Tama Area (Tachikawa, Hachiōji, Mitaka, Fuchū, etc. outside the 23 wards) Station & Area Guide Information
🚉 Takao Station Guide｜A Peaceful Town Where Nature and Convenience Coexist
Takao Station is a key transportation hub served by the JR Chūō Line, JR Chūō Main Line, and the JR Takao Line (Keio Line). It offers a rare blend of rich natural surroundings and smooth access to central Tokyo, making it a popular residential area. It is also widely known as the gateway to Mt. Takao, one of Tokyo’s leading tourist and hiking destinations. 🏛 1. Basic Information & History Location: Takao-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo Lines Served: JR Chūō Line JR Chūō Main Line JR Takao Line (Keio Line) Opened: August 1, 1901 🕰 Historical Highlights Originally opened as the terminal station of the Chūō Main Line, and still functions as a terminal for Chūō Line trains arriving from central Tokyo Developed as a major JR × private railway transfer station with the Keio Line connection Famous as the nearest station to Mt. Takao, a globally recognized sightseeing and hiking spot 🌟 2. Advantages of Living Near Takao Station ✅ 1. Rich Nature & Clean Air Mt. Takao, the Tama Forest Science Garden, and the Asakawa River are all close by Ideal for those wanting to escape the noise of the city and live closer to nature ✅ 2. Dual…
🚉 Nishi-Hachioji Station Guide｜A Quiet, Comfortable, and Affordable Residential Area
Nishi-Hachioji Station, served by the JR Chuo Line (Rapid), is a calm and residential-oriented area. While it may not be flashy, the quiet streets, affordable rent levels, and smooth access to Shinjuku and Tokyo make it increasingly popular among both families and single residents looking for a peaceful lifestyle. 🏛 1. Basic Information & History Location: Sennincho, Hachioji City, Tokyo Line: JR Chuo Line (Rapid) Opened: April 1, 1939 (Showa 14) Historical Highlights: Established as a mid-point station between Hachioji and Takao during the expansion of residential areas along the Chuo Line. Has long been a local station supporting residential neighborhoods on the west side of Hachioji City. The surrounding area still retains retro-style shopping streets, offering a nostalgic local atmosphere. 🌟 2. Merits (What’s Good) ① A Quiet and Comfortable Residential Area Detached houses and low-rise apartments dominate the area, creating a peaceful and pleasant living environment. It is especially popular among families and seniors seeking a calm neighborhood. ② Good Access to Major Stations Hachioji Station is just one stop away—about 3 minutes by train. You can reach Shinjuku directly in about 55 minutes, making commuting to central Tokyo entirely feasible. ③ Excellent Educational Environment There are many…
🚉 Hachiōji Station Guide｜A “Mini City” with Excellent Convenience in Western Tama
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…
🚉 Hino Station Guide｜A Quiet, Nature-Rich Residential Area with Excellent Access
Hino Station on the JR Chūō Line offers a calm residential environment surrounded by nature and history. With the Tama River, Asakawa River, and historic sites related to the Shinsengumi in the area, the station is gaining popularity among people who want a peaceful lifestyle without giving up convenient access to central Tokyo. 🏛 1. Basic Information & History Location • Osakami 1-chome, Hino City, Tokyo Line • JR Chūō Line (Rapid) Opened • 1890 (Meiji 23) 🕰 Historical Highlights • Opened along the former Kōbu Railway (now the Chūō Line). • The station’s construction was made possible thanks to donations from local residents. • Relocated to its current site in 1937 when the Chūō Line was double-tracked. • The area preserves strong historical ties, including the former residence of Hijikata Toshizō and the old ferry site on the Tama River. 🌟 2. Strengths of Hino Station ✅ 1. Surrounded by Nature and History • The Tama River and Asakawa River provide lush natural scenery. • Walking and cycling paths are well-developed—perfect for relaxing weekends. • Known as the “Hometown of the Shinsengumi,” it offers plenty for history lovers. ✅ 2. Excellent Access via the Chūō Line • Around 30…
🚉 Kokuritsu Station Area Guide｜A Refined, Academic, and Beautiful Residential Town
Kokuritsu Station, served by the JR Chūō Line (Rapid), is known for its elegant atmosphere, academic character, and beautifully planned streets. Although the kanji are taken from Kokubunji and Tachikawa, the station name is officially pronounced “Kokuritsu.” The area has grown as an academic hub centered around Hitotsubashi University and continues to attract families who value education and a calm lifestyle. 🏛 1. Basic Information & History Location: Kita 1-chome, Kokuritsu City, Tokyo Line: JR Chūō Line (Rapid only) Opened: April 1, 1926 (Taishō 15) 🕰 Historical Background The name “Kokuritsu” comes from combining the characters of nearby Kokubunji and Tachikawa, but it is read Kokuritsu, not “Kunitachi.” The station was conceived as part of an early academic city plan centered around Hitotsubashi University. The iconic red triangular-roofed station building (restored) is considered a symbol of Kokuritsu. 🌟 2. Advantages of Living in Kokuritsu ✅ 1. Beautiful Academic Scenery The famous University Avenue stretches straight from the station, lined with cherry blossoms and ginkgo trees. Seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in autumn—enhances the refined feel of the city. The town is well-maintained and has a quiet, elegant atmosphere. ✅ 2. High Educational & Cultural Environment Home to Hitotsubashi…
