🌸 Basic Information / Overview
Line name: Keio Sagamihara Line
Operator: Keio Corporation
Line length: approx. 22.6 km / Stations: 11 (Chofu–Hashimoto)
Opening year: 1916 (originally as Tamamin Electric Railway) → sections opened gradually from 1963 / fully extended to Hashimoto in 1974
Connections: Chofu (Keio Main Line)・Minami-Osawa (Tama Monorail)・Hashimoto (JR Yokohama Line / Sagami Line)
Main stations: Chofu・Keio Tama Center・Minami-Osawa・Hashimoto
📜 History & Background
Originally built as part of the Tama New Town development project, this line was designed to serve suburban residential communities.
The Chofu–Keio Tama Center section opened in 1963 and was extended to Hashimoto in 1974.
Today, it is a representative commuter line supporting areas such as Tama New Town, Tama-Sakai, and Hashimoto.
🌟 Highlights / Advantages
✅ 1. Direct access to Shinjuku via Keio Main Line
Limited Express and Semi-Express services operate, connecting Hashimoto–Shinjuku in about 40 minutes.
Trains run directly through Chofu onto the Keio Main Line, making it ideal for commuting to central Tokyo.
✅ 2. Well-planned “New Town” urban design
Tama Center, Minami-Osawa, and Keio-Horinouchi were all carefully planned and beautifully organized.
Wide roads, abundant greenery, and family-friendly layouts make it a comfortable area for raising children.
✅ 3. Excellent shopping and entertainment options
Keio Tama Center: home to Sanrio Puroland and Cocoria shopping complex.
Minami-Osawa: features the Mitsui Outlet Park / a paradise for shopping lovers.
Hashimoto: undergoing large-scale redevelopment as a future Linear Chuo Shinkansen station.
✅ 4. Reasonable housing prices
Compared to central Tokyo, rent and property prices in the Tama–Kanagawa area are significantly more affordable,
allowing access to larger or newer apartments at reasonable cost.
⚠️ Points to Consider / Disadvantages
❌ 1. Slight congestion during rush hour
Morning trains toward Shinjuku can be crowded, especially after merging with the Keio Main Line at Chofu.
❌ 2. Distance from central Tokyo
Even express trains take around 40 minutes to Shinjuku / not ideal for those who prioritize quick commutes.
❌ 3. Fewer trains late at night
Evening and nighttime schedules are focused on express services / late-night trains are mostly local with reduced frequency.
🧺 Livability & Daily Convenience
Transportation: ★★★★☆ / Direct to Shinjuku but distance slightly long
Shopping: ★★★★★ / Excellent facilities in Minami-Osawa・Tama Center・Hashimoto
Education & Childcare: ★★★★★ / Plenty of parks・nurseries・schools / very family-oriented
Nature & Environment: ★★★★★ / Green belts・hills・planned parks provide relaxing atmosphere
Safety: ★★★★☆ / Well-maintained station areas / safe even at night
🏠 Real Estate Perspective
💴 Average Rent (as of 2025)
Chofu: 1R-1K ¥75,000–90,000 / Family (2LDK〜) ¥130,000–170,000 / Redevelopment hub・connection point with Keio Main Line
Keio Tama Center: 1R-1K ¥65,000–80,000 / Family ¥110,000–140,000 / Large shopping area・theme park nearby
Minami-Osawa: 1R-1K ¥60,000–75,000 / Family ¥100,000–130,000 / Next to outlet mall・excellent environment
Tama-Sakai: 1R-1K ¥55,000–70,000 / Family ¥90,000–120,000 / Quiet residential zone with many detached houses
Hashimoto: 1R-1K ¥70,000–85,000 / Family ¥110,000–150,000 / Ongoing redevelopment・future value expected
🏘 Housing Trends
Abundant family-oriented properties / condominiums / detached houses.
Well-balanced in terms of size・environment・price / perfect for those seeking suburban comfort.
Many new and recently built homes / ideal for first-time buyers or young couples.
🎯 Recommended for
✅ Families who work in central Tokyo but prefer a green suburban lifestyle
✅ Buyers who value long-term potential in redeveloping areas
✅ Those who want to live near shopping & leisure hubs like Tama Center or Minami-Osawa
✅ Singles or couples seeking spacious homes at reasonable rent
📌 Summary
The Keio Sagamihara Line offers the best of both worlds — direct city access and tranquil suburban living.
Connecting Chofu to Hashimoto, the line is surrounded by redevelopment zones, large shopping complexes, and expansive residential areas.
For families, newlyweds, and suburban movers, it’s a highly desirable line combining affordability・space・quality of life.