Machida Station (町田駅, Machida-eki) is a major transportation hub in Machida City, in southwestern Tokyo. Jointly operated by JR East and Odakyu Electric Railway, it connects Tokyo’s urban core with Kanagawa Prefecture and the wider Kanto region. The station serves commuters and visitors exploring Machida’s suburban culture, historical sites, shopping districts, and recreational areas.
The JR East and Odakyu terminals are separate, about 300 meters apart, and connected by a signposted pedestrian passage. The station is a starting point for visiting Machida Tenmangu Shrine, Yakushi-ike Park, and the Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts.
History and Significance
Machida Station originated in the late 19th century and has developed into a contemporary interchange with extensive amenities.
Machida Tenmangu Shrine, one of the area’s historic sites, was founded in 1104 and honors Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship. Its Edo-period wood carvings and role in local spiritual life are among its cultural features.
What to See
Machida Tenmangu Shrine
Machida Tenmangu Shrine is known for its festivals and antique market. Its main torii gate, honden (main hall) carvings, and seasonal gardens are photographic spots.
- Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
- Admission Free; special events may have a small fee
- Guided tours English-speaking tours are available on weekends and holidays. Reservation is recommended via Machida City Tourism & Convention Bureau.
- Annual festival Mid-October, with music, dance, and a mikoshi parade
- Antique market First weekend of every month
- Getting there 10-minute walk from Machida Station’s south exit via Machida Nakamise Shopping Street. Both JR and Odakyu lines accept IC cards.
- Facilities Paved paths, accessible restrooms, and nearby coin lockers for luggage
Practical Visiting Information
Hours, Tickets, and Fares
- Station operating hours Generally open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
- Ticket offices
- JR East Midori no Madoguchi: 5:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Odakyu counters: 5:00 AM–10:30 PM
- Tickets are available from automated machines and staffed counters, with multilingual support available.
- IC cards, including Suica and Pasmo, are accepted across train and bus services.
- Online ticketing is available through official websites and apps.
- Fares vary by destination and service type, including local, rapid, and express services. As an example, Machida to Shinjuku on the Odakyu Line costs about 390 yen.
Station Layout and Train Services
JR East Machida Station
- Platforms: 2 island platforms, 4 tracks
- Line: Yokohama Line
- Station number: JH23
- Facilities: Staffed ticket office, elevators, escalators, and digital displays
Odakyu Machida Station
- Platforms: 2 elevated island platforms, 4 tracks
- Line: Odawara Line
- Station number: OH27
- Facilities: Direct access to Odakyu Department Store and a supermarket
The two stations are about 300 meters apart, joined by a well-signposted pedestrian corridor.
- JR Yokohama Line Rapid and local trains to Hachiōji and Yokohama
- Odakyu Odawara Line Local, express, and rapid services to Shinjuku and Odawara, with departures every few minutes during rush hours
| Feature | JR East Machida | Odakyu Machida |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | 2 island platforms (4 tracks) | 2 island platforms (4 tracks) |
| Main line | Yokohama Line | Odawara Line |
| Station number | JH23 | OH27 |
| Ticket office | Midori no Madoguchi | Staffed/automated |
| Shopping and dining | Nearby arcades | In-station complex |
| Daily passengers (2019) | 110,899 | 289,419 |
| Accessibility | Elevators, escalators | Elevators, escalators |
Facilities
Both stations have elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms. Coin lockers and baggage storage are available, including in both the JR and Odakyu areas. Department stores, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants are in and around the station, alongside tourist information counters, convenience stores, and bilingual digital signage.
Tips
- For a more relaxed station visit, avoid peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM.
- Station sections are connected by a clearly marked pedestrian passage, with bilingual signs for transfers.
- Station staff can help with English inquiries.
- Some local shops and market stalls are cash-only.
- English signage is widespread; translation apps can also be helpful.
- Visit major sites early or on weekdays for fewer crowds.
- The Machida Tourist Gallery near the station offers multilingual assistance.
Nearby Places
Attractions, Parks, and Museums
- Yakushi-ike Park A serene pond, seasonal flowers, and walking trails.
- Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts Exhibitions of Japanese and international graphic art.
- Buaiso Historic Japanese residence with traditional architecture.
- Machida Squirrel Garden Family-friendly interactive wildlife experience.
- Additional parks and green spaces Oyamadairi Park, Shikisai no Mori Yakushiike Park, Tadao Park, and Honmachida Iseki Park are open daily and free to enter; they offer nature walks and flower viewing.
- Taigan Historical Museum Regional history exhibits.
- Machida City Literature Museum "Word Land" Literary heritage of Machida.
Shopping and Dining
- Machida Nakamise Shopping Street
- Machida Tokyu Twins Open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
- Grandberry Park More than 240 stores and entertainment, including Snoopy Museum Tokyo.
- Local specialties Ramen at Ramen Oozakura and thick udon at Nikuju no Nantetsu.
- Street food Takoyaki, taiyaki, and Japanese sweets in Machida Nakamise.
Events and Day Trips
Local events include matsuri (festivals), cherry blossom viewing in Serigaya Park, and monthly antique markets. The Machida Daruma Market is a traditional New Year market at Machida Tenmangu Shrine.
Day-trip options include Mount Takao for nature and hiking, Kodomonokuni, a family-friendly theme park, and Snoopy Museum Tokyo at Grandberry Park, accessible by Odakyu Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Machida Station’s operating hours?
A: 5:00 AM–12:30 AM daily. The ticket-counter hours are also given as 5:30/6:00 AM–10:00/10:30 PM; the listed hours are 5:30 AM–10:00 PM for JR East and 5:00 AM–10:30 PM for Odakyu.
Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use staffed counters, automated machines, or IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo.
Q: Is the station accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes. Elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms are available.
Q: Are there luggage storage options?
A: Coin lockers and luggage storage are provided in both the JR and Odakyu areas.
Q: How do I transfer between JR and Odakyu lines?
A: A signposted pedestrian passage connects the stations, which are about 300 meters apart.
Q: When is the Machida Tenmangu antique market?
A: The first weekend of every month.
Q: Are guided tours available for attractions?
A: Yes, especially at Machida Tenmangu Shrine and museums; advance booking is recommended.
