🏛 Basic Information & Overview
Line Name: Sotetsu Izumino Line (相鉄いずみ野線)
Length: Approx. 11.3 km
Opened: 1976 (first section: Futamatagawa – Izumino)
Terminals: Futamatagawa Station (Asahi-ku, Yokohama) – Shonandai Station (Fujisawa City)
Stations: 7 (Futamatagawa, Minami-Makigahara, Ryokuen-Toshi, Yayoi-dai, Izumino, Izumi-Chuo, Yumegaoka, Shonandai)
Connecting Lines: Sotetsu Main Line / Odakyu Enoshima Line / Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line
📜 History & Background
・Opened in 1976 as a branch of the Sotetsu Main Line, built to support suburban housing development in western Yokohama and the Fujisawa area.
・Extended to Shonandai in 1999, linking with the Odakyu and Yokohama Subway lines.
・Known as one of the “well-planned suburban lines,” featuring carefully designed residential towns and balanced urban planning.
🌟 Highlights (Advantages)
✅ 1. Thoughtfully Designed Residential Areas
Ryokuen-Toshi, Yayoi-dai, and Izumino are beautifully arranged towns with parks, wide sidewalks, and good schools — ideal for families. 👨👩👧👦
✅ 2. Peaceful and Safe Living Environment
The line is quiet with few high-rise buildings or nightlife zones. It’s known for its calm and safe suburban atmosphere. 🌿
✅ 3. Excellent Access to Central Tokyo
Through the Sotetsu Main Line at Futamatagawa, you can reach Yokohama, Shibuya, and Shinjuku directly via the Sotetsu–Tokyu and Sotetsu–JR through services. 🚃
✅ 4. Great Connectivity at Shonandai
Connects to the Odakyu Enoshima Line and the Yokohama Subway Blue Line — making travel easy to Fujisawa, Machida, Yamato, and even Shinjuku.
⚠️ Points to Note (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Slightly Higher Fares
Sotetsu fares are somewhat higher compared to other private railways, so long-distance commuters may feel the cost.
❌ 2. Commute Time to Central Tokyo
Even with direct trains, it can take 40–60 minutes to reach major downtown areas such as Yokohama, Shibuya, or Shinjuku.
❌ 3. Limited Large-Scale Shopping Options
While daily shopping is convenient, there are fewer malls near the stations — most residents use cars for major shopping trips. 🚗
🧺 Living Environment (Ease of Living)
Transportation Access: ★★★★☆ – Direct to Tokyo / multiple connections at Shonandai
Shopping: ★★★☆☆ – Supermarkets and drugstores are plenty, but few shopping malls
Nature & Environment: ★★★★★ – Green parks and open streets for a relaxed suburban feel 🌳
Education & Childcare: ★★★★★ – Many schools and childcare facilities / family-friendly
Safety: ★★★★★ – Quiet, secure residential neighborhoods
🏠 Real-Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1K / 2LDK and up)
Ryokuen-Toshi: ￥60,000–￥75,000 / ￥110,000–￥140,000 – Calm, academic-style community
Yayoi-dai: ￥60,000–￥70,000 / ￥100,000–￥130,000 – Convenient with large supermarkets nearby
Izumi-Chuo: ￥55,000–￥65,000 / ￥100,000–￥120,000 – Surrounded by parks, ideal for families
Shonandai (adjacent): ￥70,000–￥90,000 / ￥120,000–￥150,000 – Top-tier access with multiple rail links
🏘 Housing Trends & Area Atmosphere
・Ryokuen-Toshi and Izumino are characterized by spacious detached homes and low-rise apartments.
・Recognized as one of Sotetsu’s representative “residential & educational zones.”
・New condominiums and subdivisions are increasing, attracting families and remote-work professionals.
🎯 Who the Izumino Line Suits Best
✅ Those who prefer a quiet, green neighborhood for peaceful living 🌿
✅ Families seeking strong education and childcare environments 👨👩👧👦
✅ People who value daily comfort over ultra-fast commuting 🏡
✅ Residents who own a car and enjoy suburban convenience 🚗
✅ Commuters who make the most of Sotetsu, Odakyu, and Subway lines 🚃
📌 Summary
The Sotetsu Izumino Line perfectly balances urban connectivity and a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
With direct trains to central Tokyo, safe and quiet neighborhoods, and abundant greenery, it’s a top choice for families and teleworkers.
As redevelopment continues, the Izumino Line area is becoming one of Yokohama’s most desirable residential corridors for modern suburban living. ✨