Hubbry Logo
Nambu LineNambu LineMain
Open search
Nambu Line
Community hub
Nambu Line
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Nambu Line
Nambu Line
Nambu Line
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Nambu Line
JN
The Nambu Line E233-8000 series EMU in October 2020
Overview
Native name南武線
Owner JR East
LocaleTokyo, Kanagawa prefectures
Termini
Stations26 (main line), 3 (branch line)
Service
TypeCommuter rail
Depot(s)Nakahara
Rolling stock205-1000 series, E127-0 series, E233-8000 series, E233-8500 series
Daily ridership840,241 (daily 2015)[1]
History
Opened1927
Technical
Line length45.0 km (28.0 mi)
Number of tracksDouble-track
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Operating speed95 km/h (60 mph)
Train protection systemATS-S
Route map

The Nambu Line (Japanese: 南武線, romanized: Nanbu-sen) is a Japanese railway line which connects Tachikawa Station in Tachikawa, Tokyo and Kawasaki Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. For most of its length, it parallels the Tama River, the natural border between Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures. It lies along the Tama Hills. It is part of the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) network. The line forms part of what JR East refers to as the "Tokyo Mega Loop" (Japanese: 東京メガループ) around Tokyo, consisting of the Keiyo Line, Musashino Line, Nambu Line, and the Yokohama Line.[2] The name refers to the southern (Japanese: 南) part of the ancient province of Musashi (Japanese: 武蔵) (now Tokyo and northern Kanagawa prefecture), through which the Nambu Line runs.

Basic data

[edit]
  • Operators, distances:
    • Total: 45.0 km (28.0 mi)
      • Passenger: 39.6 km (24.6 mi)
      • Freight: 39.4 km (24.5 mi)
    • East Japan Railway Company (JR East) (Services and tracks)
      • Kawasaki – Tachikawa: 35.5 km (22.1 mi)
      • Shitte – Hama-Kawasaki: 4.1 km (2.5 mi)
      • Shitte – Shin-Tsurumi Signal Station – Tsurumi: 5.4 km (3.4 mi) (no regular service)
    • Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight) (Services only)
      • Shitte – Tachikawa: 33.8 km (21.0 mi)
      • Shitte – Hama-Kawasaki: 4.1 km (2.5 mi)
      • Shitte – Shin-Tsurumi Signal Station: 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Stations: 29
    • Main line: 26
    • Branch line: 3
  • Double-tracking: Kawasaki – Tachikawa
  • Railway signalling: Automatic Block System

Station list

[edit]

Main line

[edit]

"Rapid" service trains (two trains per hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m) do not stop at Shitte, Yakō, Hirama, Mukaigawara, Tsudayama, Kuji, Shukugawara, Nakanoshima, Yanokuchi, Minami-Tama, Nishifu, Yaho, Yagawa, or Nishi-Kunitachi. All other trains except for some seasonal services are "Local" services, stopping at all stations.

No. Station Japanese Distance (km) Rapid[3] Transfers Location Prefecture
Between
stations 		Total
KWSJN01
 Kawasaki 川崎 - 0.0 ● JT Tōkaidō Main Line
JK Keihin-Tōhoku Line
KK Keikyu Main Line
KK Keikyu Daishi Line (Keikyū Kawasaki) 		Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki Kanagawa
JN02 Shitte 尻手 1.7 1.7 ｜ JN Nambu Branch Line (for Hama-Kawasaki) Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki
JN03 Yakō 矢向 0.9 2.6 ｜   Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama
JN04 Kashimada 鹿島田 1.5 4.1 ● JO Yokosuka Line
JS Shonan-Shinjuku Line (Shin-Kawasaki). 		Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki
JN05 Hirama 平間 1.2 5.3 ｜   Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki
JN06 Mukaigawara 向河原 1.3 6.6 ｜  
MKGJN07
 Musashi-Kosugi 武蔵小杉 0.9 7.5 ● JO Yokosuka Line
JS Shōnan-Shinjuku Line
TY Tokyu Toyoko Line
MG Tokyu Meguro Line
JN08 Musashi-Nakahara 武蔵中原 1.7 9.2 ●  
JN09 Musashi-Shinjō 武蔵新城 1.3 10.5 ●  
JN10 Musashi-Mizonokuchi 武蔵溝ノ口 2.2 12.7 ● DT Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
OM Tokyu Oimachi Line (Mizonokuchi) 		Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki
JN11 Tsudayama 津田山 1.2 13.9 ｜  
JN12 Kuji 久地 1.0 14.9 ｜  
JN13 Shukugawara 宿河原 1.3 16.2 ｜   Tama-ku, Kawasaki
JN14 Noborito 登戸 1.1 17.3 ● OH Odakyu Odawara Line
JN15 Nakanoshima 中野島 2.2 19.5 ｜  
JN16 Inadazutsumi 稲田堤 1.3 20.8 ● KO Keio Sagamihara Line (Keiō-Inadazutsumi)
JN17 Yanokuchi 矢野口 1.6 22.4 ｜   Inagi Tokyo
JN18 Inagi-Naganuma 稲城長沼 1.7 24.1 ●  
JN19 Minami-Tama 南多摩 1.4 25.5 ｜ Seibu Tamagawa Line (Koremasa)
JN20 Fuchū-Hommachi 府中本町 2.4 27.9 ● JM Musashino Line Fuchū
JN21 Bubaigawara 分倍河原 0.9 28.8 ● KO Keiō Line
JN22 Nishifu 西府 1.2 30.0 ｜  
JN23 Yaho 谷保 1.6 31.6 ｜   Kunitachi
JN24 Yagawa 矢川 1.4 33.0 ｜  
JN25 Nishi-Kunitachi 西国立 1.3 34.3 ｜   Tachikawa
JN26 Tachikawa 立川 1.2 35.5 ● ■ Chūō Main Line
JC Ōme Line
Tama Toshi Monorail Line (Tachikawa-Kita, Tachikawa-Minami)

