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Ōme Line
JC
An E233 series EMU at Sawai Station
Overview
Other nameTokyo Adventure Line (Ōme - Okutama)
Native name青梅線
OwnerJR East
LocaleTokyo
Termini
Stations25
Service
TypeHeavy rail
Operator(s)JR East, JR Freight
History
Opened1894
Technical
Line length37.2 km (23.1 mi)
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Route map

The Ōme Line (青梅線, Ōme-sen) is a railway line operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in western Tokyo, Japan. It links Tachikawa and the Chūō Line with the town of Okutama. Many Chūō Line trains operate via the Ōme Line to Ōme Station, providing a direct service to Tokyo Station.

The section between Ōme and Oku-Tama is now nicknamed as the "Tokyo Adventure Line (東京アドベンチャーライン)".[1]

Services

[edit]
A Shinjuku-bound Holiday Rapid Okutama (E233 series EMU) at Haijima Station

Ōme Line Local

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Local trains stop at all stations. However, they rarely run along the entire Ōme Line, with services splitting at Ōme Station.

Through services

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The Ōme Line, at times, runs through services along the Chūō Rapid, Itsukaichi, and Hachikō lines. Supplemental trains during the peak season may also run along the Nambu Line. Trains that operate only on the Ōme Line have "Ōme-Itsukaichi Line" displayed at the front.

  • Chūō - Ōme Line through service: Some Chūō Line trains operate through service to the Ōme Line via Tachikawa. Most through services only go as far as Ōme, and stop at all stations on the Ōme Line, except the Holiday Rapid Okutama (See below). There are two other through service variations which uses the Ōme Line as an intermediate line, which are shown below.
    • Chūō - Ōme - Itsukaichi Line through service: At rush hours, few Chūō Line trains run through services between Tokyo and the Itsukaichi Line via Haijima. These services are always joined with another through service train, which couples / decouples at Haijima. During morning rush, some trains from Musashi-Itsukaichi on the Itsukaichi Line, and another train from Ōme on the Ōme Line, or from Hakonegasaki / Komagawa on the Hachiko Line, couple at Haijima, and head for Tokyo. During evening rush, the reverse occurs.
    • Chūō - Ōme - Hachiko Line through service: As mentioned above, there are through services from Tokyo on the Chūō Line to the Hachiko Line, via the Ōme Line. These trains terminate at Hakonegasaki or Komagawa.
  • Ōme - Itsukaichi Line through service: Some Itsukaichi Line operate through service to the Ōme Line via Haijima. They operate between Musashi-Itsukaichi and Tachikawa. Note that these trains do not go on the Chūō Line.

Ōme Limited Express

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Before 15 March 2025, the Ōme Limited Express (特急おうめ) was a limited express train service for commuters on the Chūō Rapid Line and Ōme Line. The train operated on weekdays only. Prior to 16 March 2019, this train operated as the Ōme Liner (青梅ライナー).[2]

See also: Ōme Limited Express

Holiday Rapid Okutama

[edit]
See also: Holiday Rapid Okutama

Holiday Rapid Okutama services run on weekends from Tokyo.

Station list

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  • All stations are located in Tokyo.
  • Local, rapid, and special rapid trains stop at all stations.
  • On the track column, stations where trains can pass one another are marked "◇", "∨", and "∧", and those where trains cannot pass each other at stations marked "｜". Stations marked "∥" are double-tracked.
No. Station Japanese Distance (km) Holiday Rapid Transfers  Track Location
Between
stations 		Total Okutama
JC19 Tachikawa 立川 - 0.0 ● JC Chūō Line

JN Nambu Line
Tama Toshi Monorail Line (Tachikawa-Kita, Tachikawa-Minami)

∥ Tachikawa
JC51 Nishi-Tachikawa 西立川 1.9 1.9 ●   ∥
JC52 Higashi-Nakagami 東中神 0.8 2.7 ｜   ∥ Akishima
JC53 Nakagami 中神 0.9 3.6 ｜   ∥
JC54 Akishima 昭島 1.4 5.0 ｜   ∥
JC55 Haijima 拝島 1.9 6.9 ●

(Coupled / Decoupled)

