Significant Increase in Land Prices Along the Chuo Line: Are Kokubunji, Kunitachi, and Tachikawa Benefiting from a Sense of Security?
Residential land prices along the JR Chuo Line connecting Tokyo Station to Hachioji have risen significantly, driven by good access to the city center and a contrasting sense of security and livability.
Land prices in residential areas along the JR Chuo Line, which connects Tokyo Station with Hachioji, are experiencing significant increases, as revealed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's recent announcement. As of January 1, 2026, the average residential land value in Tokyo has increased by 6.5% compared to the previous year. Notably, the most substantial rise within the Tama area was recorded in Kokubunji, with an increase of 7.2%, followed closely by Kunitachi at 7.1% and Tachikawa at 7.0%, all surpassing their respective growth rates from the prior year.
According to officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Finance, the positive trend is attributed to excellent access to the central city and ongoing redevelopment efforts around train stations, making these areas increasingly popular among homebuyers. Buyers cite a variety of reasons for their interest in these locations, including a fulfilling lifestyle where shopping and childcare needs can all be met locally.
Real estate agents in the area, like Fumihiro Hasehara from Toho House Tachikawa, indicate that potential buyers are often discouraged by the high prices of urban apartments, casting them towards more affordable options along the Chuo Line. The quiet neighborhoods surrounding Tachikawa station, for instance, are attracting attention for their favorable price points compared to the metropolis, making them a desirable alternative for those seeking residential options within reach of Tokyo.