🏛 Basic Information & Overview
Official Name: Saitama New Urban Transit Ina Line (commonly known as “New Shuttle”)
Opened: 1983
Route Length: approx. 12.7 km
Terminals: Ōmiya – Uchijuku (Saitama City to Ina Town)
Stations: 13
System Type: Rubber-tired automated guideway transit (AGT)
Operator: Saitama New Urban Transit Co., Ltd. (Third-sector company)
📜 History & Background
・Opened in 1983 beneath the elevated tracks of the Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines.
・Originally built to fill a transportation gap in northern Saitama and support suburban new-town development.
・Now serves as a vital connector between residential areas, schools, hospitals, and industrial zones.
・Acts as the “first mile” for many residents heading to the Tokyo metropolitan area via Ōmiya.
🚉 Main Stations & Highlights
Ōmiya: A major terminal with JR lines, Shinkansen, and private railways — perfect for easy transfers.
Tetsudō-Hakubutsukan (Railway Museum): Access to the popular museum, great for families.
Kamonomiya / Higashi-Miyahara / Imaba: Quiet residential neighborhoods with good living environments.
Hanikku / Ina-Chūō / Uchijuku: Core areas of Ina Town, with schools, hospitals, and family housing nearby.
🌟 Advantages (Merits)
✅ 1. Excellent Transfers at Ōmiya
Direct connection to JR lines, Shinkansen, and private railways — easy travel to Tokyo or throughout Saitama.
✅ 2. Calm Residential Coverage
The line weaves through peaceful suburban communities, ideal for daily commutes.
✅ 3. Convenient for Education & Tourism
Serves key destinations like the Railway Museum, Ina Gakuen High School, and medical centers.
✅ 4. Simple, Frequent Operation
Trains run roughly every 10–15 minutes during the day — easy to use and stress-free.
⚠️ Points to Note (Demerits)
❌ 1. Fares Slightly Higher
Compared with JR or major private railways, fares feel a bit expensive for the distance.
❌ 2. Fewer Trains During Off-Peak Hours
Outside morning and evening rush times, service is about 4–6 trains per hour.
❌ 3. Short Line, Transfer Required
The line ends at Uchijuku, so travelers must transfer to reach wider areas.
❌ 4. Morning Congestion Toward Ōmiya
Rush-hour trains toward the city can get crowded with commuters and students.
🧺 Living Environment (Ease of Living)
Transportation Access: ★★★☆☆ — Convenient to central Tokyo via Ōmiya, but transfers are required.
Shopping: ★★★☆☆ — Large facilities at Ōmiya; smaller neighborhood shops elsewhere.
Nature & Scenery: ★★★★☆ — Quiet suburban landscapes with greenery and open space 🌿
Education & Child-Raising: ★★★★☆ — Many schools and hospitals along the route; safe commute paths.
Safety: ★★★★★ — Calm residential areas with low crime and strong community ties.
🏠 Real Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1K / 2LDK or larger)
Ōmiya: ￥75,000–￥100,000 / ￥130,000–￥180,000 — Prime urban access and amenities.
Railway Museum Area: ￥60,000–￥70,000 / ￥110,000–￥140,000 — Balanced lifestyle near attractions.
Kamonomiya–Imaba: ￥55,000–￥65,000 / ￥100,000–￥120,000 — Quiet residential neighborhoods.
Hanikku–Uchijuku: ￥50,000–￥60,000 / ￥90,000–￥110,000 — Affordable, family-friendly areas.
Prices vary by building age, distance to station, and facilities.
🏘 Residential Trends & Atmosphere
・Northern area (Maruyama / Shiku / Ina-Chūō / Hanikku / Uchijuku): Detached homes and low-rise apartments dominate; spacious and budget-friendly.
・Railway Museum–Kamonomiya area: Close to Ōmiya, offering both convenience and calm.
・Overall: A classic “bed-town” vibe, popular among families, remote workers, and retirees.
🎯 Best Suited For
✅ Commuters working in Tokyo or Ōmiya
✅ Families seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle
✅ People who frequently visit the Railway Museum or Ōmiya area
✅ Residents preferring car-free living (walk, bike, or train)
✅ Families who want affordable rent and a green environment
📌 Summary
The New Shuttle is a compact yet powerful link connecting suburban Saitama to Ōmiya’s major hub.
Despite its short distance, it offers high convenience, peaceful surroundings, and affordable housing options — perfect for those balancing city access with suburban comfort.
For commuters, families, and retirees alike, this line delivers a simple, safe, and pleasant daily ride✨