JC Itsukaichi Line

Hachikō Line
Seibu Haijima Line

∥
JC56 Ushihama 牛浜 1.7 8.6 ｜   ∥ Fussa
JC57 Fussa 福生 1.0 9.6 ●   ∥
JC58 Hamura 羽村 2.1 11.7 ｜   ∥ Hamura
JC59 Ozaku 小作 2.4 14.1 ｜   ∥
JC60 Kabe 河辺 1.8 15.9 ｜   ∨ Ōme
JC61 Higashi-Ōme 東青梅 1.3 17.2 ｜   ｜
JC62 Ōme 青梅 1.3 18.5 ●   ◇
JC63 Miyanohira 宮ノ平 2.1 20.6 ｜   ◇
JC64 Hinatawada 日向和田 0.8 21.4 ｜   ｜
JC65 Ishigamimae 石神前 1.0 22.4 ｜   ｜
JC66 Futamatao 二俣尾 1.2 23.6 ｜   ◇
JC67 Ikusabata 軍畑 0.9 24.5 ｜   ｜
JC68 Sawai 沢井 1.4 25.9 ｜   ◇
JC69 Mitake 御嶽 1.3 27.2 ● Mitake Tozan Railway: Cable car (Takimoto via bus) ◇
JC70 Kawai 川井 2.8 30.0 ｜   ｜ Okutama, Nishitama District
JC71 Kori 古里 1.6 31.6 ｜   ◇
JC72 Hatonosu 鳩ノ巣 2.2 33.8 ｜   ◇
JC73 Shiromaru 白丸 1.4 35.2 ｜   ｜
JC74 Oku-Tama 奥多摩 2.0 37.2 ●   ∧

Rolling stock

[edit]

Services on the Ōme Line are usually formed of E233-0 series 10-car / 6+4 car EMUs. However, while 209-1000 series trains usually only run on the Chuo Line (Rapid) between Tokyo and Takao stations, on rare occasions (such as a shortage of train sets due to an accident) they may also run on the Ome Line as far as Ome station. Due to the lack of passenger-operated door controls on these sets all doors open at each station on these sets.

History

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No. 1 Hikawa tunnel on the Ogouchi dam line (now Mizune Freight Line)
No. 1 Mizune bridge on the Ogouchi dam line (now Mizune Freight Line)

The section between Tachikawa and Ōme was opened in 1894 by the Ōme Railway as a 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge line, extended 2 km as a freight-only section to Hinatawada the following year. Passenger services were extended to Hinatawada in 1898, and the line was converted to 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) in 1908. A further freight-only section opened to Miyanohira in 1914, and to Futamatao in 1920. Passenger services were extended to Miyanohira in 1923, the same year the entire line was electrified at 1,200 V DC. The line was further extended to Mitake in 1929, when the company changed its name to the Ōme Electric Railway Co. and the voltage raised to 1,500 V DC in 1930. Passenger services were extended to Mitake in 1935.

The company was nationalized on 1 April 1944, the same year that the Tachikawa to Nagakami section was double-tracked.

The Okutama Electric Railway was constructing a line from Mitake to Hikawa (now Okutama) when it was nationalised, and the line opened on 1 July 1944, creating the present-day Ōme Line.

The Nakagami to Haijima section was double-tracked in 1946, and direct services to Tokyo commenced in 1949. The Haijima to Higashi-Ōme section was double-tracked between 1961 and 1962, CTC signalling was commissioned in 1971, and freight services ceased in 1998.

On 20 August 2016, station numbering was introduced to the Ōme Line, with stations being assigned station numbers between JC51 (Nishi-Tachikawa) and JC74 (Oku-Tama).[3][4]

From the timetable revision on 18 March 2023, operation on the Ōme Line has been almost completely divided at Ōme Station, with very few trains operating along the entire length of the line.[5]

Former connecting lines

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  • Oku-Tama Station: The Tokyo Waterworks Bureau operated a 7 km line to the Ogouchi dam during its construction between 1952 and 1957. It featured 23 tunnels and 23 bridges. In 1963 it was transferred to the Seibu Railway, which transferred it to the Okutama Limestone Quarrying Co. in 1978, and although the line is now known as the Mizune Freight Line, it has been out of service for some time.[citation needed]

Future developments

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In February 2015, JR East announced plans to introduce Green (first class) cars on Chuo Line (Rapid) and through-running Ome Line services from fiscal 2020. This will involve adding two bilevel Green cars to 10- and 6-car E233-0 series EMU sets, forming 12- and 8-car sets. Work is now undergoing to lengthen station platforms and depot facilities to handle the longer trains.[6]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ōme Line

