Hachiōji Station is one of the largest terminal stations in the western Tama area, served by the JR Chūō Line, Yokohama Line, and Hachikō Line. The Keio Line’s Keio-Hachiōji Station is also within walking distance, providing excellent multi-directional access.
With strong transportation links to Shinjuku, Yokohama, and Kawagoe, along with abundant commercial facilities and schools, Hachiōji is known as a city where you can live, work, and study comfortably.
🏛 1. Basic Information & History
Location: Asahi-cho, Hachiōji City, Tokyo
Served by:
JR Chūō Line (Rapid / Chūō Special Rapid)
JR Yokohama Line
JR Hachikō Line
Keio Line (Keio-Hachiōji Station nearby)
Opening Year: 1889 (Meiji 22)
🕰 Historical Highlights
Opened with the Kōbu Railway (now the Chūō Line) and prospered as a commercial city centered on the silk industry.
Today, it remains a major hub in western Tama, serving as a center for transportation, commerce, and government.
The station building “CELEO Hachiōji” incorporates parts of the former station structure and is now a symbolic landmark.
🌟 2. Strengths of Hachiōji
✅ 1. Excellent Access with Multiple Lines
Served by three JR lines and within walking distance to Keio-Hachiōji Station.
Direct access to Shinjuku (about 40 minutes), Yokohama, and Kawagoe.
Highly convenient for commuting in all directions: central Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa.
✅ 2. Exceptional Shopping Convenience Around the Station
CELEO Hachiōji offers fashion, restaurants, bookstores, daily goods, and a large food floor.
Additional major facilities nearby include Yodobashi Camera, Don Quijote, OPA, and Hachiōji Tokyu Square.
Daily necessities, weekend shopping, and dining can all be done within the station area.
✅ 3. Lively Local Shopping Streets
“Yuru Road Shopping Street” hosts many events and maintains strong community vibes.
Not only chain stores, but also many independent cafés, restaurants, and specialty shops.
✅ 4. A Strong Academic City
Home to multiple university campuses: Chuo University, Soka University, Kogakuin University, and more.
A concentration of preparatory schools and vocational schools makes it a student-oriented city.
Plenty of student-friendly eateries and rental properties.
⚠️ 3. Weaknesses & Points to Note
❌ 1. Some Concerns About Nighttime Safety
The station area includes entertainment districts where nighttime trouble and solicitations occur.
Those seeking a quiet environment may find station-front areas slightly noisy.
❌ 2. Fewer Stores Once You Move Away from the Station
Residential areas and hilly terrain spread out beyond the station, reducing shopping convenience.
Steeper slopes in some neighborhoods can make walking or cycling tiring.
❌ 3. As the Terminal of the Chūō Line, Congestion Can Be Severe
Being a starting point means you can sometimes get a seat, but morning rush-hour trains toward Shinjuku are very crowded.
Delays occur more easily and can affect the entire line.
🧺 4. Overall Living Convenience
Transportation: A major hub with JR + Keio, enabling smooth access to Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa.
Shopping: CELEO, Yodobashi, Don Quijote, and many supermarkets allow you to meet all daily needs easily.
Education: Multiple universities, prep schools, and family-friendly public facilities.
Medical: Numerous general hospitals and clinics around the station.
Entertainment: Movie theaters, bowling, karaoke, izakaya, and live music venues.
🏠 5. Real Estate View (2024 Rent Market)
💴 Monthly Rent Averages (approx.)
Studio / 1K:
¥58,000–¥68,000
1LDK–2DK:
¥80,000–¥105,000
2LDK–3LDK:
¥110,000–¥140,000
※ More affordable than Tachikawa or Kichijōji, offering great cost performance for the space.
🏘 Housing Characteristics
Near the station:
Many family-oriented condominiums and rental apartments with good convenience.
Farther from the station:
Detached houses and low-rise apartments dominate, ideal for families wanting a quiet environment.
Students:
A large supply of studio apartments with fast rental turnover.
🎯 6. Recommended For
✅ People who commute to central Tokyo but want daily life to be local and convenient
✅ Those who want many dining and shopping options nearby
✅ Individuals or families who want spacious rooms at reasonable rents
✅ Students who want campuses and schools nearby
✅ Families seeking both convenience and natural surroundings
📌 7. Summary
Hachiōji Station is the terminus of the Chūō Line and functions as a “mini city” with one of the most extensive urban infrastructures in the Tama region.
Excellent balance between city function and suburban comfort
Strong commercial, educational, and medical amenities
Affordable rents and a wide variety of housing options
While there are some concerns such as nightlife safety or hilly terrain,
the overall convenience and livability outweigh the drawbacks.
Hachiōji is a highly attractive option for singles, students, couples, and families alike.