🌸 Basic Information & Overview
Line Name: Keikyū Main Line (Keihin Kyuko Main Line)
Operator: Keihin Kyuko Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (Keikyū)
Length: Approx. 56.7 km / Stations: 50 (Sengakuji–Uraga)
Opened: 1899 (including its predecessor)
Main Connections: Toei Asakusa Line, JR Lines, Yokohama Municipal Subway
Feature: A high-speed private railway linking Central Tokyo, Yokohama, and the Miura Peninsula north to south
📜 History & Background
1899: Opened as Daishi Electric Railway near Keikyu Kawasaki.
Early 20th century: Developed as one of Japan’s first private lines connecting Tokyo and Yokohama.
Pre-war era: Served seaside resorts and hot spring destinations in Miura Peninsula.
1968: Began through service with Toei Asakusa Line—improving airport access to Haneda.
Today: Connects with the Airport Line and Kurihama Line, serving as a vital transport artery for southern Tokyo and Kanagawa.
🚆 Route Structure & Highlights
Sengakuji–Shinagawa: Gateway to central Tokyo / Direct access via Toei Asakusa Line / Convenient for Haneda & Narita Airports
Shinagawa–Yokohama: Core section for commuters / Renowned for high-speed operation
Yokohama–Kanazawa Bunko: Cluster of popular suburban towns in southern Yokohama
Kanazawa Bunko–Uraga: Calm residential and coastal resort area in Miura Peninsula
Train Types: Rapid Limited Express (Kaikyu Tokkyu), Limited Express, Express, Local
Speed: Rapid Limited Express reaches up to 120 km/h—one of the fastest among private railways in Japan
Airport Access: Direct trains to Haneda and Narita—ideal for both business and leisure travelers
🌟 Merits (Advantages)
✅ 1. Direct link between Tokyo, Yokohama, and Miura Peninsula
Approx. 15 minutes between Shinagawa and Yokohama / Seamless connection to Shinkansen and airports.
✅ 2. Remarkably Fast Service
Known for rapid limited express operations—often matching or even beating JR lines in travel time.
✅ 3. Scenic & Relaxed Coastal Living
Uraga and Misakiguchi offer seaside tranquility / Yokosuka and Kanazawa Bunko are rich in sightseeing spots.
✅ 4. Excellent Station Vicinities
Keikyu Kamata, Yokohama, and Kanazawa Bunko stations have vibrant shopping areas and restaurants—great urban convenience.
⚠️ Demerits (Drawbacks)
❌ 1. Heavy Congestion During Rush Hours
The Shinagawa–Yokohama section can get very crowded / Express trains often packed during peak hours.
❌ 2. Frequent Crossings and Curves Cause Delays
Many level crossings in urban areas—minor accidents or checks can ripple through the timetable.
❌ 3. Express Trains Skip Many Stations
Rapid and limited express trains skip numerous local stations / Some local-only stops have lower convenience.
🧺 Livability & Comfort
Transportation: ★★★★★ / Direct access to Haneda, Shinkansen, and central Tokyo—outstanding connectivity
Shopping: ★★★★☆ / Many shopping streets, supermarkets, and complex facilities around stations
Nature & Environment: ★★★★☆ / Coastal and green areas in Miura Peninsula offer natural beauty
Education & Childcare: ★★★☆☆ / Varies by area; suburban districts offer open and calm environments
Safety: ★★★☆☆ / Generally stable, though areas like Kamata and Yokohama can be lively at night
🏠 Real Estate Viewpoint
💴 Average Rent (as of 2025)
Keikyu Kamata: 1R・1K/¥80,000–100,000・Family (2LDK+)/¥130,000–180,000・Excellent Haneda access / Area under redevelopment
Yokohama: 1R・1K/¥90,000–120,000・Family/¥150,000–230,000・Major city hub / High convenience
Kanazawa Bunko: 1R・1K/¥65,000–80,000・Family/¥110,000–150,000・Calm environment / Reasonable rent
Yokosuka-Chuo: 1R・1K/¥60,000–75,000・Family/¥100,000–140,000・Coastal calm / Relaxed lifestyle
Uraga & Misakiguchi: 1R・1K/¥50,000–65,000・Family/¥90,000–120,000・Resort-like / Surrounded by nature
🏘 Housing Trends
Kamata–Kanazawa Bunko: Mainly apartments and condominiums / Popular among young professionals and dual-income families
South of Kanazawa Bunko: More detached houses and housing complexes / Preferred by families and seniors
Redeveloping stations (Keikyu Kamata, Kamiooka, etc.): High potential in both convenience and asset value
🎯 Recommended For
✅ Those who want easy access to Haneda Airport, Yokohama, and central Tokyo
✅ People who wish to live by the sea yet stay close to the city
✅ Families seeking spacious homes with good cost performance
✅ Business professionals aiming to minimize commute time
📌 Summary
The Keikyū Main Line combines speed, convenience, and livability, making it one of the most well-balanced private railway lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
With direct access to airports, city centers, and resort destinations, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy both “urban life” and “coastal relaxation” in one place.