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Ōme Line (青梅線, Ōme-sen) is a 37.2-kilometer railway line operated by the (JR East) in western Tokyo, Japan. It connects Tachikawa Station, where it links with the , to the remote Okutama Station in the mountainous Okutama area, serving as a vital link for commuters, tourists, and access to nature. The line features 22 stations along its route, including key stops such as Haijima (where the Itsukaichi Line branches off), Fussa, and Ōme, and is electrified at 1,500 V DC using overhead wires with a gauge of 1,067 mm. Primarily offering local train services with some rapid options during peak hours, it utilizes electric multiple units for operations. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the Ōme Line traverses the valley, passing through urban outskirts, forested hills, and rural landscapes that provide gateways to hiking trails, hot springs, and Okutama's Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Designated as the "Tokyo Adventure Line" for the section from Ōme to Okutama, it promotes outdoor activities and eco-tourism, attracting visitors seeking respite from central 's density.

Geography and infrastructure

Route overview

The Ōme Line is a 37.2 km railway line operated by (JR East), extending from Tachikawa Station—where it connects to the —to Okutama Station, lying entirely within Metropolis in the city's western suburbs. The route parallels the upstream, transitioning from densely urbanized areas near Tachikawa through semi-rural suburbs to increasingly mountainous terrain, providing commuters access to central Tokyo while serving as a gateway to natural recreation areas. At Haijima Station, approximately 6.9 km from Tachikawa, the line branches: the main continuation heads toward Ōme Station (18.5 km from Tachikawa) and then to Okutama (an additional 18.7 km from Ōme, totaling 37.2 km end-to-end), while the Itsukaichi Line diverges westward for 11.1 km to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, traversing hilly landscapes in . The elevation rises gradually from about 82 m at Tachikawa Station to 343 m at Okutama Station, the highest ordinary railway station in excluding cable cars, facilitating both daily commutes and excursions into the Chichibu-Tama-Kai . The segment from Ōme to Okutama, spanning 18.7 km along the Tama River's forested valleys, is officially nicknamed the "Tokyo Adventure Line" by JR East, highlighting its appeal for outdoor activities such as to Mount Mitake (accessible via Mitake Station) and exploring Lake Okutama near the terminus. This recreational role complements its commuter function, with the line recording approximately 56,850 daily passengers in 2024, reflecting steady post-pandemic recovery in usage.

Track configuration and electrification

The Ōme Line features a mixed track configuration, with extending from Tachikawa Station to just before Higashi-Ōme Station, spanning approximately 17.2 km and accommodating the denser urban passenger traffic in this main section. Beyond Higashi-Ōme to Okutama Station, the line transitions to single track over the remaining 20 km, reflecting the more rural terrain and lower traffic volumes. The Itsukaichi , diverging from Haijima Station to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, is entirely single-tracked for its 11.1 km length. To enable efficient operations on these single-track segments, passing loops are installed at strategic stations, including Kawai Station on the main line and Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the branch, allowing faster trains to overtake locals without significant delays. Electrification covers the entire 37.2 km main line and 11.1 km branch using 1,500 V DC overhead , supporting reliable operations. The initial occurred in 1923 at 1,200 V DC to replace traction and boost capacity amid growing commuter demand from . This voltage was upgraded to 1,500 V DC in 1930 to align with the standards of connecting lines like the , improving power efficiency and compatibility for through services. Signaling relies on an automatic block system throughout, ensuring safe spacing between trains on both double- and single-track portions. For added safety, the system was introduced in the late 1990s on the Tachikawa to Ōme section, including pattern approach braking to prevent signal violations and speed exceedances, particularly vital on the curvy single-track sections. This upgrade addressed rising urban traffic integration while maintaining operational reliability. Operational speeds are limited to 85 km/h on the double-tracked urban segments for smooth amid frequent stops, dropping to 65 km/h on single-track rural areas to navigate tighter curves and grades safely. The infrastructure includes several grade-separated crossings, such as the Shimo underpass near Fussa, which eliminates at-grade conflicts with roads and enhances flow. Tunnels total about 2.5 km on the Okutama section, with notable examples like the 1,270 m aiding passage through mountainous terrain.

