The JR Itsukaichi Line connects Haijima Station to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station over a short 11.1 km route.
Although located within Tokyo, the line runs through an area blessed with abundant nature.
It serves both as a commuter line and as a gateway to popular outdoor destinations such as Akigawa Valley and Hinohara Village.
This is a unique line where you can enjoy both daily convenience and a peaceful, spacious lifestyle surrounded by greenery.
🏛 1. Basic Information & History
Line name: JR East Itsukaichi Line
Reading: Itsukaichi-sen
Line color: Green (same system as the Hachikō Line & Ōme Line)
Length: 11.1 km
Number of stations: 8
Terminals: Haijima Station ⇄ Musashi-Itsukaichi Station
Opened: 1925 (originally as the Itsukaichi Railway)
Operations: Entirely single-track / All trains are local
Through service: Some trains run directly to the Ōme Line and Chūō Line Rapid toward central Tokyo
📜 Historical Background
Opened in 1925 as the Itsukaichi Railway, serving local residents and tourists.
Nationalized after WWII, then expanded into a suburban commuter route together with the Ōme and Hachikō Lines.
Today, it is used for commuting, schooling, and especially for hiking, sightseeing, and hot-spring trips in western Tokyo.
🌟 2. Advantages of the Itsukaichi Line
✅ 1. Green scenery and fresh suburban air
The line passes through tranquil countryside and satoyama landscapes that don’t feel like Tokyo at all.
Musashi-Itsukaichi Station is the gateway to Akigawa Valley, Hinohara Village, waterfalls, mountains, and outdoor spots.
✅ 2. Better commuting convenience than expected
At Haijima Station, passengers can transfer to the Ōme Line, Hachikō Line, and Seibu Haijima Line.
Some trains operate through service to the Chūō Line Rapid, enabling direct access to central Tokyo.
✅ 3. Calm station areas with excellent safety
Each station area is centered around local shopping streets and residential zones.
Quiet neighborhoods with low crime rates make it a comfortable choice for families.
✅ 4. Far more affordable housing compared to central Tokyo
Rents and land prices are often half or less of central Tokyo.
With the same budget, you can secure larger living spaces, detached homes, and nature-rich surroundings.
⚠️ 3. Disadvantages of the Line
❌ 1. Low train frequency
Daytime service runs only 2–3 trains per hour.
Missing a train may mean waiting 20–30 minutes.
❌ 2. Early last trains & slow recovery from delays
Being a single-track line, disruptions take longer to resolve.
Last trains depart earlier compared to central Tokyo railways.
❌ 3. Limited shopping and medical facilities
Basic supermarkets and local stores exist, but no major malls or large hospitals.
Residents often rely on Haijima, Akishima, or Hachiōji for serious shopping or medical needs.
🧺 4. Everyday Convenience (Line Evaluation)
Transportation: ★★☆☆☆
Direct service to Tokyo is available, but train frequency is limited.
Shopping: ★★☆☆☆
Adequate for daily needs; specialty stores and malls are few.
Child-rearing Environment: ★★★★☆
Ideal for raising children in nature with sufficient schools and parks.
Nature & Scenery: ★★★★★
Featuring valleys, rivers, mountains, and hot springs—excellent natural assets.
Safety: ★★★★★
Very low crime rate and calm residential environment.
🏠 5. Real Estate Perspective (2025 Rent Estimates)
💴 Rent Prices by Station (Monthly)
Haijima
1R / 1K: ¥55,000–¥70,000
Family-sized (2LDK+): ¥90,000–¥120,000
High convenience with multiple lines; good value.
Higashi-Akiru
1R / 1K: ¥50,000–¥65,000
Family-sized: ¥85,000–¥110,000
Quiet area surrounded by nature.
Akigawa
1R / 1K: ¥55,000–¥70,000
Family-sized: ¥90,000–¥120,000
Best convenience on the line with shops, public offices, and clinics.
Musashi-Itsukaichi
1R / 1K: ¥50,000–¥65,000
Family-sized: ¥80,000–¥110,000
Close to sightseeing spots, hot springs, and second-home demand.
🏘 Housing Characteristics
Mostly detached houses and low-rise apartments; virtually no high-rise condos.
Renovated resale homes and spacious new builds are significantly cheaper than in central Tokyo.
Many properties support gardening, DIY, and home vegetable growing, appealing to outdoor-oriented families.
🎯 6. Who the Itsukaichi Line Is Ideal For
Those who want a quiet life surrounded by nature
People working in Tokyo who prioritize living environment over short commute
Families seeking larger land or detached homes at affordable prices
Outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, fishing, camping, or river activities
📌 7. Summary
The JR Itsukaichi Line offers something rare within Tokyo:
a nature-rich environment, spacious homes, affordability, and a calm lifestyle.
While the line has challenges—such as low train frequency and fewer commercial facilities—
its advantages in living comfort, nature access, and cost performance are compelling.
If you value a richer, more relaxed lifestyle over minimizing commute time,
the Itsukaichi Line area is a highly attractive choice.