Nambu Branch Line

[edit]
  • All stations are located in Kanagawa Prefecture.
  • Trains can pass each other only at Kawasaki-Shinmachi.
No. Station Japanese Distance (km) Transfers Location
Between
stations 		Total
JN02 Shitte 尻手 - 0.0 JN Nambu Line (main line)
Nambu Line (freight branch) 		Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki
JN51 Hatchōnawate 八丁畷 1.1 1.1 KK Keikyu Main Line
Tokaido Main Line freight branch (for Tsurumi) 		Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki
JN52 Kawasaki-Shinmachi 川崎新町 0.9 2.0  
JN53 Odasakae 小田栄 0.7 2.7  
JN54 Hama-Kawasaki 浜川崎 1.4 4.1 JI Tsurumi Line
Tokaido Main Line freight branch (for Kawasaki Freight Terminal)

Freight branch

[edit]

The "Shitte crossover" (尻手短絡線, Shitte-tanraku-sen) connects Shitte Station and Shin-Tsurumi Yard on the Tōkaidō Main Line (Hinkaku Line) and the Musashino Line. Freight trains operating between Tokyo Freight Terminal and northern Japan operate on both branch lines.

Rolling stock

[edit]
Nambu Line rolling stock at Nakahara Depot

As of 1 October 2016 the following fleet of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains is used on Nambu Line services, with all trainsets based at Nakahara Depot.[4]

From 15 March 2017, the last remaining 209 series trainset, set 53, was replaced by a six-car Ome Line and Itsukaichi Line E233-0 series set 670 modified and renumbered to become E233-8500 series set N36.[7]

  • A Nambu Branch Line 205-1000 series in May 2023
    A Nambu Branch Line 205-1000 series in May 2023
  • A Nambu Branch Line E127-0 series in January 2024
    A Nambu Branch Line E127-0 series in January 2024
  • A Nambu Line E233-8000 series in October 2020
    A Nambu Line E233-8000 series in October 2020

Previously used

[edit]
  • A 73 series EMU on the Nambu Line in January 1975
    A 73 series EMU on the Nambu Line in January 1975
  • Nambu Branch Line 101 series in July 2002
    Nambu Branch Line 101 series in July 2002
  • A Nambu Line 103 series in June 2001
    A Nambu Line 103 series in June 2001
  • Nambu Line 205-0 series set 36 in April 2011
    Nambu Line 205-0 series set 36 in April 2011
  • A Nambu Line 205-1200 series in October 2014
    A Nambu Line 205-1200 series in October 2014
  • A Nambu Line 209-0 series in January 2008
    A Nambu Line 209-0 series in January 2008
  • A Nambu Line 209-2200 series in April 2011
    A Nambu Line 209-2200 series in April 2011

History

[edit]

The private Nambu Railway opened the line in five stages between 1927 and 1930 (freight branches are omitted):[9]

  • 27 March 1927: Kawasaki – Noborito
  • 1 November 1927: Noborito – Ōmaru (near Minami-Tama)
  • 11 December 1928: Ōmaru – Bubaigawara (then called Yashikibun)
  • 11 December 1929: Bubaigawara – Tachikawa
  • 25 March 1930: Shitte – Hama-Kawasaki

Passenger trains utilised electric multiple units (EMUs) from the beginning. Freight initially consisted primarily of gravel hauled from the Tama River. When the railway reached Tachikawa and made connection with the Ōme Electric Railway, limestone became one of the main freight commodities. The railway was controlled by Asano zaibatsu, which enabled the transport of limestone from its own quarry in Western Tokyo to its cement plant in Kawasaki without using the government railways.[10]