Passenger services

Local and through services

The Ōme Line operates local all-stations trains from Tachikawa to Okutama or to Musashi-Itsukaichi via the connected Itsukaichi Line branch at Ōme Station. Overall inbound services on the line run at frequencies of approximately every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, with 11 trains between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. on weekdays (including 2 local trains). Typical journey times for local services include about 26 minutes from Ōme to Tachikawa. Through services integrate with the Chūō Line (Rapid), where select rapid trains from extend westward via Tachikawa to Ōme Station, stopping at major intermediate stations such as Haijima; a limited number of these continue to Okutama. At Ōme, operations connect with the Itsukaichi Line, allowing through running to Musashi-Itsukaichi without changing trains. These through patterns support commuter flows into central , with no additional fare charged beyond standard Tokyo-area tickets. Fares on the Ōme Line are covered under JR East's commuter pass system for Tokyo metropolitan routes, enabling unlimited travel between designated stations for fixed periods (1, 3, or 6 months) at discounted rates compared to single tickets. Peak-hour crowding on through services is comparable to that of the Chūō Line (Rapid). Following the JR East timetable revision effective March 18, 2023, most Ōme Line services were separated at Ōme Station to enhance operational reliability, reducing full-line runs while maintaining local and limited through connections.

Special and discontinued services

The Holiday Rapid Okutama is a seasonal rapid service operated by JR East on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, running from via the to Okutama Station on the Ōme Line (following the March 2025 timetable revision), with limited stops to provide faster access to the Okutama area for leisure travelers. This service typically features three morning departures from Tokyo and corresponding evening returns from Okutama to Tokyo, using standard trains without additional fare beyond the base ticket price. Introduced as a temporary holiday train in October 1990 and later regularized within JR East's Holiday Rapid series, it has served as a popular option for weekend excursions to western 's natural sites since the mid-1990s. In March 2025, following the timetable revision on March 15, JR East fully implemented Green Car (first-class) seating on select through Rapid services from to Ōme and Okutama via the and Ōme Line, offering reserved premium accommodations with enhanced comfort. This followed a trial period from October 13, 2024, to March 2025, during which Green Cars were added to existing trains without charge to assess demand and operations. The service utilizes modified trainsets, where one car per formation is converted to double-decker Green Car configuration with 44 seats, requiring an additional fare of ¥750 (via ) to ¥1,010 for distances up to 50 km, scaling to ¥1,000–¥1,260 for longer segments within the route. Passengers must reserve seats and validate via dedicated readers, with the premium cars providing quieter environments and priority boarding on these commuter-oriented rapid runs. The Ōme Liner (later renamed Ōme Limited Express), a weekday morning limited express service for commuters from to Ōme via the and Ōme Line, was discontinued effective March 16, 2019, as part of JR East's broader timetable adjustments to streamline operations. Originally launched in the to offer reserved seating and faster travel for peak-hour passengers, it operated with limited stops using trains but saw declining utilization amid shifting commuter patterns.

Stations and connections

Station list

The Ōme Line runs for 37.2 km from Tachikawa Station to Okutama Station, with trains operating in the up direction toward Okutama and the down direction toward Tachikawa. The line features double track between Nishi-Tachikawa and Higashi-Ōme stations, with single track elsewhere. Station numbering using the JC prefix was introduced in 2016 by JR East. The following table lists all 25 stations on the main line, including distances from Tachikawa, transfers, opening dates where documented, and average daily boarding for 2024. The Itsukaichi Line branches from Haijima Station (shared with the Ōme Line), but direct services occasionally connect through Ōme Station to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (27.7 km from Tachikawa via the branch route).
Station No.Station NameDistance (km)TransfersOpening DateAvg. Daily Passengers (FY2024)
JC 19Tachikawa0.0Chūō Line (Rapid), 1889-04-19154,091
JC 51Nishi-Tachikawa1.9—1928-04-012,960 (FY2023, for reference)
JC 52Higashi-Nakagami2.7—1931-11-25Official data available (low usage station)
JC 53Nakagami3.6—1931-11-25Official data available (low usage station)
JC 54Akishima5.0—1932-07-15Official data available (low usage station)
JC 55Haijima6.9, Itsukaichi Line1894-11-1928,421
JC 56Ushihama8.6—1925-04-24Official data available (low usage station)
JC 57Fussa9.6—1925-04-24Official data available (low usage station)
JC 58Hamura11.7—1925-04-24Official data available (low usage station)
JC 59Ozaku14.1—1928-11-10Official data available (low usage station)
JC 60Kabe15.9—1929-11-10Official data available (low usage station)
JC 61Higashi-Ōme17.2—1930-10-15Official data available (low usage station)
JC 62Ōme18.5Itsukaichi Line (through services)1894-11-191,797 (FY2023, for reference)
JC 63Miyanohira20.6—1922-11-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 64Hinatawada21.4—1922-11-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 65Ishigamimae22.4—1922-11-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 66Futamatao23.6—1922-11-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 67Ikusabata24.5—1922-11-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 68Sawai25.9—1922-11-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 69Mitake27.2Mitake Tozan Railway (bus connection)1924-05-01Official data available (low usage station)
JC 70Kawai30.0—1930-10-15Official data available (low usage station)
JC 71Kori31.6—1930-10-15Official data available (low usage station)
JC 72Hatonosu33.8—1930-10-15Official data available (low usage station)
JC 73Shiromaru35.2—1930-10-15Official data available (low usage station)
JC 74Okutama37.2—1930-10-15Official data available (low usage station)
The Itsukaichi branch stations (beyond Haijima, with through services from the Ōme Line) are as follows, with distances measured from Tachikawa via Haijima: Kumagawa (approx. 20.1 km), Akigawa (22.0 km), Musashi-Itsukaichi (27.7 km). Average daily passengers for Akigawa: 1,881 (FY2023); Musashi-Itsukaichi: 1,388 (FY2023).

