Haijima Station

Haijima Station Tokyo: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Haijima Station as Western Tokyo’s Gateway

Haijima Station (拝島駅), located in Akishima City, serves as a crucial interchange in western Tokyo’s rail network. Since its establishment in 1894, the station has grown from a rural outpost to a bustling hub connecting the city center with the scenic Tama region and neighboring prefectures. With over 40,000 daily passengers, Haijima Station is not only a vital transit point but also a gateway to local culture, nature, and history. Whether you’re a commuter, tourist, or student, understanding Haijima Station’s facilities, connections, and nearby attractions will help you make the most of your visit (JR East Official; Seibu Railway).

Historical Overview
Visiting Hours & Ticketing
Station Layout & Accessibility
Connecting Lines & Network Role
Facilities & Amenities
Navigating Haijima: Tips & Transfers
Nearby Attractions & Events
Haijima Daishi Temple & Local Culture
Seasonal Highlights & Festivals
Visitor FAQs
Practical Tips & Useful Links
Final Thoughts

Historical Overview

From Rural Stop to Modern Hub

Haijima Station opened during Japan’s rapid railway expansion, initially serving the Ōme Railway and connecting rural communities to urban Tokyo (JR East Official). The 20th-century addition of the Seibu Haijima Line and the integration of the Hachikō and Itsukaichi Lines transformed Haijima into a key interchange, supporting both daily commuters and tourists heading to recreational sites like Okutama.

Architectural Evolution

Haijima Station’s design reflects Japan’s focus on accessibility and community integration. The station features elevated and ground platforms, barrier-free access, bilingual signage, and a variety of passenger amenities. Recent renovations have prioritized universal design, ensuring ease of use for all travelers (JR East Station Facilities; Seibu Railway).

Visiting Hours & Ticketing

Operating Hours

Station Hours: Generally open from 5:00 AM to midnight, matching train schedules.
Ticket Office (“Midori no Madoguchi”): Open 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM (JR East side).
Shops & Eateries: Typically open 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, but individual hours may vary.

Check official sites for updates before visiting.

Ticketing Options

Regular Tickets: Purchase at machines or staffed counters; fares vary by destination (e.g., Haijima–Shinjuku approx. 600–700 yen).
IC Cards: Suica and Pasmo accepted on all lines for tap-and-go travel.
Regional Passes: Seibu 1-Day Pass and JR regional passes offer unlimited rides on select networks.
Payment Methods: Machines accept cash (yen), IC cards, and, in some cases, credit cards.

Station Layout & Accessibility

Multi-Line Interchange

Haijima Station is jointly operated by JR East and Seibu Railway, linking four major lines:

JR Ōme Line: To Tachikawa and Okutama.
JR Itsukaichi Line: Terminates here, with through service to Musashi-Itsukaichi.
JR Hachikō Line: Connects to Hachiōji, Komagawa, and Saitama.
Seibu Haijima Line: Terminus for direct access to Seibu Shinjuku Station (Seibu Railway).

Platform and Transfer Guide

JR Side: One side and two island platforms serve five tracks.
Seibu Side: Single island platform, station number SS36.
Transfers: Well-marked, bilingual signs; allow extra time during busy periods.

Entrances & Exits

Multiple exits lead to bus terminals, taxi stands, and local streets. Main entrance faces the station plaza.

Accessibility

Elevators, escalators, tactile paving, braille signage, and accessible restrooms throughout.
Wide fare gates and barrier-free pathways for wheelchairs and strollers.
Staffed information counters (typically 9:00–17:00).
Accessible bus and taxi stands (Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s accessible tourism portal).

Facilities & Amenities

Ticket Machines: Bilingual, support IC cards and cash.
Restrooms: Western-style, accessible, with baby-changing and nursing rooms.
Waiting Areas: Concourse seating and platform benches.
Retail & Dining: Convenience store (“Tomony”), soba shop (“生蕎麦いろり庵きらく Dila拝島店”), kiosks, and vending machines (TravelTownsJP).
Lockers: Coin-operated, various sizes.
Lost & Found: Counters on both JR and Seibu sides.
Public Art: Stained glass mural by Louis Fransen, titled “Riding the Dream that Blows Across Beautiful Flowing Water” (Japan Travel).

