Tsurukawa Station (鶴川駅) is in Machida, western Tokyo, on the Odakyu Odawara Line. It is a transit hub connecting suburban communities with central Tokyo and a starting point for exploring Machida’s cultural and natural attractions. The station is approximately 23.5–25 km from Shinjuku.
History
Tsurukawa Station opened in 1927 alongside the Odakyu Odawara Line, during Tokyo’s early suburban rail expansion. Its location supported residential and commercial growth in Machida. Later upgrades, including track elevation and other infrastructure improvements, helped accommodate increasing ridership and improve safety (Odakyu Railway Transport Guide; Calimente, 2012; Hirooka, 2000).
What to see and do at the station
Platforms, exits and facilities
The station has three platforms serving three tracks:
- Platform 1 Downbound, toward Hon-Atsugi
- Platforms 2 and 3 Upbound, toward Shinjuku
Platform markings indicate car positions for boarding (Wadattsu261).
- North Exit Access to commercial areas, the bus terminal and shopping complexes.
- South Exit Access to quieter residential neighborhoods and riverside parks (TrainStation.jp).
Facilities include Odakyu Marche, cafes, Hakone Soba, 7-Eleven, ATMs including Yokohama Bank (for domestic and select international cards), accessible restrooms, waiting areas, real estate offices and baby facilities.
Local festivals and pop-up events are announced in the station concourse. Popular photo spots include the historic station building, cherry blossoms at Oiwake Park and the busy north exit area.
Practical visiting information
Hours and tickets
- Station hours Generally 4:30 AM to midnight, in line with Odakyu Odawara Line service times.
- Ticket counters Generally staffed from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Check the Odakyu official site for changes or holiday schedules.
- IC cards Suica, Pasmo and Welcome Suica are accepted on trains and buses and for purchases in the station.
- Paper tickets Single and round-trip tickets are available from multilingual vending machines.
- Special passes Tourist passes and discount tickets are available for broader travel.
- Example fare Tsurukawa to Shinjuku costs roughly 410 yen one-way (Odakyu Station Tickets).
Accessibility and safety
The station has elevators, ramps, tactile paving and barrier-free restrooms, along with multilingual audio announcements and signage. Station staff can provide assistance (Odakyu Accessibility).
CCTV is installed throughout the premises. Emergency intercoms are available on platforms and in elevators, and staff are present during operating hours.
Rail, bus and other connections
Local trains stop at all stations, including Tsurukawa. Semi-Express trains serve major stations; Express trains make limited stops, so check schedules for Tsurukawa service (Odakyu Timetable).
Transfers at Yoyogi-Uehara connect with the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Shinjuku Station connects with JR and other metro lines. Bus terminals at both station exits provide access to local destinations (Hirooka, 2000; Odakyu Official Timetable).
Odakyu Bus and other operators serve Tama Center, Machida City Hall, local hospitals and universities. Suica and Pasmo are accepted on buses (Tokyo Transport Guide). Taxi stands are located at the main exits. Limited paid car parking is available nearby, as is bicycle parking for short- and long-term use.
| Destination | Mode | Time | Transfer | IC card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Odakyu Line | 30–35 min | No | Yes |
| Machida | Odakyu Line | 7 min | No | Yes |
| Tama Center | Bus/Train | 20–30 min | Sometimes | Yes |
| Hakone/Odawara | Odakyu Line | 70–80 min | Yes | Yes |
| Yokohama | Odakyu + JR | 50–60 min | At Machida | Yes |
Station and local tourism websites provide interactive station maps and information about entrances, Oiwake Park and events; see the Odakyu Railway website.
Redevelopment
Ongoing redevelopment includes expanded and modernized north and south plazas, improved pedestrian and bus access, wider walkways, new elevators and enhanced shopping and dining facilities (walk.tokyo.jp; e-housing.jp).
The renewal aims to accommodate rising passenger numbers, encourage public transit use and create community spaces. Integration with planned projects, including the Tama Urban Monorail extension, is intended to further improve connectivity and urban vitality (e-housing.jp).
Tips
- Weekday peak periods are 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM (CN Traveller).
- Carry some cash for small purchases and use an IC card for train and bus travel.
- Large coin lockers are limited; nearby storage may be needed for bulky luggage.
- Navigation and transit apps include Japan Travel by NAVITIME and Google Maps.
- The Audiala app offers real-time transit updates, station guides and personalized travel tips. Its social media channels provide updates on local events and redevelopment.
Nearby places
Local attractions
- Buaisō Historic House & Museum Traditional Japanese architecture (Mapcarta: Buaisō).
- Oiwake Park Seasonal cherry blossoms and playgrounds.
- Tsurukawa Art Museum Rotating local art exhibits and workshops.
- Tsurukawa Catholic Church An early 20th-century landmark.
- Other Machida sites include Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts, Machida Tenmangu Shrine and Machida Squirrel Garden.
Excursions
- Machida City Center Shopping, dining and family attractions.
- Tama Center and Sanrio Puroland An indoor theme park for families.
- Hakone and Odawara Hot springs and cultural sites via the Odakyu Line.
- Yokohama Reachable via a transfer to the JR Line at Machida (Mai-Ko Travel).
Summer matsuri feature food stalls and performances. Local parks have hydrangeas during June (Go Tokyo).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What are Tsurukawa Station’s operating hours?
The station is generally open from 4:30 AM to midnight; ticket counters generally operate from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
How do I buy tickets?
Use the vending machines or ticket offices. Suica, Pasmo and Welcome Suica are also accepted.
Is the station accessible for mobility needs?
Yes. The station has elevators, ramps, tactile paving and accessible restrooms.
Are there coin lockers?
Large lockers are limited; see the visitor tips above for luggage-storage information.
What are the best attractions nearby?
Nearby options include Buaisō, Oiwake Park, Machida Squirrel Garden, Sanrio Puroland and local museums.