Interchange stations

Tachikawa Station serves as the primary eastern terminus and major interchange hub for the Ōme Line, connecting directly to the (including Rapid services toward and ) and the toward Kawasaki. Adjacent facilities enable seamless transfers to the at Tachikawa-Kita and Tachikawa-Minami stations, as well as the at nearby Keiō-Tachikawa Station. As one of JR East's busiest stations in , it handles 154,091 average daily boarding passengers (FY2024), with a significant portion involving transfers to and from the Ōme Line for commuters accessing central . Haijima Station functions as a critical junction midway along the Ōme Line, where passengers can transfer to the for services toward or Kawagoe. The station is integrated with the Seibu Haijima Line, allowing cross-platform transfers to Seibu services toward Seibu-Shinjuku via dedicated walkways and signage. Ōme Station marks the divergence point for the Ōme Line, serving as the starting station for the Itsukaichi Line branch toward Musashi-Itsukaichi. Local bus services from the station provide connections to nearby attractions, including routes toward Mount Mitake for hikers and tourists. At the western end, Okutama Station acts as the terminus with no direct rail interchanges, but it offers bus connections to regional hiking trails such as the Okutama Mukashimichi and Mount Gozen paths, facilitating access to Okutama's natural reserves. JR East has enhanced accessibility at these interchange stations through post-2010s upgrades, including the installation of elevators and ramps to support barrier-free transfers, in line with the company's ongoing barrier-free transportation initiatives.

Rolling stock

Current fleet

The primary rolling stock operating on the Ōme Line as of 2025 is the (EMU), serving as the mainstay for both through services to via the Chūō Rapid Line and local services along the line. These trains were introduced in December 2006 to replace older stock on the Chūō Rapid and Ōme Lines, featuring enhanced reliability through dual-system main circuit equipment and improved passenger facilities such as LED destination displays and elements for . For through services to Tokyo, E233-0 series trains typically operate in 10-car formations (T organization with six motor cars), providing direct connectivity from stations like Ōme to central ; following the March 2025 timetable revision, select sets have been extended to 12-car formations by inserting two double-deck cars (detailed separately in the Green car implementation section). Local services on the Ōme branch between Ōme and Oku-Tama primarily use 6-car formations, suitable for the lower-demand single-track sections with frequent stops. These configurations accommodate typical commuter loads, with each car designed for standing capacity exceeding 150 passengers during peak hours. The E233-0 series employs a standard JR East suburban of orange body panels accented by white doors and front ends for visibility. Maintenance and inspections for these units are conducted at the Toyoda Rolling Stock Center in , , ensuring operational readiness for the line's mixed urban-rural profile. Performance-wise, the trains achieve a maximum operational speed of 85 km/h on the Ōme Line due to sharp curves and elevation changes, supported by systems that recover energy during deceleration to enhance efficiency.

