Understand

Tama is more than just a sprawling place. In fact, its central hub, known as Tama Center, is like a bustling city within Tokyo. Here, all three train and monorail lines meet, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. As you step off the train at Tama Center, your eyes are immediately drawn to a captivating sign that proudly declares "Tama is Hello Kitty's Town". While there is so much more to explore in Tama, getting up close and personal with Sanrio's iconic feline is definitely the main highlight for visitors in this suburban area of Tokyo.

Get in

If you're planning to explore Tama in Tokyo, you can reach it easily using the Keio and Odakyu private railways that operate from Shinjuku Station. To get to Tama, follow these instructions: 1. Keio Line: Take a Rapid (kaisoku) or Express (kyk) train bound for Hashimoto and alight at Keio Tama Center. Departures from Shinjuku occur every 10 minutes throughout the day. Trains leave from both the main Keio platforms and the adjacent Toei Shinjuku Line platforms. (Toei Shinjuku Line trains merge with the Keio line at Sasazuka.) 2. Odakyu Line: Board an Odakyu line train (360) and get off at Odakyu Tama Center. At Shin-Yurigaoka, transfer to a Tama Line train. In just 40 minutes, you'll find yourself in Tama, ready to explore all it has to offer. While the Tama Toshi Monorail is less commonly used, it does connect to the JR Chuo Line at Tachikawa, providing an alternative transportation option.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing