Station & Area Guide Information
🚃 Sotetsu Main Line — Connecting Yokohama and Ebina, a Smart Balance of City Access and Suburban Comfort
🏛 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 —…
🚃 Sotetsu Izumino Line — A Calm, Well-Planned Suburban Route Balancing City Access and Peaceful Living
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Line Name: Sotetsu Izumino Line (相鉄いずみ野線) Length: Approx. 11.3 km Opened: 1976 (first section: Futamatagawa – Izumino) Terminals: Futamatagawa Station (Asahi-ku, Yokohama) – Shonandai Station (Fujisawa City) Stations: 7 (Futamatagawa, Minami-Makigahara, Ryokuen-Toshi, Yayoi-dai, Izumino, Izumi-Chuo, Yumegaoka, Shonandai) Connecting Lines: Sotetsu Main Line / Odakyu Enoshima Line / Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line 📜 History & Background ・Opened in 1976 as a branch of the Sotetsu Main Line, built to support suburban housing development in western Yokohama and the Fujisawa area. ・Extended to Shonandai in 1999, linking with the Odakyu and Yokohama Subway lines. ・Known as one of the “well-planned suburban lines,” featuring carefully designed residential towns and balanced urban planning. 🌟 Highlights (Advantages) ✅ 1. Thoughtfully Designed Residential Areas Ryokuen-Toshi, Yayoi-dai, and Izumino are beautifully arranged towns with parks, wide sidewalks, and good schools — ideal for families. 👨👩👧👦 ✅ 2. Peaceful and Safe Living Environment The line is quiet with few high-rise buildings or nightlife zones. It’s known for its calm and safe suburban atmosphere. 🌿 ✅ 3. Excellent Access to Central Tokyo Through the Sotetsu Main Line at Futamatagawa, you can reach Yokohama, Shibuya, and Shinjuku directly via the Sotetsu–Tokyu and Sotetsu–JR through…
🚆 Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line — The New Gateway Connecting Western Kanagawa and Central Tokyo
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Line Name: Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line (相鉄新横浜線) Operator: Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) Opened: Nov 30, 2019 (Nishiya – Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai) / Mar 18, 2023 (Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai – Shin-Yokohama) Route: Nishiya (Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama) → Shin-Yokohama (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama) Length: Approx. 6.3 km (entirely underground) Connections: Shin-Yokohama – Tokaido Shinkansen / JR Yokohama Line / Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line / Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line (direct access to Meguro & Toyoko Lines) 📜 History & Background ・The Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line is part of a long-term project to connect Sotetsu directly to central Tokyo. ・The development was carried out in two stages: the Sotetsu–JR Direct Line (opened in 2019) and the Sotetsu–Tokyu Direct Line (opened in 2023). ・This connection allows through-train service from western Kanagawa (such as Ebina and Futamatagawa) directly to Meguro, Shibuya, Shinjuku-sanchome, and Ikebukuro—significantly improving access for commuters and travelers. 🚉 Major Stations & Connections Nishiya: Junction with the Sotetsu Main Line toward Yokohama Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai: Built on the JR freight line / Nearest station to Yokohama National University Shin-Yokohama: Transfers to the Shinkansen, JR Yokohama Line, Blue Line, and Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line 🌟 Highlights (Advantages) ✅ 1. Direct Access to Central Tokyo One-train connection to key…
🚃 Ryūtetsu Nagareyama Line — A Compact Local Train Connecting Quiet Living and City Access