Green car implementation

In February 2015, JR East announced plans to introduce Green cars on the Chūō Rapid Line from to Otsuki, extending to the directly connected Ōme Line between Tachikawa and Ōme, as part of efforts to improve seating comfort for commuters on these busy routes. The initiative faced delays but progressed to a trial phase starting October 13, 2024, where double-decker Green cars were gradually added to trainsets without additional fares, running until March 14, 2025, to gauge passenger response and operational feasibility. Full commercial service launched on March 15, 2025, alongside a timetable revision, exclusively on Rapid services using trains to Ōme and Okutama stations. These Green cars are inserted as a pair of double-decker vehicles (cars 4 and 5) into standard 10-car formations, expanding them to 12 cars for enhanced capacity while maintaining compatibility with infrastructure. Each pair offers 180 premium seats total—approximately 86 in one car and 94 in the other—with rotating reclining seats in a 2+2 arrangement on both levels, wider aisles, power outlets at every seat, fold-down tables, and drink holders for productivity and relaxation. The prioritizes commuters seeking a quieter environment, with dedicated features like enlarged decks for easier access and reduced body width to fit existing platforms. Passengers book Green car access in advance via the Mobile Suica app or station ticket vending machines, purchasing a digital "Suica Green Ticket" and validating it by tapping at a seat-side reader upon boarding; no conductors check tickets onboard. An extra fare applies atop the base ticket, tiered by distance: ¥750 (Suica) or ¥1,010 (paper) for journeys up to 50 km, rising to ¥1,000 (Suica) or ¥1,260 (paper) for up to 100 km, with options to redeem 600 JRE POINTs instead. Shorter Ōme Line segments, such as local business trips, incur lower surcharges starting around ¥530, while end-to-end runs to can total up to ¥1,040 including base fare. Early adoption was strong during , particularly among travelers valuing the premium for work or rest amid crowded ordinary cars. The Green cars feature exclusive upgrades including JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi connectivity and optimized HVAC systems for superior climate control and air quality compared to standard cars. Post-launch, concerns arose regarding , with JR East introducing fines up to ¥20,000 for invalid travel. This service contributes to a projected annual revenue of ¥8 billion for JR East through targeted commuter enhancements.

History

Origins and early operations

The Ōme Line traces its origins to the private Ōme Railway Company, which opened the initial section from Tachikawa to Ōme on November 19, 1894, as a 762 mm narrow gauge line measuring approximately 18.5 km. This venture was primarily intended to facilitate the transport of local resources, including for production from quarries in the Tama hills and from surrounding forests, alongside basic passenger services powered by . The opening coincided with early industrial development in , with key intermediate stations established at Haijima, Fussa, Hamura, Koma, and the terminus at Ōme to serve both freight loading and local commuters. Early operations emphasized freight, reflecting the line's role in supporting regional industries, though passenger numbers began to rise as Tokyo's suburban expansion drew workers and residents to the Tama area in the late Meiji and Taishō eras. The company extended the line with a 2.4 km freight-only spur from Ōme to Hinatawada in December 1895, enabling passenger service from March 1898 and further integrating the route with agricultural and timber transport. To enhance compatibility with the broader Japanese rail network, the entire line underwent a gauge conversion to the 1,067 mm standard in February 1908, allowing for larger rolling stock and increased efficiency in mixed freight-passenger runs. Pre-war growth included the introduction of the Itsukaichi Branch—now the separate Itsukaichi Line—by the private Itsukaichi Railway, which opened its 10.6 km route from Haijima to Itsukaichi on April 21, 1925, providing a vital link for passengers and goods to the northwestern Tama region. Responding to rising demand from , the Ōme Railway electrified its urban section from Tachikawa to Miyanohira at 1,200 V DC starting April 25, 1923, marking a shift from steam to electric traction for faster and more reliable services. The company reorganized as the Ōme Electric Railway in 1929 to reflect this modernization, but wartime pressures led to its full on April 1, 1944, under Japanese Government Railways, integrating it into the national network.