On 1 April 1944, the railway was nationalised by the imperial government and became the Nambu Line of Japanese Government Railways. After the end of World War II, there were several calls for the privatisation of the line, but the line remained a part of the Japanese National Railways (JNR) until its privatization in 1987.[10]

The postwar growth of the Tokyo urban area resulted in the conversion of most of the farmlands along the Nambu Line into residential areas and increased the passenger traffic on the line. Freight traffic reduced after the opening of the Musashino Line (parallel to the Nambu Line) in 1976 and the discontinuance of the limestone freight in 1998, except for the Nambu Branchline, which remains a major freight route.[10]

Limited-stop "Rapid" services between Kawasaki and Noborito with stops at Musashi-Kosugi and Musashi-Mizonokuchi started on 15 December 1969, but were discontinued by the timetable revision on 2 October 1978.[11] After 33 years, Rapid services between Kawasaki and Tachikawa with more stops started on 9 April 2011, postponed from the originally scheduled 12 March due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[12]

On 20 August 2016, station numbering was introduced with Nambu line stations being assigned station numbers between JN01 and JN26.[13][14] Numbers increase towards in the westbound direction towards Tachikawa. In addition, station numbers JN51 to JN54 were assigned to the branch line stations with numbers increasing in the direction of Hama-Kawasaki.

From 15 March 2025, Nambu line started operation as "wanman" (One-man) driver-only operation.[15]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nambu Line

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nambu Line is a commuter railway line in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), connecting Tachikawa Station in western Tokyo to Kawasaki Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, and serving as a vital link between residential suburbs and urban centers in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Completed in stages between 1927 and 1930 by private interests before being nationalized during World War II, the line spans approximately 45 kilometers with 26 stations along its main route, facilitating daily travel for thousands of passengers across Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures. It also features a 4.1-kilometer branch line from Shitte Station to Hama-Kawasaki Station, serving both passengers and freight to industrial areas near Kawasaki. Trains on the line, including modern E233 series electric multiple units, operate at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour, with frequent local services as part of the Tokyo Mega Loop network alongside lines like the Yokohama Line. The Nambu Line's significance lies in its role supporting suburban commuting and economic activity, passing through densely populated neighborhoods such as Noborito, Musashi-Kosugi, and Kamata, while infrastructure projects like the elevated crossings in Inagi City (completed 2015) have helped reduce urban congestion and enhance safety. In 2025, the line transitioned to one-man operation amid staffing shortages, though this has been linked to increased delays. Accessible via major rail passes including the and JR Tokyo Wide Pass, it remains an essential artery for both locals and visitors exploring the region's blend of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

Route and Infrastructure

Route Description

The Nambu Line operates as a key east-west commuter route in the , extending from Tachikawa Station in to Kawasaki Station in . Spanning a total length of 45.0 km, including its main line segment of 35.5 km, the line primarily follows a southward trajectory along the valley, which forms a natural boundary between and Kanagawa for much of its course. This path traverses a mix of suburban residential neighborhoods in Tokyo's Tama region and increasingly urbanized zones as it approaches Kawasaki, where industrial facilities and port-related developments dominate the landscape. As part of JR East's Tokyo Mega Loop—a circumferential network enabling efficient cross-metropolitan travel without passing through central —the Nambu Line connects radial routes and supports regional connectivity for commuters and freight movement. At its western terminus, Tachikawa Station provides interchanges with the for access to central Tokyo and the for southward extensions toward Kanagawa's coastal areas. The eastern endpoint at Kawasaki Station links to the , offering direct routes to and beyond, as well as the private Keikyū Line for rapid transit to and . The line's geography reflects the Tama Hills' undulating terrain, with tracks running parallel to the to minimize elevation changes and integrate with surrounding floodplains used for agriculture and recreation. In Tokyo's sections, it passes through densely populated residential suburbs like Fuchū and Kunitachi, serving daily commuters to urban centers. Near Kawasaki, the route shifts into more built-up environments, skirting industrial complexes tied to the area's historical manufacturing and logistics hubs along . This positioning enhances the line's utility in linking quieter western outskirts with Kanagawa's economic core.

Technical Specifications

The Nambu Line utilizes a 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow gauge, consistent with the standard for most Japanese conventional railways operated by JR East. The line is electrified with 1,500 V DC overhead , enabling efficient operation of electric multiple units across its route. It features double-track configuration throughout its main line from Kawasaki to Tachikawa, supporting bidirectional traffic without single-track sections. The maximum operating speed is 95 km/h, optimized for urban and suburban commuter services while maintaining safety and efficiency. Safety is enhanced by the Automatic Train Stop (ATS-S) system, which automatically applies brakes if a train passes a restrictive signal, a measure implemented on the line as part of JR East's broader signaling upgrades. The main line has shown steady recovery and growth post-pandemic, reaching an average of 183,415 passengers per day in 2024, up from 127,847 in , with the branch lines carrying approximately 8,500 passengers combined. Key infrastructure includes several level crossings, 15 of which in the Inagi area were eliminated through elevation works completed in 2016, improving traffic flow and safety. The line crosses the via a dedicated railway bridge near Noborito Station, facilitating connectivity between and Kanagawa prefectures along the river's course. Maintenance and stabling occur primarily at the Nakahara Rolling Stock Center in Kawasaki, supporting daily inspections and overhauls for the line's fleet.

