopment.
The Keio Line hub offers both modern convenience and cultural charm with Okunitama Shrine and tree-lined avenues.
Chofu / Kunitachi / Koganei
Peaceful neighborhoods with abundant parks, good schools, and safe streets.
Convenient shopping and café culture attract both singles and families.
🏠 Real Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1R・1K / Family 2LDK〜)
Tachikawa：￥70,000–￥90,000 / ￥140,000–￥200,000 — Balanced redevelopment area, strong residential appeal
Hachioji：￥60,000–￥80,000 / ￥120,000–￥180,000 — University town, spacious and affordable homes
Mitaka：￥80,000–￥100,000 / ￥160,000–￥230,000 — Close to city center, green yet convenient
Fuchu：￥75,000–￥95,000 / ￥150,000–￥210,000 — Historic yet modern, family-friendly
Chofu：￥70,000–￥90,000 / ￥140,000–￥190,000 — Highly popular among families, excellent parks and schools
Machida / Tama Center：￥65,000–￥85,000 / ￥130,000–￥180,000 — Relaxed suburban lifestyle with smooth city access
📊 Market Characteristics
Spacious properties and family homes
Detached houses and large family-type apartments dominate the market, often with parking included.
Affordable pricing compared to central Tokyo
Rent and sale prices are typically ￥30,000–￥50,000 lower than comparable central Tokyo listings,
making the Tama Area ideal for those seeking both value and quality of life.
Strong growth potential
Redevelopment projects in Tachikawa, Hachioji, and Fuchu are underway,
and property values are expected to rise as transportation and commercial zones expand.
🌿 Lifestyle Appeal
A calm environment with cleaner air and more open space
Many parks, nature trails, and educational facilities — perfect for families
Easy weekend getaways: Mt. Takao, Tama Zoo, Showa Kinen Park
Redeveloped station areas bring convenience, while residential zones remain peaceful — truly “Tokyo with breathing room.”
📌 Summary
The Tama Area perfectly balances urban convenience and suburban tranquility.
With affordable housing, greenery, strong transport links, and ongoing development,
it continues to attract families, remote workers, and investors looking for a more spacious and future-ready Tokyo lifestyle.