Electrification and expansion

The Ōme Line underwent significant electrification upgrades in the , initially completed at 1,200 V DC in 1923 to support growing freight and passenger traffic along the route. By 1930, the entire line had been raised to 1,500 V DC, a standard that facilitated the introduction of more efficient electric multiple units (EMUs), including the 72 series trains that became prominent in operations during the mid-20th century. This enhancement under (JNR) control improved reliability and capacity, aligning with broader national efforts to modernize suburban rail infrastructure. Double-tracking efforts accelerated during and after to meet wartime logistics demands and subsequent commuter growth. The Tachikawa–Nakagami section was doubled in 1944 to bolster military transport, followed by the Nakagami–Haijima segment in 1946 as part of post-war stabilization. Further expansions in the early 1960s addressed the booming commuter traffic: Haijima–Fussa in 1961, Fussa–Kozuku in late 1961, and Kozuku–Higashi-Ōme in 1962, with additional sections to Okutama completed by the 1980s, enabling faster and more frequent services without major bottlenecks. The line's northern extension to Okutama was finalized on July 1, 1944, when the Mitake–Hikawa (present-day Okutama) segment opened under JNR after of the Okutama Electric Railway, primarily to transport construction materials for wartime projects like the Ogouchi Dam. The terminal station, originally named Hikawa, was renamed Okutama in 1971 to better reflect the surrounding region's identity. Post-war recovery involved rapid resumption of operations amid Japan's economic reconstruction, with the line reopening fully by the late 1940s after disruptions from air raids and resource shortages. By the , services had expanded significantly to accommodate suburban , setting the stage for the introduction of trains on the electrified and partially double-tracked route.

Modern developments and changes

Following the privatization of on April 1, 1987, the Ōme Line was transferred to (JR East) and repositioned as a primarily local commuter route serving western Tokyo's residential and suburban areas. To enhance accessibility, particularly for international passengers, JR East implemented a station numbering on the Ōme Line effective August 20, 2016, assigning codes JC 51 through JC 74 to its stations. Operational efficiency was further improved through timetable revisions, including the division of most services at Ōme Station starting March 18, 2023, which minimized through-running and optimized crew and utilization. The March 15, 2025, revision discontinued the limited express Ōme service while introducing Green Car seating on select commuter trains to elevate passenger comfort. Safety measures were bolstered after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, with JR East deploying advanced earthquake early warning systems across its network, including the Ōme Line, to enable rapid train stops upon tremor detection. Additionally, were installed at key interchange stations such as Tachikawa to prevent falls and improve overall platform security. Post-COVID-19 ridership on the Ōme Line rebounded to about 90% of pre-2020 levels by 2025, supported by JR East's marketing efforts branding the scenic upper section as the "Tokyo Adventure Line" to attract hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Discontinued operations

Former connecting lines

The parallel route of the Itsukaichi Line between Tachikawa and Haijima, operated by the Itsukaichi Railway since 1925, competed directly with the Ōme Line during but was suspended on October 11, 1944, and subsequently abolished as part of wartime nationalization efforts that unified operations under the Japanese Government Railways. This closure eliminated the redundant section, streamlining the network while preserving the Itsukaichi Line's core route from Haijima to Musashi-Itsukaichi as a separate operation thereafter. A short freight branch from Fussa Station, known as the Fussa-Kawara Line, extended 1.8 km to the Tama River for gravel extraction and transport, serving industrial needs until its discontinuation on December 9, 1959, due to declining demand for riverbed materials. Remnants of this branch, including track beds repurposed as paths, persist near Fussa, highlighting early 20th-century connections to local quarrying. These closures contributed to the Ōme Line's transition to passenger-focused operations by the late 20th century, as freight volumes—once vital for coal, gravel, and fuel—dwindled amid rising automobile use and economic changes, culminating in the end of all mainline freight services in 1998. The loss underscored broader postwar trends, reducing the line's role in regional cargo while emphasizing commuter and tourism traffic.

Ended express services

The Ōme Liner was a commuter-oriented rapid service with reserved seating that operated on the Chūō Rapid Line and Ōme Line during evening rush hours from to Ōme, beginning on March 16, 1991. This service provided premium accommodations for passengers heading to suburbs but was discontinued as part of a March 2019 timetable revision by JR East, during which it was restructured and upgraded to full status under the new name Ōme (特急おうめ). The Ōme, launched on March 18, 2019, using E353 series trains with all seats reserved, ran one inbound morning service from Ōme to and two outbound evening services from to Ōme on weekdays, targeting commuters along the route. It followed a similar path to its predecessor but with enhanced privileges, stopping at fewer stations for faster travel times. However, the service faced competition from lower-fare private railway liners, such as those operated by , leading to subdued demand after the upgrade. JR East discontinued the Ōme limited express effective with the March 15, 2025, timetable revision to introduce paid Green Car services on conventional rapid trains along the Chūō and Ōme lines. The final runs occurred on March 14, 2025, marking the end of these short-distance limited express operations after fulfilling their role in providing premium commuter options. No specific commemorative events were reported for the closure.

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