🏛 Basic Information & Overview
Line Name: Sotetsu Main Line (相鉄本線)
Operator: Sagami Railway (Sotetsu)
Route Length: approx. 24.6 km
Terminals: Yokohama – Ebina
Number of Stations: 18 (all in Kanagawa Prefecture)
Through-Services: JR Lines (to Shinjuku, Shibuya) / Tokyu Lines (to Shibuya, Meguro)
Train Types: Local, Rapid, Commuter Express, Limited Express

📜 History & Background
・Opened in 1917 as the Jinchu Railway between Atsugi and Futamatagawa.
・Merged with Sagami Railway and expanded as the company’s core route.
・Between the 1960s and 1980s, double-tracking and elevation projects supported Yokohama’s urban growth.
・In 2019, the Sotetsu–JR Direct Line opened, providing direct service to central Tokyo.
・In 2023, the Sotetsu–Tokyu Direct Line via Shin-Yokohama began, offering through trains to the Tokyu Toyoko and Meguro Lines.

🚉 Key Stations & Features
Yokohama: Major terminal with many transfer options and the city’s largest shopping areas.
Futamatagawa: Junction for the Izumino Line / nearest to Kanagawa Driver’s License Center.
Yamato: Connected with the Odakyu Enoshima Line / one of the busiest stations.
Ebina: Hub for Odakyu and JR Sagami Lines / surrounded by large shopping malls.

🌟 Highlights & Advantages
✅ 1. Direct Connections to Central Tokyo
One-seat rides to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Meguro — drastically improving commuting convenience.

✅ 2. Excellent Residential Environment for Families
Neighborhoods like Futamatagawa, Kibogaoka, and Seya combine greenery, quiet surroundings, and good access.

✅ 3. Ongoing Station-Area Redevelopment
Major projects at Yokohama’s west exit and around Ebina Station (Lalaport, Vina Walk) enhance everyday convenience.

✅ 4. Multiple Train Categories for Flexible Travel
Limited Express, Rapid, and Local services help spread out peak-hour crowds efficiently.

⚠️ Points to Note (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Fares Can Be Relatively High
When combining Sotetsu fares with JR or Tokyu through-services, total commuting costs may increase.

❌ 2. Heavy Congestion During Morning Rush Hours
Trains bound for central Tokyo are often crowded, and seats can be hard to find.

❌ 3. Uneven Development Between Stations
While some areas are fully redeveloped, others retain older, quieter station fronts.

🧺 Living Environment (Ease of Living)
Transportation Access: ★★★★★ – Seamless links to central Tokyo via JR and Tokyu lines
Shopping: ★★★★☆ – Large malls in Yokohama and Ebina / daily stores near residential stations
Education & Childcare: ★★★★☆ – Many local schools and stable commuting routes for students
Nature & Parks: ★★★★☆ – Suburban areas with greenery and calm living spaces 🌿
Safety: ★★★★☆ – Generally peaceful residential communities

🏠 Real-Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1K / Family 2LDK+)
Yokohama: ¥90,000–¥130,000 / ¥170,000–¥250,000 – Excellent city access and facilities
Nishi-Yokohama & Tennocho: ¥60,000–¥80,000 / ¥120,000–¥150,000 – Local charm near downtown
Futamatagawa: ¥60,000–¥75,000 / ¥110,000–¥140,000 – Key junction with rising popularity
Kibogaoka: ¥55,000–¥65,000 / ¥100,000–¥120,000 – Quiet, good value for money
Ebina: ¥65,000–¥85,000 / ¥120,000–¥160,000 – Family-friendly area with many shopping malls
Rents vary by property age, distance to station, facilities, and parking availability.

🏘 Housing Trends & Neighborhood Character
・The mid-section (Futamatagawa–Seya) features many detached homes and family-oriented low-rise apartments.
・Property prices are relatively stable within Yokohama City, attracting suburban movers.
・Ebina is undergoing redevelopment with new condominiums and tower apartments.

🚃 Transportation Overview
Yokohama: major hub / Futamatagawa: junction with Izumino Line / Yamato: connection to Odakyu Enoshima Line / Ebina: linked with Odakyu and JR Sagami Lines
Through-service: JR Direct Line to Shinjuku & Shibuya / Tokyu Direct Line via Shin-Yokohama to Toyoko & Meguro Lines
Approximate travel time: Yokohama – Ebina about 30 minutes (depending on train type and time of day)

🎯 Best Suited For
✅ Commuters traveling from western Kanagawa to central Tokyo with minimal transfers
✅ Families seeking quiet, safe residential neighborhoods
✅ Residents who value balance among shopping, nature, and transport convenience
✅ People preferring a car-free lifestyle near stations
✅ Buyers focusing on future property value and redevelopment potential

📌 Summary
The Sotetsu Main Line has evolved from a “local suburban railway” into a key metropolitan route with direct access to Tokyo.
Its calm suburban scenery, family-friendly housing, and expanding urban redevelopment make it a line where convenience and comfort coexist.
With continued growth in station areas and stronger city links, the Sotetsu Main Line stands out as one of Kanagawa’s most promising residential corridors ✨