Izumi-Tamagawa Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tokyo Historical Sites Guide
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction: Izumi-Tamagawa Station and Its Role in Tokyo’s Tama Region
Izumi-Tamagawa Station, located in Komae City on Tokyo’s Odakyu Odawara Line, is more than a local commuter hub—it is a gateway to the southwestern Tama region’s historical, cultural, and natural treasures. Since its establishment in 1927, the station has played a pivotal role in connecting Tokyo with Kanagawa Prefecture, supporting the area’s growth and inviting visitors to explore landmarks such as the Inogata Ogawa Tomb, scenic Tama River, and the Izumi-Tamagawa Monument. Its accessible design, multilingual signage, and modern amenities cater to a wide range of travelers, from daily commuters to tourists seeking cultural experiences (Odakyu Railway Official Website, Wikipedia).
The region surrounding the station is a tapestry of tradition and natural beauty. Highlights include the revered Tamagawa Sengen Shrine, local festivals like the Tamariba Festival, and tranquil riverside paths ideal for leisure and photography. This guide offers detailed insights into station facilities, ticketing, visiting hours, accessibility, and recommendations for exploring the area’s historical and cultural sites, ensuring an enriching visit whether you’re commuting or sightseeing.
Contents
- Overview
- Historical Development
- Station Layout & Facilities
- Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
- Accessibility
- Nearby Historical & Cultural Landmarks
- Photographic Spots
- Integration with Tokyo Rail Network
- Events and Guided Tours
- The Izumi-Tamagawa Monument: Visitor Guide
- Passenger Guide & Connectivity
- Exploring Tamagawa Sengen Shrine
- Summary and Visitor Tips
- Sources
Welcome to Izumi-Tamagawa Station
Izumi-Tamagawa Station (和泉多摩川駅, Izumi-tamagawa-eki) is a vibrant node on the Odakyu Odawara Line, connecting Komae City to the heart of Tokyo and beyond. It also serves as a launch point for exploring important local sites, enjoying Tama River recreation, and experiencing the unique charm of suburban Tokyo.
Historical Development
First opened in 1927, Izumi-Tamagawa Station was a product of Tokyo’s suburban expansion, bridging rural Komae with the city’s urban core. Its strategic position near the Tama River made it instrumental in shaping the region’s development and accessibility for both residents and travelers (Wikipedia).
Station Layout and Facilities
The station features an elevated structure with two side platforms serving four tracks—outer tracks for local trains, inner for express bypasses. Recent upgrades have prioritized accessibility, passenger flow, and comfort:
- Barrier-Free Access: Elevators and ramps throughout
- Multilingual Signage: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean
- Bicycle Parking: Large, secure facilities
- Commercial Outlets: Shops and services beneath the platforms
Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
- Station Hours: Daily, approx. 4:30 AM–midnight (Odakyu Odawara Line schedule)
- Nearby Site Hours: Most sites (e.g., Inogata Ogawa Tomb, Benzaiten Pond) open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Ticket Purchase: At station vending machines, staffed counters, or via the Odakyu website. Prepaid IC cards (Suica, PASMO) accepted for tap-and-go convenience.
- Fares: Example—Izumi-Tamagawa to Shinjuku, around 320 yen one way. One-day unlimited Odakyu passes available.
Accessibility
The station is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and clear signage. Facilities are designed for travelers with disabilities, families with strollers, and those carrying luggage. Integration with local buses and bicycle parking supports multimodal travel.
Nearby Historical & Cultural Landmarks
- Inogata Ogawa Tomb: A 7th-century kofun (ancient burial mound), free to visit, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. A window into early Japanese history.
- Benzaiten Pond: Linked to Buddhist legend, ideal for peaceful walks and photography.
Both sites are a short walk from the station, offering cultural immersion and scenic tranquility (Go Tokyo).
Photographic Spots
- Tama River: Cherry blossoms in spring, river views year-round
- Station Platforms: Trains framed against the river and cityscape
- Izumi-Tamagawa Monument Area: Traditional architecture and parkland
Integration with Tokyo’s Rail Network
Izumi-Tamagawa Station connects efficiently with central Tokyo via the Odakyu Odawara Line, with transfers at Yoyogi-Uehara to Tokyo Metro and at Shinjuku to several major lines. This makes it a strategic stop for both local and long-distance travel (Rome2Rio).