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Official Name: Ryūtetsu Nagareyama Line Line Length: approx. 5.7 km / Section: Mabashi – Nagareyama Stations: 6 (Mabashi, Koya, Kogane-jōshi, Hiregasaki, Heiwadai, Nagareyama) Operator: Ryūtetsu Co., Ltd. (formerly Sōbu Nagareyama Electric Railway) Opened: 1916 (Taishō era) Area Served: Matsudo City – Nagareyama City (Chiba Prefecture) Connection: JR Jōban Line at Mabashi Station Service Time: about 11–12 minutes end-to-end / approx. 20-minute intervals in daytime, 15 minutes at rush hours IC Card Use: Not supported (ticket purchase required) 📜 History & Background ・Opened in 1916 as a light railway for freight transport. ・Started regular passenger service in 1949 and became a beloved community line. ・Renamed “Ryūtetsu Co., Ltd.” in 2008 to reflect its modern identity. ・At only 5.7 km with six stations, it remains one of Japan’s shortest but most local railways serving daily life. 🌟 Highlights & Appeal ✅ 1. A Community-Based Everyday Line Short station intervals connect residential neighborhoods and schools directly—vital for commuters and students. ✅ 2. One Easy Transfer to Central Tokyo Direct connection at Mabashi to the JR Jōban Line for quick access to Matsudo, Kitasenju, Ueno and Tokyo. ✅ 3. Calm and Green Living Environment The line runs through quiet…
🚆 Keisei Chihara Line — A Quiet, Family-Friendly Railway Connecting Central Chiba and New Residential Towns
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Official Name: Keisei Electric Railway – Keisei Chihara Line Route: Chiba-Chuo → Chiharadai / Distance: approx. 10.9 km Stations: 7 Operator: Keisei Electric Railway (Keisei Group) Opened: 1992 (current section fully completed) Connections: Keisei Chiba Line / JR Lines and Chiba Urban Monorail (at Chiba-Chuo & Keisei-Chiba) IC Cards: PASMO / Suica accepted 📜 History & Background ・Originally opened in 1988 by Chiba Kyuko Railway between Chiba-Chuo and Oyumino. ・Extended to Chiharadai in 1992 to support new suburban development projects in southern Chiba. ・Merged into Keisei Electric Railway in 2000 and renamed Keisei Chihara Line. ・Now functions as a suburban connector line feeding into the Keisei main network toward Tokyo. 🚉 Operations & Features ・Through service from Chiba-Chuo via Keisei Chiba Line to Keisei-Tsudanuma and central Tokyo. ・Runs every 10–15 minutes during the day / more frequently during rush hours. ・Primarily a commuter and residential line serving daily life needs. 🌟 Highlights (Merits) ✅ 1. Direct access to modern residential areas Oyumino and Chiharadai feature wide roads, spacious parks, and large shopping malls—ideal for families. ✅ 2. Convenient access to central Tokyo Through the Keisei Chiba and Keisei Main Lines, passengers can reach Ueno, Oshiage,…
🚄 Keisei Narita Sky Access Line — The Fastest Gateway Between Tokyo and Narita Airport ✈️
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Line Name: Keisei Narita Airport Line (commonly known as the Narita Sky Access Line) Operator: Keisei Electric Railway (infrastructure owned by Narita Rapid Rail Access Co., Ltd.) Opened: July 17, 2010 Total Distance: approx. 51.4 km (Keisei-Takasago → Narita Airport) Stations: 8 (Keisei-Takasago / Higashi-Matsudo / Shin-Kamagaya / Chiba-New-Town-Chuo / Inba-Nihon-Idai / Narita-Yukawa / Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport) Connections: Hokuso Line・Keisei Main Line・Toei Asakusa Line・JR Lines Top Speed: 160 km/h (operated by the Skyliner) 📜 History & Background ・In the early 2000s, a new high-speed route was planned to link central Tokyo and Narita Airport. ・The project connected the Hokuso Line directly to Narita Airport, greatly improving travel time. ・Opened in 2010 together with the debut of the Skyliner, cutting the Nippori – Narita Airport trip to about 36 minutes — one of the fastest airport links in Japan. 🚆 Service Pattern & Operation ・Two main train types: 🚄 Skyliner – Reserved-seat limited express with Wi-Fi, large luggage space, and quiet, comfortable cars. 🚃 Access Express – Regular commuter train (no surcharge) running through to downtown Tokyo via the Toei Asakusa Line. ・Shares tracks with the Hokuso Line and parts of the Keisei…
🚃 Hokuso Line — A Direct Link Between Central Tokyo, the Airport, and the Expanding Suburbs of Northwest Chiba
