🌸 Basic Information / Overview
Line Name: Odakyu Tama Line
Operator: Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Line Length: Approx. 10.6km / Stations: 6 (Shin-Yurigaoka–Karakida)
Opened: 1974 (initially to Odakyu-Nagayama)
Main Connections: Keio Sagamihara Line (Tama-Center) / Odakyu Odawara Line (Shin-Yurigaoka)
Feature: A suburban lifestyle line developed alongside the Tama New Town urban project
📜 History & Background
・1974: Opened between Shin-Yurigaoka and Odakyu-Nagayama.
・1980: Extended to Karakida, completing the current route.
・Built as part of the Tama New Town redevelopment plan to enhance access to western suburban areas.
・Today, the line is known for its calm residential neighborhoods, schools, and parks—popular with families.
🚆 Line Features / Structure
・Shin-Yurigaoka → Odakyu Tama-Center: Residential zone / Mainly Semi-Express & Local trains
・Odakyu Tama-Center → Karakida: Quiet suburban area / Surrounded by greenery
・Direct Access: Through service via the Chiyoda Line to central Tokyo (Shinjuku, Omotesando, Otemachi, Hibiya, etc.)
・Transfer Options: Easy connection to Keio Sagamihara Line at Tama-Center → Direct routes to both Shibuya & Shinjuku
・Train Types: Mostly Local and Semi-Express (Rapid Express limited to a few sections)
🌟 Advantages / Merits
✅ 1. Calm and Peaceful Residential Environment
A well-planned district centered on Tama New Town / clean streets & parks / ideal for families & seniors.
✅ 2. Excellent Education & Childcare Environment
Kindergartens, schools, parks, libraries, and sports facilities are abundant—perfect for child-raising families.
✅ 3. Plenty of Shopping Facilities
Around Odakyu Tama-Center Station, major complexes such as Sanrio Puroland and Ito-Yokado make daily life convenient.
✅ 4. Direct to Central Tokyo via Chiyoda Line
No transfers needed to reach major business areas like Omotesando, Otemachi, and Hibiya.
⚠️ Disadvantages / Demerits
❌ 1. Fewer Train Services
Especially toward Karakida: about 4–6 trains per hour outside rush hours → longer waiting times in midday.
❌ 2. Early Last Train
Last trains toward Karakida often depart around 11:00 p.m., which may be inconvenient for late-night commuters.
❌ 3. Transfers May Be Needed at Shin-Yurigaoka
Depending on the schedule, transfers to the Odakyu Main Line may be required for express services.
🧺 Living Convenience / Comfort
Transportation Access: ★★★☆☆ / Easy connection via Shin-Yurigaoka or direct Chiyoda Line service to Tokyo
Shopping Facilities: ★★★★☆ / Tama-Center has a wide variety of shops and malls
Education & Childcare: ★★★★★ / Excellent access to schools, parks, and childcare support facilities
Nature & Environment: ★★★★☆ / Rich greenery, walking paths, and Satoyama landscapes
Safety: ★★★★☆ / Family-oriented area with stable, peaceful neighborhoods
🏠 Real Estate Perspective
💴 Rent Market (as of 2025)
Shin-Yurigaoka: 1R・1K/¥75,000–¥90,000・Family (2LDK+)/¥130,000–¥180,000・Popular residential hub / Main Line access
Odakyu-Nagayama: 1R・1K/¥60,000–¥75,000・Family/¥110,000–¥140,000・Connected to Keio Line / Convenient for commuting
Odakyu Tama-Center: 1R・1K/¥65,000–¥80,000・Family/¥110,000–¥150,000・Full of shopping options / Family-friendly
Karakida: 1R・1K/¥60,000–¥70,000・Family/¥100,000–¥130,000・Quiet residential area / More affordable rent
🏘 Housing Trends
・Primarily family-oriented condominiums and detached houses / well-organized new residential towns
・Popular among newlyweds and young families / easy to find spacious homes at reasonable prices
🎯 Recommended For
✅ Families & seniors seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle
✅ Parents prioritizing education, parks, and neighborhood safety
✅ People wanting the perfect balance: “direct access to Tokyo yet peaceful surroundings”
✅ Those seeking affordable, spacious housing with great livability
📌 Summary
The Odakyu Tama Line connects Tama New Town and Central Tokyo, offering a peaceful and well-planned suburban lifestyle.
While less flashy than major lines, it provides well-developed residential areas, green parks, and excellent education facilities.
For families valuing safety, comfort, and balance, it stands alongside the Keio Sagamihara Line as one of Tama’s representative residential routes.