Events and Guided Tours
Events such as the Tamariba Festival and seasonal hanami (cherry blossom viewing) draw crowds to the Tama River area. Local tourism boards occasionally organize guided walking tours of historical landmarks—check official sources for schedules (Japan Travel).
The Izumi-Tamagawa Monument: Visitor Guide
History and Significance
The monument stands as a tribute to the region’s history and community development, set along the Tama River’s scenic banks. Surrounding parks and memorials commemorate the area’s evolution and local traditions.
Visiting Details
- Location: Short walk from Izumi-Tamagawa Station
- Hours: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM, daily
- Admission: Free; guided tours available via local tourism offices
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths and ramps
What to See & Do
- Seasonal Events: Cherry blossom hanami, summer fireworks
- Photographic Highlights: Monument grounds, Tama River, Tamagawadai Park
- Nearby Attractions: Tamagawadai Park (famous for hydrangeas), riverside promenades, local shops and eateries
Tips
- Best Visit Times: Spring (cherry blossoms), early summer (hydrangeas)
- Language Support: Limited English; translation apps helpful
- Safety: Family-friendly and safe, though festivals can get crowded
Passenger Guide & Connectivity
Usage and Trends
- Daily Passengers (FY2019): 15,751 (Wikipedia)
- Peak Hours: 7:30–9:30 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM
Facilities
- Elevators & Tactile Pavement: For universal access
- Bicycle Parking: Encourages eco-friendly access
- Commercial Services: Under-platform shops
Odakyu Odawara Line
- Distance to Shinjuku: 14.4 km, 20–30 minutes by train
- Train Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes (more at rush hour)
- Adjacent Stations: Komae (toward Shinjuku), Noborito (toward Odawara)
- Connectivity: Transfers to JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei, Keio lines via Shinjuku and Noborito
- IC Cards: Suica, PASMO supported
Event and Seasonal Travel
- Tamariba Festival: 5-minute walk from the station; extra trains run during events
Travel Tips
- Avoid Rush Hours for comfort
- Use IC Cards for smooth travel
- Plan for Festivals: Arrive early during events
- Accessibility: Staff assistance available
Exploring Tamagawa Sengen Shrine
Overview
Tamagawa Sengen Shrine, perched on a hill near the Tama River, is an Edo-period Shinto shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji’s deity. It is celebrated for its spiritual ambiance, historical architecture, and seasonal cherry blossoms.
Visiting Details
- Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (main hall may close earlier)
- Admission: Free
- Access: 10-minute walk from Izumi-Tamagawa Station
- Events: Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), New Year’s ceremonies
- Photography: Allowed on grounds; restricted in some buildings
Highlights
- Cherry Blossoms: Pathway lined with sakura
- Historic Structures: Main building, stone lanterns
- Panoramic Views: Overlooking Tama River
Nearby Sights
- Tama River: Riverside walks/cycling
- Futako-Tamagawa Rise: Shopping and dining complex, one stop away
- Todoroki Valley: Natural gorge with gardens and shrines
Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blossoms, January for New Year’s
- Accessibility: Mostly accessible, some steep paths
- Etiquette: Remove shoes in buildings, respect ceremonies
(Go Tokyo - Todoroki Valley, Go Tokyo Tourist Information Center)
Summary and Visitor Tips
Izumi-Tamagawa Station is an exemplary suburban transit hub, seamlessly blending modern amenities with access to the cultural and natural highlights of southwestern Tokyo. Its thoughtful design ensures convenience for all passengers, while its proximity to the Tama River, historical sites, and celebrated shrines makes it a rewarding destination for both daily commuters and travelers seeking authentic local experiences. Visitors are encouraged to use IC cards for travel, avoid peak commuter times, and plan their trips around seasonal events for the fullest experience (Odakyu Railway Official Website, Komae City Tourism Information, Go Tokyo).
Useful Links
- Odakyu Railway Official Website
- Komae City Tourism Information
- Go Tokyo - Todoroki Valley
- Japan Travel - Tamariba Festival
- Japan Manifest - Getting Around Tokyo
- Rome2Rio - Izumi-Tamagawa Station to Tokyo
