🌸 Basic Information & Overview
Official Name: Tama Urban Monorail (Tama Monorail)
Operating Company: Tama Urban Monorail Co., Ltd. (a third-sector company jointly funded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and others)
Opening Year: 1998 (Tachikawa-Kita to Kamikitadai) / 2000 (Tachikawa-Minami to Tama-Center – full line)
Total Length: Approx. 16.0 km
Number of Stations: 19
Route: Kamikitadai (Higashiyamato City) – Tama-Center (Tama City)
Main Connections: JR Chuo Line / JR Nambu Line / Keio Line / Keio Dobutsuen Line / Odakyu Tama Line / Seibu Haijima Line
📜 History & Background
・In the 1980s, the line was planned as a north-south transportation artery to support the development of Tama New Town.
・1998: Tachikawa-Kita to Kamikitadai opened / 2000: Full extension to Tama-Center completed.
・The monorail connects residential, academic, commercial, and governmental areas, functioning as a vital infrastructure for daily life in the Tama region.
🌟 Highlights (Advantages)
✅ 1. The Only North-South Railway in Tama
It directly links Tachikawa and Tama-Center, intersecting with JR, Keio, and Odakyu lines — expanding the region’s transportation network.
✅ 2. Ideal for Commuting and School Access
With major universities like Chuo University, Teikyo University, and Meisei University along the route, it’s a convenient choice for students and professionals.
✅ 3. Scenic Views & Reliable Travel
The elevated structure offers great views of the Tama Hills 🌿 while avoiding road congestion — ensuring punctuality and comfort.
✅ 4. Barrier-Free Design
All stations are equipped with elevators, escalators, and platform doors ♿ — perfect for families, strollers, and wheelchair users.
⚠️ Points to Consider (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Fares Slightly Higher
Example: Tachikawa-Kita → Tama-Center IC fare ¥408 / paper ticket ¥410 (approx. 23–24 min). Short-distance rides can feel a bit pricey.
❌ 2. No Direct Access to Central Tokyo
Transfers are required to reach downtown via JR Chuo Line, Keio Line, or Odakyu Tama Line.
❌ 3. Moderate Service Frequency
Approx. every 10 minutes during the day, 6–8 minutes in the morning rush, and 10–15 minutes in the evening — reasonable but not rapid-transit level.
🧺 Living Environment & Convenience
Transportation Access: ★★★☆☆ – Excellent for travel within Tama, transfers needed for city center
Shopping & Facilities: ★★★★☆ – Large malls and commercial centers in Tachikawa & Tama-Center 🛍
Nature & Environment: ★★★★★ – Lush greenery, parks, and open spaces 🌳
Childcare & Education: ★★★★★ – Abundant schools, parks, and libraries
Safety: ★★★★★ – Primarily residential and peaceful neighborhoods
🏠 Real Estate Overview (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (Single / Family Type)
Tachikawa-Kita & Tachikawa-Minami: ¥70,000–¥95,000 / ¥120,000–¥160,000 – Excellent urban access & shopping convenience
Shibasaki-Taiikukan: ¥65,000–¥80,000 / ¥100,000–¥130,000 – Quiet residential area
Takahatafudo: ¥60,000–¥75,000 / ¥90,000–¥120,000 – Suburban comfort with Keio Line access
Tama-Center: ¥65,000–¥85,000 / ¥100,000–¥140,000 – Redeveloping hub with shopping & entertainment
Chuo University / Meisei University: ¥55,000–¥65,000 / ¥85,000–¥110,000 – Student-friendly area with many rentals
🏘 Residential Trends
・From Tachikawa to Takahatafudo: Expanding residential and commercial development improving convenience.
・Around the universities: A mix of student housing and family-oriented residences.
・Tama-Center area: Increasing number of tower condos and newly built apartments due to redevelopment.
🚃 Access & Operation Details
Main Hubs: Kamikitadai / Tachikawa-Kita / Tachikawa-Minami / Takahatafudo / Tama-Center
Connections: JR Chuo & Nambu / Keio & Odakyu / Seibu Haijima Line
Timetable: Morning 6–8 min intervals / Daytime 10 min / Evening 10–15 min
Sample Fare: Tachikawa-Kita → Tama-Center IC ¥408 (approx. 23–24 min)
🛠 Future Expansion (as of 2025)
・North Extension (Kamikitadai → Hakonegasaki / ~7km) – Officially approved in May 2025. Construction expected to start soon, targeting mid-2030s opening.
・South & West Extensions (Tama-Center → Machida / toward Hachioji) – Under study for long-term development and improved intercity connectivity.
→ Once realized, it will enhance links with JR Hachiko & Yokohama Lines and Odakyu, boosting accessibility and real estate value!
🎯 Ideal for People Who...
✅ Live, study, or work mainly within the Tama region
✅ Prefer a balance of greenery 🌿 and urban convenience 🏙
✅ Seek family-friendly housing with easy local transport
✅ Enjoy monorails, scenic views, or child-friendly urban living 🚝👨👩👧👦
📌 Summary
The Tama Monorail is the north-south backbone of Tama — a reliable, scenic, and practical transport line connecting everyday destinations like schools, offices, and shopping areas.
While it doesn’t reach central Tokyo directly, its smooth transfers at Tachikawa, Takahatafudo, and Tama-Center make commuting easy.
With ongoing redevelopment and future extensions, it’s set to become one of the most promising and livable routes in western Tokyo ✨