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Line Name: Hokuso Line (operated by Hokuso Railway Co., Ltd.) Operator Type: Third-sector railway company Route: Keisei Takasago – Inba-Nihon-Idai / Distance: about 32.3 km Stations: 15 (from Keisei Takasago to Inba-Nihon-Idai) Opened: 1979 (first section between Komuro and Kita-Kokubun) Connections / Through Service: Direct to Keisei Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keikyu Line / via Narita Sky Access Line to Narita Airport ✈️ Features: Mainly elevated sections / PASMO & Suica IC cards accepted / High operational speed on through-running services 📜 History & Background ・Planned in the 1960s as part of the “Chiba New Town Project,” a major urban development concept. ・Opened in 1979 as the “Hokuso Development Railway,” then renamed Hokuso Railway in 2004 after multiple extensions. ・Later became an important airport access route via the Narita Sky Access Line, linking Tokyo and Narita Airport seamlessly. ・Recent years have seen population growth, new shopping complexes, and steady development of residential communities along the line. 🌟 Highlights / Advantages ✅ 1. Excellent Access to Central Tokyo and Airports Through-service to Toei Asakusa, Keisei, and Keikyu lines offers direct rides to Shimbashi, Nihombashi, Shinagawa, and Haneda Airport without transfers. ✅ 2. Well-Developed Station Areas…
🚃 Yukarigaoka Line (YAMAMAN Yukarigaoka Line) — A Compact Circular Transit System Built Together with the Town
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Official Name: YAMAMAN Yukarigaoka Line Operating Company: YAMAMAN Co., Ltd. Line Length: 4.1 km (single track) Stations: 6 (Yukarigaoka → Chiku Center → Koen → Joshi-dai → Chugakko → Ino) Opened: 1982 System Type: Automated Guideway Transit (rubber-tire system / driverless operation) Connection: Keisei Main Line at Yukarigaoka Station Approx. Travel Time: 14 minutes (end to end) / Daytime headway about 10–15 minutes 📜 History & Background ・Opened in 1982 as part of a large-scale urban development project by YAMAMAN — a rare case where a real-estate developer built and still operates its own railway. ・Designed to connect residential areas, schools, parks, and commercial zones within the planned city of Yukarigaoka. ・Adopted driverless and eco-friendly technologies early on. ・Recently introduced facial-recognition ticketing and exclusive passes, making operations more convenient for local residents. 🌟 Highlights (Merits) ✅ 1. A Circular Line Serving the Entire Community Six stations efficiently link homes, schools, parks, and shops within a compact area — perfect for short daily trips. ✅ 2. Quiet and Eco-Friendly Rubber-tire cars and automated operation keep noise levels low and environmental impact minimal. ✅ 3. Easy Access to Central Tokyo A direct transfer to the Keisei Main…
🚃 Yurikamome — The Bay-Area Line Connecting Shimbashi, Odaiba, Ariake, and Toyosu with Stunning Views and Seamless Access
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Official Name: Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Rinkai Line (commonly known as Yurikamome) Operator: Yurikamome, Inc. (a third-sector company jointly funded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government) Opened: November 1995 Route: Shimbashi – Toyosu / Length: approx. 14.7 km Stations: 16 System Type: Rubber-tire Automated Guideway Transit (driverless operation) Travel Time: About 30–31 minutes end-to-end Train Frequency: Every 4–5 minutes during the day Connections: Shimbashi – JR & Subway / Toyosu – Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line 📜 History & Background ・Developed in the 1990s alongside the large-scale redevelopment of Odaiba and the Tokyo Bay coastal area. ・Originally designed as a sightseeing route to Odaiba, it later became popular for daily commuting and student travel. ・Extended from Ariake to Toyosu in 2006, enhancing accessibility to new residential and business zones. ・Fully automated operation provides exceptional punctuality and quiet rides. 🌟 Highlights (Merits) ✅ 1. Covers All Major Bay-Area Spots Connects Odaiba, Ariake, Tokyo Big Sight, Toyosu Market, and DiverCity—ideal for tourism, business, and daily outings. ✅ 2. Spectacular Views Crossing the Rainbow Bridge offers panoramic ocean and skyline views 🌉🌊—a ride that feels like a sightseeing tour itself. ✅ 3. Reliable Automated Operation Driverless trains with frequent departures…
🚃 Rinkai Line — The Urban–Bayfront Connector Linking Tokyo’s Business Hubs and Waterfront Living