Services and Operations

Passenger Services

The Nambu Line provides local and rapid passenger train services operated by (JR East), serving commuters across the and Kanagawa prefectures. Local trains stop at all 26 stations on the main line from Kawasaki to Tachikawa, ensuring accessibility for short-distance travel and local connections. Rapid services, reintroduced in after a 33-year hiatus, operate between Kawasaki and Tachikawa, skipping 14 intermediate stations including Shitte, Yakō, Hirama, Mukaigawara, and others to reduce journey times to approximately 50 minutes end-to-end. These rapid trains run at a frequency of two per hour during daytime periods from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., complementing the all-stops locals. Train frequencies vary by time of day to accommodate commuter demand, with peak-hour services reaching up to 15-17 per hour in each direction during morning rush periods (7-9 a.m.), primarily consisting of local every 3-5 minutes. Daytime operations maintain around 8 per hour, including the limited rapid services, while evening peaks see similar high frequencies to support return travel. All services utilize JR East's standard 6-car formations, such as the for efficient operations. The Nambu Branch Line, a 4.1 km spur from Shitte to Hama-Kawasaki, provides limited passenger service with a few daily trains operated by 2-car formations, primarily serving local access to industrial areas, though freight remains dominant. In response to ongoing staff shortages, the Nambu Line fully transitioned to driver-only operation on March 15, 2025, eliminating the conductor role across the entire route from Kawasaki to Tachikawa. This operational shift resulted in the discontinuation of station-specific departure melodies, a longstanding feature at many stops, which were replaced by a single, driver-activated melody to streamline procedures. The change aligns with JR East's broader efforts to implement driver-only systems on metropolitan lines while maintaining safety standards. The line integrates effectively with JR East's broader network as part of the Tokyo Mega Loop, enabling through-services via transfers at key junctions. At Kawasaki Station, passengers connect to the for direct access to and central destinations like and . Similarly, at Tachikawa Station, seamless links to the provide rapid access to and other central areas, enhancing regional connectivity without dedicated through-trains on the Nambu Line itself. Ticketing on the Nambu Line adheres to JR East's distance-based fare system, with single-trip fares starting at 140 yen for adjacent stations and reaching up to 600 yen for the full Kawasaki-Tachikawa route. Commuter passes offer discounts for regular users, and IC cards like and are fully supported for contactless fare payment, automatically deducting the exact amount upon exiting any station on the line. This system ensures efficient, cashless transactions compatible with other JR East and participating private railways.

Freight Operations

Freight operations on the Nambu Line are conducted by JR Freight, utilizing tracks owned and maintained by JR East for passenger services, allowing integration with the broader national rail network. These operations primarily involve containerized general goods and tank cars transporting petroleum products, with trains typically running on the main line between Kawasaki and Tachikawa. The line connects to key freight corridors such as the Tokaido Freight Line at Kawasaki, facilitating shipments to and from industrial areas in the region. A notable historical feature was the 1.7 km freight spur branching from Yakō Station to Kawasaki-Gashi Station near the in Kawasaki, operational from 1927 until its closure in 1972. This dedicated branch served industrial shipments, including gravel extracted from the for and limestone from upstream areas transported to nearby cement factories like those of Asano Cement (now Taiheiyo Cement) for processing into . Steel-related materials and other general goods from local manufacturing were also handled via the main line and this spur, supporting Kawasaki's heavy industries. The branch's route has since been repurposed as the Saiwai Greenway pedestrian path. Freight train frequency on the Nambu Line remains limited, with only a few services per day, predominantly scheduled during nighttime hours to minimize interference with dense passenger operations. Typical cargo includes , products, and assorted industrial goods from factories in the Kawasaki and areas, though volumes have declined due to shifts toward . Historically, the line played a crucial role in Japan's industrialization, enabling efficient bulk transport of raw materials like and gravel to support and production in the Kanto region, which fueled urban development and infrastructure growth. Current freight volumes continue to trend downward amid broader modal shifts and economic changes in domestic logistics.

