Understanding Machida's Layout
Machida sits roughly 30 km west of central Tokyo and functions as a commuter suburb that is also popular with daytrippers. The city is served by two adjacent stations that share the name Machida: JR Machida Station on the JR Yokohama Line and Odakyu Machida Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line. Both are major rail interchanges, and the area around them is the city's main hub, with department stores, arcades, and 24-hour convenience stores clustered near the North and South exits.
For a visitor, the most important thing to understand is that Machida's rail lines run along the borders of the prefecture rather than through its interior. As a result, trains are not the primary way to move around within the city itself — buses fill that role. Tourist attractions are concentrated in three areas: the Machida station area, the Minami-Machida area, and the Yakushiike area. You can reach each area by train or bus, then explore the sights within it on foot.
Rail Network
Three rail lines serve Machida, plus a fourth that touches the city at its edge:
- Odakyu Line — runs from northeast to southwest along Kanagawa Prefecture. Stations in the Machida area include Machida, Tamagawa Gakuen, and Tsurukawa.
- JR Yokohama Line — runs from southeast to northwest along the prefecture. Stations include Naruse, Machida, Kobuchi, Fuchinobe, Yabe, Sagamihara, Hashimoto, and Aihara.
- Tokyu Denentoshi Line — runs from northeast to southwest. Stations include Minami-Machida Grandberry Park, Suzukake Dai, and Tsukushino.
- Keio Sagamihara Line — reaches Tamasakai Station.
Machida is a major stop on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku, and nearly all Odakyu trains out of Shinjuku stop there. The fastest options from Shinjuku are the Odakyu Rapid Express (marked with orange text) and Express trains (written in red text); these depart frequently, roughly every 10 minutes or less. Slower Semi-Express and local trains take considerably longer. Machida is also the first stop on all Limited Express services running to Hakone; these take about the same time as a Rapid Express but carry an additional surcharge. In exchange, you get a comfortable reserved seat similar to those on a bullet train, which can make the ride much more pleasant, especially during rush hour.
The JR Yokohama Line connects Machida with Hachioji and Yokohama. More frequent trains from Yokohama depart from nearby Higashi-Kanagawa Station. The Yokohama Line also offers the best connection from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Machida via Shin-Yokohama Station. There is no charge for JR trains with the Japan Rail Pass.
Minami-Machida has its own station, Minami-Machida Grandberry Park Station on the Tokyu Denentoshi Line.
Fares and Payment
Suica and Pasmo IC cards work across trains and buses, making payment simple — just tap in and tap out. Smart cards such as Suica can be used for easy payment on local buses as well. For JR trains, the Japan Rail Pass covers travel at no additional charge. Keep in mind that some small eateries around the Sunroad arcade and Hondori may only accept cash, so it is wise to carry some.
Buses
Because the rail lines run along the prefectural borders, buses are the main way to get around inside Machida. There is a bus service from Machida Station to various places in the city. For example, to reach Yakushiike Park and the squirrel park, take a bus from the North Exit of Odakyu Machida Station (in front of the POP Building) at bus stop No. 21. Buses run to Tsurukawa via Honmachida or to Notsuda Shako via Honmachida; get off at the Yakushi-ike or Yakushigaoka bus stop.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and local buses fill gaps in coverage where trains and buses do not conveniently connect. They are a useful fallback for short trips or when traveling late, though the source material does not detail specific ride-hailing apps or taxi stands, so it is best to ask at your accommodation or a station information desk for the current options.
Walking
Machida is quite walkable within its main areas. Tourist attractions are concentrated in the Machida station area, the Minami-Machida area, and the Yakushiike area. You can get to each area by train or bus, and then visit the tourist sites in that area on foot. Around Machida Station, the North and South exits each have their own character: the South Exit area is known for izakayas, yakitori, nightlife, and shopping arcades, while the North Exit streets are home to boutique bakeries. Sidewalks are clean and public toilets are widely available. Wi-Fi is reliable in cafés and malls. When using trains, queue at the platform markings, keep voices low, and smoke only in designated booths.
Getting There from the Airport
Machida is accessible from both of Tokyo's major airports.
- Haneda (HND): Take the Keikyu Airport Line or the Tokyo Monorail into central Tokyo, then change to JR or Odakyu lines to Machida. Door-to-door this takes roughly 50–75 minutes. Airport limousine buses also serve Machida on some timetables, taking roughly 40–70 minutes.
- Narita (NRT): The Narita Express (N'EX) runs to Shinjuku, where you change to the Odakyu Line for Machida; total travel time is roughly 90–120 minutes. Alternatively, take the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori or Ueno, then continue by JR or limousine bus; this takes roughly 100–160 minutes in total.
In addition, Kanachu and Keio bus companies jointly offer daily bus services to Machida from both Narita and Haneda airports. There is only one service, and depending on the time of day you may get either a Kanachu or a Keio bus.
Day Trips by Train
Machida makes a convenient base for exploring the region. By train, Kamakura (including the Kotoku-in Great Buddha) is about an hour away, Yokohama Chinatown about 40 minutes, and Enoshima Island about 90 minutes. Hakone, with Lake Ashi, is also reachable by train. Evening trains back to Shinjuku take 30–40 minutes, making Machida a practical option for daytrippers who prefer to stay outside the center.