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Official Name: Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR) – Rinkai Line Route: Shin-Kiba ↔ Ōsaki / Distance: approx. 13.0 km Stations: 8 (Shin-Kiba, Shinonome, Kokusai-Tenjijō, Tokyo Teleport, Tennozu Isle, Shinagawa Seaside, Ōimachi, Ōsaki) Opened: 1996 (Shin-Kiba–Tokyo Teleport) / 2002 (full operation) Connections: Through service with JR Saikyō Line → direct to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ōmiya Operator: Third-sector company jointly funded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government IC Cards: PASMO / Suica accepted throughout the line 📜 History & Background ・Opened in 1996 as part of the redevelopment of the Tokyo Waterfront (Odaiba area). ・Completed and renamed the Rinkai Line in 2002. ・Originally planned as a Toei Subway project, later reorganized as a semi-public company (TWR). ・Now runs through with JR Saikyō Line, seamlessly connecting Tokyo’s north-central districts with the bayfront zone. 🌟 Highlights / Advantages ✅ 1. One direct line between central Tokyo and the Bay Area Direct trains to Ōsaki, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Ōmiya make commuting or weekend trips stress-free. ✅ 2. Perfect for events & sightseeing Connects directly to Tokyo Big Sight (Kokusai-Tenjijō) and Odaiba (Tokyo Teleport) — ideal for exhibitions, live shows, or shopping 🎪🛍️ ✅ 3. Rapidly developing residential & business…
🚃 Hakone Tozan Line — Japan’s Iconic Mountain Railway Linking Nature, Hot Springs, and Scenic Journeys
🌸 Basic Information & Overview Line Name: Hakone Tozan Line Operator: Hakone Tozan Railway Co., Ltd. (Odakyu Group) Route: Odawara – Gora / Distance: approx. 15.0 km Stations: 11 Opened: 1919 (extended to Gora the same year) Electrification: DC 1,500V (Odawara–Hakone-Yumoto) / DC 750V (Hakone-Yumoto–Gora) Features: Japan’s only authentic mountain railway, with steep gradients, sharp curves, and three switchbacks 📜 History & Background ・Opened in 1919 as Japan’s first mountain railway, inspired by Swiss alpine railways. ・Originally used a rack-and-pinion (Abt) system before converting to a standard adhesion railway. ・Suffered severe damage from a typhoon in 2019, but fully reopened on July 23, 2020 after reconstruction. ・Today, it serves as the backbone of Hakone tourism, linking Gora with the cable car and ropeway toward Lake Ashi. 🌟 Highlights & Merits ✅ 1. Stunning Scenery and Unmatched Experience Enjoy breathtaking mountain views—rivers, forests, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, autumn leaves, and snowy peaks—all from your window 🌸🍁❄️🌿. The famous switchback climbs are a true railway adventure! ✅ 2. Gateway to Hakone’s Major Attractions Hakone-Yumoto Station is the entrance to the hot spring town, while Gora connects directly to the Hakone Cable Car and Ropeway for easy access to Owakudani and Lake Ashi. ✅…
🚃 Izu-Hakone Railway Daiyuzan Line ―― A local lifeline connecting Odawara and Minami-Ashigara, balancing daily life and spiritual travel ――
🏛 Basic Information & Overview Line Name: Daiyuzan Line (Izu-Hakone Railway) Service Section: Odawara – Daiyuzan / Approx. 9.6 km Stations: 12 (all located within Odawara City and Minami-Ashigara City) Opened: 1925 (initially for temple visitors and local freight transport) Travel Time: About 20 minutes end-to-end System: DC 1,500 V / single track Connections: At Odawara Station – JR Tokaido Line / Tokaido Shinkansen / Odakyu Line / Hakone Tozan Railway 📜 History & Background ・Opened in 1925 to serve visitors to Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple and to support regional agriculture and forestry. ・After WWII it became a key local commuter and school line. ・Operated by Izu-Hakone Railway (a Seibu Group company), which also runs the Sunzu Line toward Shuzenji. ・As of 2025, the entire line accepts PASMO and Suica IC cards, making daily use much more convenient. 🌟 Highlights / Advantages ✅ 1. Deeply rooted in the community A vital means of transport for local residents and students — the line literally connects homes, schools, and workplaces. ✅ 2. Excellent connections at Odawara Transfer easily to JR, Odakyu, the Shinkansen, and the Hakone Tozan Railway — providing direct access to Tokyo, Hakone, and Atami. ✅ 3. Gateway to Daiyuzan Saijo-ji…