🏛 Basic Information & Overview
Official Name: YAMAMAN Yukarigaoka Line
Operating Company: YAMAMAN Co., Ltd.
Line Length: 4.1 km (single track)
Stations: 6 (Yukarigaoka → Chiku Center → Koen → Joshi-dai → Chugakko → Ino)
Opened: 1982
System Type: Automated Guideway Transit (rubber-tire system / driverless operation)
Connection: Keisei Main Line at Yukarigaoka Station
Approx. Travel Time: 14 minutes (end to end) / Daytime headway about 10–15 minutes
📜 History & Background
・Opened in 1982 as part of a large-scale urban development project by YAMAMAN — a rare case where a real-estate developer built and still operates its own railway.
・Designed to connect residential areas, schools, parks, and commercial zones within the planned city of Yukarigaoka.
・Adopted driverless and eco-friendly technologies early on.
・Recently introduced facial-recognition ticketing and exclusive passes, making operations more convenient for local residents.
🌟 Highlights (Merits)
✅ 1. A Circular Line Serving the Entire Community
Six stations efficiently link homes, schools, parks, and shops within a compact area — perfect for short daily trips.
✅ 2. Quiet and Eco-Friendly
Rubber-tire cars and automated operation keep noise levels low and environmental impact minimal.
✅ 3. Easy Access to Central Tokyo
A direct transfer to the Keisei Main Line at Yukarigaoka Station connects you to Ueno and Narita quickly.
✅ 4. City Planning at Its Best
The entire town was designed around this rail network — with schools, clinics, and shopping all within walking distance 🩵
⚠️ Points to Note (Demerits)
❌ 1. Limited Coverage Area
Only 4.1 km and 6 stations — for longer trips you’ll need a bus or the Keisei Line.
❌ 2. Slower Speed / No Express Service
All trains stop at every station; the line prioritizes local connectivity over speed.
❌ 3. No IC Card Usage
As of 2025, PASMO and Suica cannot be used. Riders must buy tickets or use YAMAMAN’s own passes / face ID system.
🧺 Living Environment (Quality of Life)
Transportation Access: ★★☆☆☆ – Short line but Keisei transfer gives commuter access to Tokyo
Shopping Facilities: ★★★★☆ – Yukarigaoka Plaza and AEON cover everyday needs
Education / Medical: ★★★★☆ – Schools and clinics well organized within the area
Child-Raising Environment: ★★★★★ – Safe, green, and ideal for young families 👨👩👧👦
Safety: ★★★★★ – Well-planned streets and quiet neighborhoods offer peace of mind
🏠 Real Estate Perspective (As of 2025)
💴 Average Market Prices (Around Yukarigaoka Station)
One-Room / 1K: ￥55,000 – ￥70,000 / popular among students and singles
2LDK / 3LDK: ￥80,000 – ￥120,000 / many condos and family-type apartments
New Detached Houses: ￥35,000,000 – ￥55,000,000 range / plenty of land-attached homes
※ Prices vary depending on age of building, distance to station, and facilities.
🏘 Housing Trends
・Near stations, condominiums and detached homes dominate — very family-oriented.
・Redevelopment around Yukarigaoka is bringing new high-rise residences and shops.
・Compared with other parts of Chiba Prefecture, prices are stable and cost-efficient.
🚃 Transit Summary
Connection: Keisei Main Line at Yukarigaoka / Line Length 4.1 km / Full Trip ≈ 14 min / Headway 10–15 min daytime
Station Order: Yukarigaoka → Chiku Center → Koen → Joshi-dai → Chugakko → Ino
🎯 Best Suited For
✅ Families who value safety and child-friendly environments 👨👩👧👦
✅ Buyers seeking affordable housing along the Keisei corridor 🏠
✅ People who want a balanced mix of nature and urban convenience 🌿
✅ Couples and seniors who prefer a compact, walkable city 👫
📌 Summary
The Yukarigaoka Line is one of Japan’s most unique examples of a railway and urban development planned as one.
Despite its short length, it covers every essential part of daily life — homes, schools, parks, and shops — in perfect harmony.
While the line has some limitations in speed and ticketing systems, its comfort, safety, and future growth potential make it a stand-out area for living or investment ✨