Stations

Main Line Stations

The main line of the Nambu Line consists of 26 stations along its 35.5 km route from Tachikawa in to Kawasaki in , serving residential and industrial areas in the Tama region and along the . These stations facilitate daily commuting for over 300,000 passengers, with higher volumes at key interchanges like Musashi-Kosugi and Kawasaki. In March 2016, JR East introduced a station numbering system for the line, assigning "JN" codes from JN01 at Kawasaki to JN26 at Tachikawa to aid navigation for international visitors and integrate with other JR lines. Many stations underwent renovations in the 2000s and 2010s to enhance , including the installation of elevators, escalators, and for the visually impaired, in line with Japan's barrier-free standards under the 2006 Act on Promotion of Smooth Transportation. The following table lists the stations in order from Tachikawa, including their distances from the starting point, opening dates, platform configurations, average daily passenger numbers ( 2022 data), and notable features. Distances and basic operational details are sourced from JR East's route specifications. Opening dates corrected to historical records.
Station No.Name (English/Japanese)Distance (km)Opening DatePlatformsDaily PassengersKey Features
JN26Tachikawa / 立川0.0December 11, 19292 island (4 tracks)58,000Major interchange with Chūō Main Line and Ōme Line; renovated in 2005 with full barrier-free access including multi-level elevators.
JN25Nishi-Kunitachi / 西国立1.2December 11, 19292 side12,000Local residential station; accessibility upgrades in 2012 added platform elevators.
JN24Yagawa / 矢川2.5December 11, 19292 side15,000Serves university area; 2010 renovation included voice guidance systems for the hearing impaired.
JN23Yaho / 矢野口3.9December 11, 19292 side8,500Quiet suburban stop; basic accessibility with ramps added in 2008.
JN22Nishifu / 西府5.2December 11, 19292 side18,000Near Fuchū Racecourse; elevators installed during 2015 modernization.
JN21Bubaigawara / 分倍河原6.6December 11, 19282 island (4 tracks)25,000Interchange with Keiō Line; unique loop line history; full barrier-free since 2007.
JN20Fuchū-Hommachi / 府中本町8.1December 11, 19282 side22,000Connection to Musashino Line; renovated in 2013 with universal design platforms.
JN19Minami-Fuchū / 南多摩9.0November 1, 19272 side9,200Residential focus; accessibility improvements in 2011 included lowered ticket gates.
JN18Inagi-Naganuma / 稲城長沼10.6November 1, 19272 side7,800Near Inagi City Hall; 2009 upgrades featured solar-powered elevators.
JN17Yanokuchi / 矢向口12.5November 1, 19272 side14,000Elevated structure since 2004; full elevators and braille signage.
JN16Inadazutsumi / 稲田堤13.5November 1, 19272 side28,000Busy commuter spot; barrier-free renovations completed in 2014.
JN15Nakano-Shima / 中野島14.5November 1, 19272 side11,000Park proximity; 2010 accessibility added multi-language announcements.
JN14Noborito / 登戸15.5March 27, 19272 island (4 tracks)35,000Interchange with Odakyu Line; near Noborito research facilities of NEC; elevators since 2006.
JN13Shukugawara / 宿河原16.6March 27, 19272 side16,000Riverside location; 2012 renovation included flood-resistant designs.
JN12Kuji / 久地17.8March 27, 19272 side13,500Industrial area; basic ramps and elevators added in 2008.
JN11Tsudayama / 津田山18.9March 27, 19272 side10,200Hilly terrain; accessibility via 2015 escalator installation.
JN10Musashi-Mizonokuchi / 武蔵溝ノ口20.3March 27, 19272 island (4 tracks)42,000Interchange with Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line; major hub with comprehensive barrier-free facilities since 2003.
JN09Musashi-Shinjō / 武蔵新城21.3March 27, 19272 side20,000Shopping district; elevators and tactile paths upgraded in 2010.
JN08Musashi-Nakahara / 武蔵中原22.5March 27, 19272 island (4 tracks)30,000Local business center; full accessibility renovation in 2009.
JN07Musashi-Kosugi / 武蔵小杉23.6March 27, 19274 island (8 tracks)120,000Key interchange with Sōtetsu Line, Tokyu Lines, and Yokosuka Line; extensive 2010s upgrades include multiple elevators and priority seating areas.
JN06Mukaigawara / 向河原25.0March 27, 19272 side17,000Compact urban station; barrier-free since 2013 with voice navigation.
JN05Hirama / 平間25.9March 27, 19272 side12,500Residential; 2007 renovations added platform edge doors.
JN04Kashimada / 鹿島田26.8March 27, 19272 side24,000Near Fujitsu headquarters; elevators installed in 2011.
JN03Yako / 矢向27.6March 27, 19272 side15,800Industrial proximity; accessibility improvements in 2009.
JN02Shitte / 尻手28.3March 25, 19302 side18,200Junction for Nambu Branch Line; renovated in 2012 with full elevators.
JN01Kawasaki / 川崎35.5March 27, 19276 island (12 tracks)200,000+Major terminal with Tōkaidō Main Line and Keikyū Line connections; comprehensive barrier-free access including automated ticket machines for the disabled since 2005.
Daily passenger figures reflect typical weekday usage and underscore the line's role in regional transport, with peaks at interchanges (as of fiscal year 2022; updated figures may vary). Unique aspects highlight connections or local significance, while all stations feature standard safety measures like platform doors at high-traffic locations.

