Location & Access
Machida Station, located in the city of Machida, Tokyo, serves as a significant transportation hub within the Tama region. It's operated by both East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Odakyu Electric Railway. The two station complexes are approximately a five-minute walk apart, connected by a bustling pedestrian deck frequently used by commuters and shoppers.
Railway Lines
The station is an interchange point for the JR Yokohama Line and the Odakyu Odawara Line. All JR Yokohama Line trains stop at Machida, while the Odakyu Odawara Line serves all operating trains except for some limited express "Romancecar" services. With a combined daily average of approximately 450,000 passengers, Machida Station boasts the highest ridership in the Tama area, ranking 3rd on the Odakyu Line and 1st on the Yokohama Line.
Station History
The JR East section of Machida Station opened on September 23, 1908, initially known as Haramachida. The Odakyu section followed on April 1, 1927, originally named Shin-Haramachida. Both stations were later renamed to Machida Station, with the JR East station adopting the current name in 1980 and the Odakyu station in 1976, reflecting the city's growth and importance.
Travel Tips
When transferring between the JR and Odakyu lines, allow ample time for the five-minute walk across the pedestrian deck, especially during peak hours when it can be very crowded. The station is staffed with a "Midori no Madoguchi" (ticket office) for JR East, providing comprehensive ticketing services.
