🏛 Basic Information & Overview
Official Name: Ryūtetsu Nagareyama Line
Line Length: approx. 5.7 km / Section: Mabashi – Nagareyama
Stations: 6 (Mabashi, Koya, Kogane-jōshi, Hiregasaki, Heiwadai, Nagareyama)
Operator: Ryūtetsu Co., Ltd. (formerly Sōbu Nagareyama Electric Railway)
Opened: 1916 (Taishō era)
Area Served: Matsudo City – Nagareyama City (Chiba Prefecture)
Connection: JR Jōban Line at Mabashi Station
Service Time: about 11–12 minutes end-to-end / approx. 20-minute intervals in daytime, 15 minutes at rush hours
IC Card Use: Not supported (ticket purchase required)
📜 History & Background
・Opened in 1916 as a light railway for freight transport.
・Started regular passenger service in 1949 and became a beloved community line.
・Renamed “Ryūtetsu Co., Ltd.” in 2008 to reflect its modern identity.
・At only 5.7 km with six stations, it remains one of Japan’s shortest but most local railways serving daily life.
🌟 Highlights & Appeal
✅ 1. A Community-Based Everyday Line
Short station intervals connect residential neighborhoods and schools directly—vital for commuters and students.
✅ 2. One Easy Transfer to Central Tokyo
Direct connection at Mabashi to the JR Jōban Line for quick access to Matsudo, Kitasenju, Ueno and Tokyo.
✅ 3. Calm and Green Living Environment
The line runs through quiet suburbs where nature and housing blend harmoniously🌿.
✅ 4. Colorful Trains with Unique Nicknames
Each train set has a cute name and distinct color such as Nanohana (Yellow Canola), Wakaba (New Leaf), Aozora (Blue Sky), Ryūma, and Sakura — a local favorite🚃.
⚠️ Points to Consider
❌ 1. Short Line / Transfer Required
As a stand-alone route it doesn’t reach major centers; a transfer at Mabashi is necessary for city travel.
❌ 2. Limited Service Frequency
About 3–4 trains per hour midday; some waiting time depending on schedule.
❌ 3. No IC Cards Accepted
PASMO and Suica cannot be used (2025); paper tickets must be purchased at the station.
🧺 Living Environment (Ease of Living)
Transportation Access: ★★★☆☆ – Easy transfer to JR Jōban Line / one connection to central Tokyo
Shopping Convenience: ★★★★☆ – Supermarkets and drugstores around each station
Education: ★★★★☆ – Many elementary and junior high schools along the line
Nature & Surroundings: ★★★★★ – Close to Edo River and Tone Canal, ideal for walking and cycling🚴♀️
Safety: ★★★★★ – Calm residential areas with a low-crime atmosphere
🏠 Real Estate View (As of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1R–1K / 2LDK and larger)
Mabashi: ￥60,000–￥75,000 / ￥110,000–￥130,000 – Excellent connectivity via JR
Koya: ￥50,000–￥65,000 / ￥90,000–￥110,000 – Quiet neighborhood with good bus access
Kogane-jōshi: around ￥50,000 / ￥80,000–￥100,000 – Budget-friendly option
Hiregasaki–Nagareyama: around ￥50,000 / ￥85,000–￥105,000 – Family-oriented residential area
(Varies by building age, distance to station, parking, and facilities.)
🏘 Housing Trends
・Mix of traditional and new residential developments; mostly detached houses and low-rise apartments.
・Rents are generally affordable, offering good value for space and quiet.
・Nagareyama City is recognized as one of the best “family-friendly” areas in the Tokyo suburbs👨👩👧👦.
🚃 Transportation Summary
Section: Mabashi – Nagareyama / Travel time ≈ 12 min one way / Frequency: every 15–20 min depending on time of day
Main Connection: Mabashi → JR Jōban Line (local service) → to Matsudo ・ Kitasenju ・ Ueno ・ Tokyo
🎯 Best For
✅ Those who value a quiet, community-based lifestyle
✅ Families raising children close to nature
✅ Commuters who want simple access to Tokyo with only one transfer
✅ People seeking affordable, spacious housing
✅ Rail fans who love retro local trains and colorful designs
📌 Summary
The Ryūtetsu Nagareyama Line may be small in scale but big in comfort and community value.
Its short distance, quiet surroundings, low rents, and family-friendly environment make it a hidden gem for those seeking peaceful suburban living within reach of Tokyo.
Despite the lack of IC card support, it remains a reliable, charming local railway that keeps daily life running smoothly✨