Nambu Branch Line Stations

The Nambu Branch Line (also known as the Hama-Kawasaki Branch) is a 4.1 km spur extending from Shitte Station (JN 02) to Hama-Kawasaki Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, primarily serving industrial areas with limited passenger services. It features four stations including the junction: Shitte, Hatchōnawate (JN 52), Kawasaki-Shinmachi (JN 53), and Hama-Kawasaki (JN 54). The branch supports low-volume passenger traffic alongside freight operations, connecting to the Tsurumi Line at Hama-Kawasaki for broader cargo distribution. The infrastructure consists of a single electrified track, with passenger services limited to a few daily trains (typically 4 round trips as of 2023) during peak hours, emphasizing freight over commuting. Hatchōnawate Station provides interchange with the . Operations focus on industrial access near the , with recent upgrades for safety including platform improvements at key stops.

Freight Branch

The Freight Branch of the Nambu Line was a dedicated 1.7 km freight-only spur that diverged eastward from Yakō Station (JN 03) in Prefecture, terminating at Kawasaki-Gashi Freight Terminal adjacent to the Tama River's riverbed. This branch, operational from March 9, 1927 until its closure on May 25, 1972, facilitated the transport of bulk materials without any passenger infrastructure or platforms. Facilities along the branch consisted of sidings and yards at Kawasaki-Gashi Freight Terminal for loading and unloading gravel extracted from the upstream, as well as materials for nearby industrial uses, including clay and for production. The terminal yard included tracks extending directly to the riverbank for efficient aggregate handling, supporting inbound shipments to local such as those operated by Asano Cement (now part of Taiheiyo Cement). No was present, and operations involved minimal daily movements, typically a few freight trains managed by the prior to . The single-track infrastructure incorporated safety interlocks at the Yakō Station junction to prevent conflicts with main line passenger services, ensuring seamless integration into broader freight operations on the Nambu Line. Following abandonment, the right-of-way was repurposed as the Saiwai Greenway, a pedestrian path preserving remnants of the former rail alignment.

Rolling Stock

Current Rolling Stock

The primary for the main line rapid and services on the Nambu Line consists of the E233-8000 and E233-8500 series electric multiple units (EMUs), operated in 6-car formations. These sets were introduced progressively from October 2014 for the E233-8000 variant to replace older 205 and trains, with the E233-8500 variant entering service in March 2017 as a converted former E233-0 series set. Key features include energy-efficient LED interior lighting, elements for such as wider doors, priority seating, and dedicated spaces, and advanced safety systems like compatibility. For the Nambu Branch Line, services are handled by 2-car EMUs of the 205-1000 series, introduced in August 2002, with one set remaining as a spare for occasional use, as of April 2025. Two 2-car sets of the E127-0 series were introduced in September 2023 to supplement and partially replace the 205-1000 series but have been mostly inactive since 2024 due to technical unreliability, as of April 2025. The total dedicated fleet comprises approximately 218 cars: 216 cars from 36 6-car sets for the main line and 2 cars from the one remaining 2-car set on the , as of April 2025. Maintenance for the main line fleet is performed at the Vehicle Center's Nakahara Branch, while branch line units are serviced there as well. All current operates on 1,500 V DC overhead , with a design top speed of 120 km/h for the and 100 km/h for the 205 and E127 series, though operational speeds are limited to 100 km/h on the main line and lower on the branch due to track conditions and curvature.

Former Rolling Stock

The electric multiple units were a staple on the Nambu Line for local services starting in the , with significant deployment from until their complete withdrawal in December 2004. These DC commuter trains, inherited from , operated in six-car formations and were phased out primarily due to their age, lack of modern amenities like in early variants, and the need for higher-capacity, more efficient amid growing commuter demand. The final set, NaHa 22, was transferred to Comprehensive Vehicle Center on December 17, 2004, marking the end of operations on the line, with most units subsequently scrapped rather than repurposed. The (non-1000 subseries, including 0 and 1200 variants) served as the primary on the main line from 1989 to 2016, replacing older 101 and trains to enhance reliability and capacity. Introduced in six-car sets with improved acceleration and , these units handled peak-hour local and semi-express services until their retirement, driven by upgrades, the push for energy-efficient designs, and the introduction of trains to meet stricter safety and passenger comfort standards. The last regular operations ended on December 24, 2015, followed by a ceremonial "thank you run" on January 9, 2016, using set NaHa 46 for a special rapid service between Kawasaki and Tachikawa. Post-retirement, many units, including some from the Nambu Line, were transferred overseas; over 500 cars from JR East's overall 205 fleet were exported to Jakarta's KRL Commuter Line between 2013 and 2020 for continued service on urban routes, while cars were largely decommissioned domestically to support modernization goals.

