Development of Tama New Town in Japan

In the late 1950s, Tokyo was experiencing increasing population and traffic. The idea of building a large-scale new town in Tama was inspired by the concept of developing a satellite city to alleviate urban overcrowding. Tama Center Railway Station was the focal point of the development. Land in front of the railway station was designated as a center for business and commerce. Land on both sides of it was designated for recreational areas and office space for enterprises, firms, and government institutions. Areas adjacent to the central park were for cultural facilities.

To promote the development and construction and provide convenient transportation links to Tokyo, Tama New Town built two express railways, the Odakyu Line and the Keio Line, which allow easy access to any part of the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Tama New Town is laid out along the rail transit line and has three rail transit stations. Areas around the three stations were effectively developed into commercial and residential centers. Such transit-oriented development combines public transport and other services appropriately, which drives up land prices and helps create jobs.