Connecting Lines & Network Significance

Haijima Station’s role as a transfer hub is vital for travelers venturing into Tokyo’s western suburbs, the Okutama region, and Saitama. Direct connections make it a convenient starting point for both local exploration and longer journeys (JR East Passenger Statistics).

Bus Terminal: Serves Akishima City, Fussa, and nearby towns.
Taxi Stand & Bicycle Parking: Available at main exits.
Freight Depot: Supports regional logistics and supplies to Yokota Air Base.

Navigating Haijima: Tips & Transfers

Plan for Transfers: Allow extra time between JR and Seibu lines.
Avoid Rush Hours: Best travel times are outside 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM.
Weather: Western Tokyo can be cooler; dress accordingly.
Wi-Fi: Free networks available (“JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi”, “SEIBU FREE Wi-Fi”).
Luggage: Use coin lockers to store bags while exploring.

Nearby Attractions & Events

Showa Memorial Park

A vast national park ideal for seasonal flower viewing, cycling, and family outings. Accessible by bus or bicycle from Haijima Station (Showa Kinen Koen).

Tokyo Summerland

A major water park, especially popular in summer. Accessible by local bus (Tokyo Summerland Access).

Tama River

Enjoy riverside walks, cycling, and cherry blossom spots along the scenic Tama River.

Akishima City

Discover local shrines, shopping arcades, markets, and the Akishima City Museum of History and Folklore (Akishima City Guide).

Haijima Daishi Temple & Local Culture

Temple Overview

Haijima Daishi Temple is a revered Buddhist site dating back to the 16th century, just a 10-minute walk from Haijima Station’s North Exit. Its Edo-period gate and tranquil grounds make it a spiritual and cultural highlight.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free; donations welcome
Guided Tours: Weekends and public holidays via Akishima City tourism office

Annual Events

Daruma Market (January): Hundreds of vendors selling daruma dolls for good luck (Japan Travel).
Sakaki Festival (September): Traditional Shinto rituals, music, and dance at nearby Hyoshi Shrine.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths and ramps available.

Seasonal Highlights & Festivals

Wisteria Bloom: Late April–early May at Haijima Park—see 800-year-old wisteria trees (Time Out Tokyo).
Fireworks & Summer Festivals: Along the Tama River and in Akishima.
Autumn Harvest Events: Local produce and cultural showcases.

Visitor FAQs

Q: What are Haijima Station’s operating hours?
A: Open from 5:00 AM to midnight; ticket office and shops have individual hours.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use machines or staffed counters; IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are accepted.

Q: Is Haijima Station accessible?
A: Yes—elevators, escalators, barrier-free restrooms, tactile paving, and wide gates are provided.

Q: Are there food and shops inside the station?
A: Yes—convenience store, soba shop, kiosks, and vending machines.

Q: What are top attractions near Haijima Station?
A: Haijima Daishi Temple, Haijima Park, Showa Memorial Park, Tama River, and Akishima City’s museums.

Q: When are the main festivals?
A: Daruma Market in January, Sakaki Festival in September, and wisteria bloom in late April–May.

Practical Tips & Useful Links

Best times to visit: Late April–May (wisteria), early January (Daruma Market), September (Sakaki Festival).
Language: English signage is common; translation apps can be helpful.
Transportation: Walking/cycling for local sites; buses and trains for farther destinations.
Accommodation: Options available in Akishima and Tachikawa.

Useful Links

Final Thoughts

Haijima Station stands out as both a transportation hub and a vibrant entry point to the culture and nature of western Tokyo. With its accessible design, diverse amenities, and proximity to historical landmarks and seasonal events, Haijima Station is well-equipped to welcome all travelers. Plan ahead using the resources above, consider downloading the Audiala app for real-time updates and ticketing, and immerse yourself in Akishima’s blend of tradition and community vitality.

Stay updated through official railway websites and local tourism portals for the latest on events and visitor information. Enjoy your journey through Haijima Station and beyond!