🏛 Basic Information & Overview
Line Name: Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line (相鉄新横浜線)
Operator: Sagami Railway (Sotetsu)
Opened: Nov 30, 2019 (Nishiya – Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai) / Mar 18, 2023 (Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai – Shin-Yokohama)
Route: Nishiya (Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama) → Shin-Yokohama (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama)
Length: Approx. 6.3 km (entirely underground)
Connections: Shin-Yokohama – Tokaido Shinkansen / JR Yokohama Line / Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line / Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line (direct access to Meguro & Toyoko Lines)
📜 History & Background
・The Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line is part of a long-term project to connect Sotetsu directly to central Tokyo.
・The development was carried out in two stages: the Sotetsu–JR Direct Line (opened in 2019) and the Sotetsu–Tokyu Direct Line (opened in 2023).
・This connection allows through-train service from western Kanagawa (such as Ebina and Futamatagawa) directly to Meguro, Shibuya, Shinjuku-sanchome, and Ikebukuro—significantly improving access for commuters and travelers.
🚉 Major Stations & Connections
Nishiya: Junction with the Sotetsu Main Line toward Yokohama
Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai: Built on the JR freight line / Nearest station to Yokohama National University
Shin-Yokohama: Transfers to the Shinkansen, JR Yokohama Line, Blue Line, and Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line
🌟 Highlights (Advantages)
✅ 1. Direct Access to Central Tokyo
One-train connection to key hubs such as Futako-Tamagawa, Meguro, Shibuya, Shinjuku-sanchome, and Ikebukuro — saving both time and transfers.
✅ 2. Convenient Access to Shin-Yokohama Station
Now even passengers from the Sotetsu area can easily use the Shinkansen and reach regional destinations with ease.
✅ 3. Active Redevelopment Along the Line
Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai and Shin-Yokohama areas are undergoing rapid redevelopment, bringing new residential and commercial projects that boost the area’s value.
✅ 4. Direct Connection with Tokyu Lines
Through service via the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line provides seamless travel across the Meguro and Toyoko Lines — enhancing convenience across the Tokyo–Kanagawa network.
⚠️ Points to Note (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Limited Service Frequency
Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai currently has about 4–6 trains per hour during daytime; checking schedules is recommended.
❌ 2. Ongoing Urban Development
The area around Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai is still developing and has fewer shops or amenities than established districts.
❌ 3. Slightly Higher Fares
Fares on the Sotetsu network are relatively higher compared to other suburban lines, which may be noticeable for long-distance commuters.
🧺 Living Environment (Ease of Living)
Transportation: ★★★★★ – Direct access to central Tokyo and Shinkansen connections
Shopping: ★★★☆☆ – Excellent in Shin-Yokohama / Limited in Hazawa area
Education & Healthcare: ★★★★☆ – Convenient access to universities and hospitals
Nature & Scenery: ★★★☆☆ – Quiet neighborhoods with some greenery in Nishiya and Hazawa
Safety: ★★★★☆ – Calm and stable residential areas
🏠 Real Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1K / Family 2LDK–):
Nishiya: ￥60,000–￥80,000 / ￥110,000–￥130,000 – Rising popularity with Sotetsu Main Line connection
Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai: ￥55,000–￥70,000 / ￥100,000–￥120,000 – Affordable with growth potential
Shin-Yokohama: ￥80,000–￥100,000 / ￥130,000–￥160,000 – Excellent access & full urban convenience
Varies by property age, distance from station, and amenities.
🏘 Housing Trends & Neighborhood Vibes
・Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai: Quiet residential zone with high potential for value growth as development continues.
・Nishiya: Well-established community with schools, supermarkets, and hospitals — ideal for families.
・Shin-Yokohama: Ongoing redevelopment; high-rise apartments and condominiums popular with professionals and expats.
🎯 Best Suited For
✅ Commuters from western Kanagawa (Ebina, Futamatagawa, etc.) seeking faster access to Tokyo
✅ Frequent travelers who often use Shin-Yokohama Station for the Shinkansen
✅ Property buyers and investors focused on emerging redevelopment areas
✅ Families looking for quiet yet well-connected residential neighborhoods
📌 Summary
The Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line is a transformative link that bridges western Kanagawa with central Tokyo and the Shinkansen network.
Combining urban access, redevelopment growth, and everyday convenience, it offers strong potential for both living and investment.
Whether for commuting, business, or lifestyle, this new line is shaping the future of Yokohama’s residential appeal ✨