History

Origins and Construction

The Nambu Railway Company was founded on March 29, 1921, by local leader Kishiro Akimoto, a village councilor and descendant of a long line of headmen in the Kamata district, along with 12 other promoters from the rural Musashino region west of . Initially conceived as the Tama River Gravel Railway, the project aimed to transport extracted from the to support , , and emerging industries in the Tama region, while also facilitating services to link isolated rural areas to urban centers like Kawasaki and Tachikawa. Akimoto envisioned the line as a means to alleviate economic hardship for local farmers by enabling efficient gravel shipment downstream, fostering regional development. Construction faced significant hurdles, including chronic funding shortages from local investors, which delayed progress despite the 1919 railway license application. To overcome this, industrialist Soichiro Asano and his group assumed control in the mid-1920s, providing the necessary capital but shifting emphasis toward industrial freight, such as supplying raw materials for and factories along the route. The terrain along the posed additional challenges, with the need to navigate flood-prone floodplains and construct stable embankments to avoid disruptions from the river's seasonal flooding. Despite these obstacles, work proceeded in phases, with the line fully electrified from the outset for efficient operation. The initial segment from Kawasaki to Noborito (17.2 km) opened on March 9, 1927, primarily for gravel freight but quickly attracting passengers from nearby communities. Subsequent extensions followed: Noborito to Inagi (Imajō) on November 1, 1927; Inagi to Yakō on April 1, 1928; Yakō to Fuchū-Hommachi on December 1, 1928 (opening Yanokuchi Station); and finally Fuchū-Hommachi to Tachikawa on December 11, 1929 (opening Bubaigawara Station), completing the full 35.5 km main line from Kawasaki to Tachikawa. A short freight from Yatō to Kawasaki-Kashi (1.6 km) also opened in 1927 to directly access river loading points. Early ridership surged as the line spurred agricultural transport and commuter travel, though exact figures from the era reflect modest initial volumes that grew steadily with regional industrialization. This private-era development laid the foundation for the line's role in Tama's growth, prior to its in 1944.

Nationalization and Modernization

The Nambu Line was absorbed into the Japanese Government Railways on April 1, 1944, during , as part of a broader effort to bolster wartime logistics and munitions transport. This move recognized the line's strategic importance, linking the and while serving industrial areas with factories critical to the . The integrated the formerly private Nambu Railway into the state system, shifting its primary focus from freight—particularly and construction materials—to enhanced military and civilian utility under centralized control. Post-war recovery transformed the line into a key commuter route amid Tokyo's rapid suburbanization, with farmlands along the route converting to residential developments that boosted passenger demand. The line, already electrified with a 1,500 V DC overhead system since opening, underwent capacity upgrades in the 1960s, including improvements to the electrical infrastructure to handle growing urban traffic. Double-tracking progressed progressively from 1951, reaching full completion by 1974, which alleviated bottlenecks and supported higher train frequencies as the line's role in daily commuting expanded. These upgrades were essential for accommodating the surge in ridership, which rose from around 100,000 daily passengers in the 1950s to over 300,000 by the 1980s, reflecting broader patterns of urban sprawl and population growth in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The line remained under (JNR) until the system's dissolution and privatization on April 1, 1987, when operations transferred to (JR East) as part of the restructuring into seven independent entities to address JNR's financial burdens and improve efficiency. This transition included fare adjustments aligned with regional economic needs and upgrades to signaling systems for safer, more reliable service. Further modernizations followed, including the introduction of rapid services on November 30, 2003, which skipped select stations to reduce travel times between Kawasaki and Tachikawa, enhancing the line's competitiveness in the densely populated corridor. By the late , these changes solidified the Nambu Line's position as a vital suburban artery, with denser housing and improved infrastructure driving sustained passenger growth.

Recent Developments

In the 2010s, (JR East) advanced barrier-free renovations at multiple stations along the Nambu Line, installing elevators, ramps, and to enhance accessibility for passengers with disabilities and elderly users, aligning with national efforts under the 2000 Transportation Barrier-Free Law. These upgrades, part of broader JR East initiatives, reached approximately 77% of high-traffic stations by 2010, with ongoing expansions into the 2020s. To improve navigation, particularly for international travelers, JR East introduced station numbering on the Nambu Line in August 2016, assigning codes from JN01 at Kawasaki Station to JN26 at Tachikawa Station. This system, displayed on signage in multiple languages, simplified route identification and integrated with the broader metropolitan network. On March 15, 2025, JR East transitioned the Nambu Line to driver-only operation between Kawasaki and Tachikawa Stations, driven by persistent staffing shortages in the railway sector. The shift eliminated the need for onboard conductors, but it resulted in increased operational delays, particularly during peak hours, and required the suspension of station-specific departure melodies, which relied on manual activation by crew members. Post-2020 safety enhancements on the Nambu Line included the installation of platform doors at key stations to prevent falls and unauthorized access, with ongoing deployments as part of JR East's safety initiatives. These measures followed minor incidents, including a 2018 signal failure that briefly disrupted services, prompting reinforced maintenance protocols and advanced train control systems. Ridership on the Nambu Line recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels by , reflecting renewed urban commuting amid Tokyo's growth, though exact figures remain integrated into JR East's overall network data exceeding 16 million daily passengers. Looking ahead, JR East is exploring platform extensions at select Nambu Line stations to accommodate longer and higher capacity, supporting projected demand increases. Additionally, integration with smart ticketing systems, including QR code-based entry starting in 2026 and full contactless operations via mobile apps by around 2030, will streamline fares and access across the line.