🚉 Kokubunji Station Guide｜A “Well-Balanced Hub” Connecting Central Tokyo and the Tama Area
Kokubunji Station is a major transportation hub in western Tokyo, served by both the JR Chūō Line and Seibu Railway. Located between central Tokyo and the Tama region, it combines strong urban convenience with rich greenery, traditional temples, and a calm residential atmosphere. Recent redevelopment has also boosted its comfort and livability. 🏛️ 1. Basic Information & History Location: Honcho, Kokubunji City, Tokyo Lines Served: JR Chūō Line (Rapid & Chūō Special Rapid stop) JR Chūō–Sōbu Line (Local) Seibu Kokubunji Line (starting point) Seibu Tamako Line (starting point) 🕰 Historical Background Opened: 1889 as a station on the Kōbu Railway The station name originates from the ancient Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple, built in the Nara period. As the starting station of two Seibu lines, it developed into an important transportation hub of western Tokyo. 🌟 2. Advantages of Kokubunji Station ✅ 1. Excellent hub position between central Tokyo and Tama Chūō Special Rapid trains stop here, approx. 25 min to Shinjuku approx. 35 min to Tokyo As the origin station of two Seibu lines (Kokubunji Line & Tamako Line), the station offers smooth access to Kodaira, Higashi-Murayama, and surrounding suburbs. Ideal for people who need to travel frequently in both directions.…
🚉 Musashi-Sakai Station Guide｜A Calm Residential Area with Excellent Access to Central Tokyo
Musashi-Sakai Station offers a great balance of urban accessibility and a quiet, comfortable residential environment. Served by the JR Chūō Line and the Seibu Tamagawa Line, it provides smooth access to central Tokyo as well as the Tama region. With its strong convenience, greenery, and family-friendly atmosphere, the station is popular among both single residents and families. 🏛 1. Basic Information & History Location: Sakai / Sakai Minami, Musashino City, Tokyo Lines Served: ・JR Chūō Line (Rapid / Local) ・Seibu Tamagawa Line (terminus) Opening: April 11, 1889 (as “Sakai Station”) Renamed: July 1, 1919 (to avoid confusion with other “Sakai” stations) 📜 Historical Highlights ・Opened in 1889 under Kōbu Railway, leading surrounding farmlands to begin their transformation into residential areas. ・In 1917, the Tama Railway (now Seibu Tamagawa Line) opened, making Musashi-Sakai its starting point. ・Renamed “Musashi-Sakai Station” in 1919. ・Today, it is widely recognized as one of the most comfortable, calm residential stations along the Chūō Line. 🌟 2. Benefits of Living Around Musashi-Sakai ✅ 1. Excellent Access to Central Tokyo & Tama Area ・About 25 min to Shinjuku and 35 min to Tokyo Station via the JR Chūō Line. ・The Seibu Tamagawa Line provides convenient access to the…
🚉 Kichijoji Station Guide｜One of Tokyo’s Most Desirable and Well-Balanced Neighborhoods
Kichijoji Station is a highly popular hub served by the JR Chuo Line, JR Chuo–Sobu Line, and the Keio Inokashira Line. Frequently ranked at the top of “Most Livable Neighborhoods,” it offers a remarkable balance of nature, commerce, and culture. It is beloved by people who want to enjoy both weekdays and weekends in a vibrant yet comfortable environment. 🏛 1. Basic Information & History Location: Kichijoji Minami-cho / Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo Lines: JR Chuo Line (Rapid) JR Chuo–Sobu Line (Local) Keio Inokashira Line Opened: December 30, 1899 Area Profile: A consistently top-ranked residential area in Tokyo A well-balanced “total town” offering parks, shopping centers, culture, and residential comfort 🕰 2. Historical Highlights In the Edo era, temples and religious sites existed around today’s Inokashira Park, forming the early foundation of the area. During the Meiji period, the development of the Chuo Line and Inokashira Line led to rapid growth as a residential and commercial district. From the Showa era onward, the city developed into a major hub in western Tokyo, blending large shopping complexes with calm residential zones. It has evolved into a neighborhood where daily life and tourism coexist, thanks to spots like Inokashira Park, the…
🏞 What is the Tama Area? — A region where nature and urban life coexist in perfect balance —
📍 Overview The Tama Area refers to the municipalities located outside Tokyo’s 23 central wards, including cities such as Tachikawa, Hachioji, Mitaka, and Fuchu. Covering nearly two-thirds of Tokyo’s total land area, this vast region offers a rare harmony between natural surroundings and urban convenience, making it one of the most desirable residential zones for those seeking both comfort and space. 🗾 Origin of the Name The name “Tama” has been used since ancient times and appears in historical records as a long-standing geographical term. Today, it generally refers to the western part of Tokyo, outside the 23 wards. Administratively, it is called the “Tama Region,” and in the real estate industry, the term often means the main suburban cities surrounding central Tokyo. 🚆 Transportation Access The Tama Area boasts excellent rail connectivity, allowing easy commuting to central Tokyo. JR Chuo Line (Shinjuku – Tachikawa – Hachioji – Takao) Keio Line (Shinjuku – Chofu – Fuchu – Takaosanguchi) Seibu Lines (Kokubunji, Tanashi, Higashimurayama, Tokorozawa areas) Odakyu Line (Shinjuku – Machida – Tama Center) Especially Tachikawa and Hachioji serve as major terminals, with rapid and express trains offering direct, fast access to the city center. 🏙 City Highlights Tachikawa City The…