Tsurukawa Station

Complete Guide to Visiting Tsurukawa Station, Tokyo: Tickets, Hours, Connections, and Attractions

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Tsurukawa Station (鶴川駅), located in Machida, western Tokyo, stands as a vital transit hub on the Odakyu Odawara Line. Since its opening in 1927, the station has evolved to become a key node connecting suburban communities to central Tokyo, supporting both daily commuters and tourists seeking to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and natural retreats. This guide offers an in-depth look at Tsurukawa Station’s operating hours, ticketing options, accessibility, transport connections, nearby attractions, and redevelopment projects. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned commuter, this resource is designed to help you navigate and enjoy the area with ease (Odakyu Railway Transport Guide; Calimente, 2012).

Introduction
Early Development of Tsurukawa Station and the Odakyu Line
Operating Hours and Ticket Information
Station Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility
Integration with Tokyo’s Transit Network
Redevelopment and Urban Improvements
Transportation Connectivity
Nearby Attractions and Sightseeing
Special Events and Photo Spots
Passenger Flow and Peak Hour Tips
Safety and Security
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Maps
Related Resources
Summary and Call to Action
References

Early Development of Tsurukawa Station and the Odakyu Line

Opened in 1927, Tsurukawa Station was established alongside the Odakyu Odawara Line as part of Tokyo’s early suburban rail expansion. The station’s strategic placement fostered residential and commercial growth in Machida, aligning with transit-oriented development principles that have shaped modern Tokyo (Odakyu Railway Transport Guide; Calimente, 2012). Over the decades, upgrades such as track elevation and improved infrastructure have supported increasing ridership and enhanced safety (Hirooka, 2000).

Operating Hours and Ticket Information

Station Hours: Generally open from 4:30 AM to midnight, matching Odakyu Odawara Line service times.
Ticket Counters: Staffed from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Check the Odakyu official site for any changes or holiday schedules.
Ticketing Options:
- IC Cards: Suica, Pasmo, and Welcome Suica are accepted for trains, buses, and in-station purchases.
- Paper Tickets: Single and round-trip tickets 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).

Station Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility

Platform and Track Arrangement

Three platforms serve three tracks:
- Platform 1: Downbound (toward Hon-Atsugi)
- Platforms 2 & 3: Upbound (toward Shinjuku)
  (Wadattsu261)

Ticket Gates and Exits

North Exit: Direct access to commercial zones, bus terminal, and shopping complexes.
South Exit: Leads to quieter residential neighborhoods and riverside parks.
(TrainStation.jp)

Facilities

Retail & Dining: Odakyu Marche, cafes, Hakone Soba, 7-Eleven, and more.
Banking: ATMs (including Yokohama Bank) for domestic and select international cards.
Other Services: Accessible restrooms, waiting areas, real estate offices, and baby facilities.

Accessibility

Elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and barrier-free restrooms throughout the station.
Multilingual audio announcements and signage.
Assistance available from station staff.
(Odakyu Accessibility)

Integration with Tokyo’s Transit Network

Tsurukawa Station, approximately 23.5–25 km from Shinjuku, provides direct Odakyu Line access to major Tokyo hubs. Transfers at Yoyogi-Uehara connect to the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, while Shinjuku Station opens connections to JR and other metro lines. Bus terminals at both exits extend access to local destinations (Hirooka, 2000; Odakyu Official Timetable).

Redevelopment and Urban Improvements

Station Upgrades

Ongoing redevelopment includes:

Expanded and modernized north and south plazas
Improved pedestrian and bus access
Barrier-free design with wider walkways and new elevators
Enhanced commercial facilities for shopping and dining
(walk.tokyo.jp; e-housing.jp)

Impact and Outlook

The renewal aims to accommodate rising passenger numbers, encourage public transit use, and foster community spaces. Integration with planned projects—like the Tama Urban Monorail extension—will further improve connectivity and urban vitality (e-housing.jp).

Transportation Connectivity at Tsurukawa Station

Rail Services

Local: Frequent stops at all stations, including Tsurukawa.
Semi-Express: Faster service with stops at major stations.
Express: Limited stops; check schedules for Tsurukawa service (Odakyu Timetable).

Bus Network

Odakyu Bus and other operators serve Tama Center, Machida City Hall, local hospitals, and universities.
Suica and Pasmo accepted.
(Tokyo Transport Guide)

Taxi, Car, and Bicycle Access

Taxi stands at main exits.
Limited paid car parking nearby.
Ample bicycle parking for short- and long-term use.

Nearby Attractions and Sightseeing

Local Highlights

Buaisō Historic House & Museum: Showcases 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.

Machida Historical Sites

Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts, Machida Tenmangu Shrine, and Machida Squirrel Garden.

Day Trips and Excursions

Machida City Center: Shopping, dining, and family attractions.
Tama Center & Sanrio Puroland: Indoor theme park for families.
Hakone & Odawara: Hot springs and cultural sites via Odakyu Line.
Yokohama: Via Machida transfer to JR Line (Mai-Ko Travel).

Seasonal Events

Festivals: Summer matsuri with food stalls and performances.
Hydrangea Viewing: Vibrant blooms in local parks during June (Go Tokyo).

Special Events and Photo Spots

Local festivals and pop-up events announced in station concourse.
Popular spots: historic station building, cherry blossoms at Oiwake Park, and bustling north exit area.

Passenger Flow and Peak Hour Tips

Peak Times: Weekdays 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM (CN Traveller).
Navigation: Platform markings guide car positions for efficient boarding (Wadattsu261).

Safety and Security

CCTV throughout premises.
Emergency intercoms on platforms and elevators.
Staff present during operating hours.

Visitor Tips

Always carry some cash for small purchases.
Use IC cards for seamless travel on trains and buses.
Plan visits outside rush hours for a calmer experience.
Download navigation and transit apps such as Japan Travel by NAVITIME and Google Maps.
Note: Large coin lockers are limited; use nearby storage if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Tsurukawa Station’s operating hours?
A: Station operates from 4:30 AM to midnight; ticket counters generally open 5:00 AM–11:00 PM.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use vending machines or ticket offices; Suica, Pasmo, and Welcome Suica are also accepted.

Q: Is the station accessible for mobility needs?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible toilets.

Q: Are there coin lockers?
A: Few large lockers; use nearby services for bulky luggage.

Q: What are the best attractions nearby?
A: Buaisō, Oiwake Park, Machida Squirrel Garden, Sanrio Puroland, and local museums.

Visuals and Maps

Refer to the Odakyu Railway website and local tourism portals for interactive station maps, images of station entrances, Oiwake Park, and event highlights.

Summary Table: Key Transport Links from Tsurukawa Station

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

Conclusion and Call to Action

Tsurukawa Station is more than just a transit point—it’s a dynamic gateway to Tokyo’s western suburbs, blending historical character with modern convenience. With its ongoing redevelopment, improved facilities, and strategic location, the station offers seamless connections for both everyday commuters and visitors seeking to explore Machida’s cultural and natural highlights.

Download the Audiala app for real-time transit updates, station guides, and personalized travel tips. Stay updated on local events and redevelopment progress by following our social media channels.