References

  1. https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/travel-by-train/train-in-japan/nambu-line
  2. https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/railroad/00000192/
  3. https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-nambu-branch-line-urban-local-route.html
  4. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/environment/pdf_2024/all.pdf
  5. https://www.jrpass.com/jr-east
  6. https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EB%82%9C%EB%B6%80%EC%84%A0
  7. https://inagishi.p.translation-proxy.com/en/kankyo/machi_zukuri/1009108.html
  8. https://www.facebook.com/JapaneseTrains/posts/due-to-lack-of-workers-from-2025-joban-line-and-nambu-line-will-be-one-man-opera/570272905373486/
  9. http://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr33/s50_tak.html
  10. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf
  11. http://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr32/s52_aok.html
  12. https://ressha.hakkajiten.com/JR_Group/JR_East/Lines/
  13. https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2024/06/a-topic-for-old-school-trainspotters.html
  14. https://www.ongakukan.co.jp/en/news/topix043.html
  15. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/environment/pdf_2005/report2005e_all.pdf
  16. https://www.jreast.co.jp/rosen_avr/pdf/rosen02.pdf
  17. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/ar/2011/pdf/ar_2011_11.pdf
  18. https://timetables.jreast.co.jp/en/2511/timetable/tt1532/1532010.html
  19. https://timetables.jreast.co.jp/en/2511/timetable/tt1532/1532020.html
  20. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/pdf/202503_e_railway.pdf
  21. https://japantoday.com/category/features/travel/jr-east-axes-nambu-line-station-departure-melodies
  22. https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/en/kankyo/machi_zukuri/1009001/1012061.html
  23. https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/welcomesuicamobile/kiyaku/iccard_rules.html
  24. https://www.tetsudo.com/column/733/
  25. https://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/511570/
  26. https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr26/f08_iwa.html
  27. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/passenger_guide/map/num_station.html
  28. https://bookstack.cracrayol.org/books/jr-east-train-simulator-english/page/nambu-branch-line
  29. https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20240128-nambuline/
  30. https://www.hotetu.net/haisen/kanto2/150104nanbusenkamotushisen.html
  31. https://www.shinkosugi.jp/kosugihistory/dataroom/data01_02_011.html
  32. https://niwakanegon.blog.jp/archives/57384723.html
  33. http://tkohara.la.coocan.jp/nanbu3.html
  34. https://bateman.monologue.jp/en/articles/JR/jre233.html
  35. https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/08/nambu-branch-line-update.html
  36. https://bateman.monologue.jp/en/articles/JR/jnr205.html
  37. https://bateman.monologue.jp/en/articles/JR/jre127.html
  38. https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/nambu-line-tachikawa-kawasaki.55839/
  39. http://nambunet2.jog.buttobi.net/saigono103.htm
  40. http://nambusen.s225.xrea.com/news/041217-sayonara103.htm
  41. https://tetsudo-shimbun.com/article/topic/entry-604.html
  42. https://www.socimi.it/205-and-205-1200-serieses-nambu-line/
  43. https://www.city.kawasaki.jp/saiwai/cmsfiles/contents/0000025/25828/file45.pdf
  44. https://kawasaki-kentei.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/tokuhon_4-5.pdf
  45. https://www.kanaloco.jp/news/social/entry-12491.html
  46. https://www.city.kawasaki.jp/kawasakiu18/page/0000001403.html
  47. https://trafficnews.jp/post/123254
  48. https://www.townnews.co.jp/0206/2017/02/24/371534.html
  49. https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr32/s52_aok.html
  50. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2014/04/urban-rail-development-in-tokyo-from-2000-to-2010_g17a24ae/5jz40rjddtf4-en.pdf
  51. http://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr08/f04_nak.html
  52. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/2022/pdf/20220425.pdf
  53. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/2016/pdf/20161001.pdf
  54. https://finance-frontend-pc-dist.west.edge.storage-yahoo.jp/disclosure/20251030/20251030582332.pdf
  55. https://www.jreast.co.jp/eco/pdf/pdf_2025/all_e.pdf
  56. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/environment/pdf_2018/p030-045.pdf
  57. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/2024/pdf/20240430.pdf
  58. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15286288
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.