🌸 Basic Information / Overview
Line Name: Odakyu Odawara Line (commonly called the Odakyu Line)
Operator: Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Route Length: Approx. 82.5km / Stations: 47 (Shinjuku〜Odawara)
Opened: 1927
Main Transfer Stations: Shinjuku・Shimokitazawa・Noborito・Shin-Yurigaoka・Machida・Hon-Atsugi・Odawara
Through Services: Direct connection to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Branch lines to Tama Line & Enoshima Line
📜 History & Background
1927: Full operation between Shinjuku and Odawara started, considered advanced for its time.
The “Romancecar” limited express was introduced early for convenient access to Hakone resort areas.
Since the 1980s, the line has rapidly developed as a residential route connecting Tama New Town and the Shonan area.
In 2018, the four-track (quadruple-track) project was completed, dramatically reducing rush-hour congestion.
🚆 Line Features & Structure
・Shinjuku〜Noborito: Urban section / Includes popular residential areas like Shimokitazawa
・Noborito〜Machida〜Hon-Atsugi: Key suburban cities / Commuter Rapid stops available
・Hon-Atsugi〜Odawara: Serves scenic resort towns & commuter suburbs
・Branch Lines: Odakyu Enoshima Line & Odakyu Tama Line connected
・Romancecar: Comfortable limited express trains to Hakone-Yumoto & Enoshima
・Train Types: Express / Semi-Express / Commuter Express / Rapid Express — choose based on lifestyle & schedule
🌟 Highlights (Advantages)
✅ 1. Direct link between central Tokyo and nature-rich suburbs
Travel directly from Shinjuku to Odawara on one line — perfect for commuting, sightseeing, and weekend getaways.
✅ 2. Four-track system improves rush-hour comfort
Separate tracks for local and express services between Setagaya-Daita and Noborito greatly reduced congestion.
✅ 3. Popular residential areas along the line
Shimokitazawa・Seijo-Gakuenmae・Shin-Yurigaoka・Machida・Fujisawa — well-balanced mix of convenience, education, culture, and greenery.
✅ 4. Comfortable sightseeing with Romancecar🚄
Ideal for weekend trips to Hakone-Yumoto or Enoshima with reserved seating and smooth travel.
⚠️ Points to Consider (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Many train types can be confusing
With Express / Semi-Express / Commuter Express / Rapid Express etc., first-time riders may easily board the wrong train.
Some stations have “non-stop only” hours depending on the schedule.
❌ 2. Long travel time in some cases
Direct trains to Odawara or Fujisawa can take over an hour one way — not ideal for daily commuting.
❌ 3. Slightly higher fares on certain sections
As a private railway, distance-based fares can be higher than JR lines — commuter passes may be more expensive.
🧺 Livability (Ease of Living)
Transportation: ★★★★★ / Covers both city & suburbs in one line・Direct to Chiyoda Line
Shopping: ★★★★☆ / Major facilities in Shinjuku・Machida・Shimokitazawa・Ebina
Education & Family: ★★★★★ / Seijo・Shin-Yurigaoka・Sagami-Ono areas have excellent schools and family services
Nature & Scenery: ★★★★☆ / Surrounded by Tama Hills・Sagamigawa River・Hakone mountain range・Rich greenery
Safety: ★★★★☆ / Varies slightly by station・Overall very stable and family-friendly
🏠 Average Rent (as of 2025)
Shimokitazawa: 1R・1K/¥90,000〜¥120,000・Family (2LDK〜)/¥180,000〜¥240,000・Trendy / creative / cultural area
Seijo-Gakuenmae: 1R・1K/¥90,000〜¥110,000・Family/¥170,000〜¥250,000・Quiet luxury residential area / high education level
Shin-Yurigaoka: 1R・1K/¥70,000〜¥90,000・Family/¥140,000〜¥180,000・Popular suburb / good balance of nature & commerce
Machida: 1R・1K/¥70,000〜¥85,000・Family/¥120,000〜¥160,000・Major commercial city / highly convenient
Hon-Atsugi: 1R・1K/¥60,000〜¥75,000・Family/¥100,000〜¥140,000・Core Odakyu city / easy commute & shopping access
Odawara: 1R・1K/¥50,000〜¥65,000・Family/¥90,000〜¥120,000・Resort-style suburban area / excellent cost performance
🏘 Housing Trends
・Inner Area (Yoyogi-Uehara〜Seijo): Upscale low-rise residential neighborhoods
・Middle Section (Noborito〜Machida): Ideal commuter suburbs / popular among dual-income families
・Outer Area (Hon-Atsugi〜Odawara): Family-friendly / focused on natural surroundings
・Overall: More affordable than lines like the Chuo Line / good value for families and renters alike
🎯 Recommended For
✅ People who want to live close to nature while working in central Tokyo
✅ Those who enjoy weekend trips to Hakone・Shonan via Romancecar
✅ Families seeking excellent education & child-friendly environments
✅ People who value long-term lifestyle flexibility & relocation options along the same line
📌 Summary
The Odakyu Line is one of the most versatile and livable train lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, connecting Shinjuku and Odawara in a single stretch.
It covers commuting, schooling, shopping, leisure, and resort life all at once — a true “city-meets-nature” line.
With diverse towns along the route, it offers excellent options for each stage of life — balancing convenience, greenery, education, and affordability.