There are many trams running throughout the country, serving as a means of transportation for locals and tourists alike. The slow-moving trams make a clanging sound and are full of charm. We will introduce tourist spots with trams, so enjoy the different looks, such as retro, stylish, and regionally unique trams!
Table of Contents
- [Hokkaido] Sapporo City Tram
- [Hokkaido] Hakodate City Tram
- [Tochigi Prefecture] Utsunomiya LRT
- [Toyama Prefecture] Toyama Chiho Railway
- [Shiga Prefecture] Keihan Keishin Line
- [Osaka Prefecture] Hankai Electric Railway
- [Okayama Prefecture] Okayama Electric Railway
- [Hiroshima Prefecture] Hiroden
- [Ehime Prefecture] Iyotetsu Railway
- [Nagasaki Prefecture] Nagasaki Electric Tramway
- [Kumamoto Prefecture] Kumamoto City Tram
- [Kagoshima Prefecture] Kagoshima City Tram
- Take a tram ride to enhance your travel experience
[Hokkaido] Sapporo City Tram
The Sapporo City Tram is a convenient way to get around tourist spots in Sapporo. There are many different types of trains, from retro green and white trains to modern stylish trains and snow-clearing trams unique to Hokkaido.
Along the line, there are many major spots such as Odori Park, Susukino, and Nakajima Park! There is also a tram stop close to Mount Moiwa, so it is also recommended for those who want to see a romantic night view.
Another attractive feature is the reasonable fare. Visit the tram stops that interest you and enjoy sightseeing in Sapporo to your heart’s content.
[Hokkaido] Hakodate City Tram
The Hakodate City Tram is a tram that connects two lines in Hakodate city. During the day, it runs every 6 to 12 minutes on the main sections, making it very convenient for touring multiple tourist spots.
In addition to its convenience, it also has an appealing retro look reminiscent of the Meiji era. The carriages, called “Haikara-go,” match the scenery of Hakodate city and exude a stylish atmosphere. It is also easy to access Goryokaku, the symbol of Hakodate, and Hachimanzaka, which offers a panoramic view of Hakodate Port.
We recommend the great value one-day pass that comes with the city bus. You can get on and off as many times as you like on the day, and you can also receive discounts at major tourist spots!
[Tochigi Prefecture] Utsunomiya LRT
The Utsunomiya LRT is a new streetcar that opened in August 2023. It is a route that connects the east exit of Utsunomiya Station to the Haga-Takanezawa Industrial Park, making it the perfect way to enjoy sightseeing in Utsunomiya!
Recommended tourist spots near the tram stop include Tobiyama Castle Historical Site Park and Utsunomiya Sake Brewery. In the fall, get off at the Ekimae Parkmae stop and enjoy the magnificent autumn leaves at Utsunomiya Ekimae Park.
Haga Town, where the Haga-Takanezawa Industrial Park, the LRT’s final stop, is located, is famous for its pears, so you can enjoy a variety of pear sweets from July to November.
[Toyama Prefecture] Toyama Chiho Railway
Streetcars have been widely used in Toyama City for a long time, and Toyama Chiho Railway is highly popular among train enthusiasts. Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it has become even easier to use.
Its stylish carriages have a futuristic feel, and it won the Good Design Award in 2006. It also won the Toyama Station Design Award in 2017. The Toyama Light Rail Portram (now inherited by Toyama Chiho Railway) won the Blue Ribbon Award. The retro carriages manufactured in 1965 are also popular. They are very photogenic, so be sure to take some photos.
Another attractive feature is the collaboration with the majestic Tateyama mountain range. There are also great coupons on sale that include a one-day unlimited ride pass and a gourmet ticket for Toyama specialties, so be sure to check them out!
[Shiga Prefecture] Keihan Keishin Line
The Keihan Keishin Line is a line that connects Kyoto and Shiga. It features three faces: subway, mountain train, and tram, and is known as the longest train in Japan, running on a shared track, with a body length of about 66m.
You can experience various terrains and scenery, so we recommend riding it from the first stop to the last stop. In particular, the sharp curves and steep slopes from Otani Station to Kamisakaemachi Station are thrilling! Another attraction is that you can see different expressions depending on the season, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Also, if you get off at Biwako Hamaotsu Station, you can easily access the lakeside tourist spot, Otsu Port. There are plenty of things to see, such as the Lake Biwa Flower Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world, and a tour on a pleasure boat.
[Osaka Prefecture] Hankai Electric Railway
Hankai Tram opened in 1911 as a streetcar connecting Tennoji and Sakai, and has since been affectionately referred to by locals as “Chin-den.” It operates two lines, both of which offer easy access to tourist destinations such as Ebisucho and Tennoji Station.
A highlight is the 198m-long Yamatogawa Bridge along the Hankai Line. Made with rare iron legs, it is registered as a modern civil engineering heritage site. The collaboration between the retro bridge and the sunset is a spectacular sight.
Also, pay attention to the differences in the wide variety of carriages! It’s fun to compare the stylish red and white carriages and the cute carriages with pandas painted on them.
[Okayama Prefecture] Okayama Electric Railway
Okaden is one of Japan’s leading tramways, which has been in operation since the Meiji era. It covers Okayama city with two lines, and offers easy access to famous spots.
At Higashiyama Station, you can meet Miu, the famous cat stationmaster. He’s friendly and gentle, so cat lovers will love him.
Also, be sure to check out the Tama Train, which features illustrations of cats! Another plus is the reasonable fare. If you use a one-day pass, you can save even more, so if you want to visit many famous places in Okayama city, be sure to buy one.
[Hiroshima Prefecture] Hiroden
“Hiroden” is Hiroshima Prefecture’s streetcar system, which boasts the highest number of routes and users in the country, and covers a wide area, making it perfect for sightseeing in the city! There are
various types of trains running, from modern to retro. Particularly impressive is the Green Mover series, a 100% low-floor vehicle that does not have an axle connecting the left and right wheels. In addition, it is recommended because it has a 5-car articulated train that can only be seen here in Japan!
We recommend taking the streetcar to Miyajima and enjoying the view from the window. It is also convenient for accessing historical spots such as the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Also, for food lovers, “Okonomiyaki Mura” near Hondori Station is a must-see. You can enjoy comparing the taste of various okonomiyaki specialty shops, so it is a must-see for those who want to fully enjoy Hiroshima specialties.
[Ehime Prefecture] Iyotetsu Railway
Iyotetsu is a tram that connects Matsuyama City and Dogo Onsen, and is used by a wide range of people, from locals to tourists. It connects to popular spots, so it is recommended for first-time visitors to Ehime.
The appeal of Iyotetsu is that you can ride the retro Botchan Train. It is a restored Meiji era train, and the steam that resembles smoke creates a melancholy atmosphere. This train is only available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so be sure to try and catch a ride!
*The Botchan Train is currently out of service due to a shortage of drivers.
Another feature is the haiku postbox, which is unique to this town of haiku. Post your haiku and enjoy a rare literary experience.
[Nagasaki Prefecture] Nagasaki Electric Tramway
Nagasaki Electric Tramway is a streetcar line with over 100 years of history since it first opened in 1915. It is also recommended as a main means of transportation as it can easily access various tourist spots.
The retro two-tone green and cream color scheme is very stylish. There are also a variety of other carriages, including those designed by designers and carriages with Nagasaki’s mascots.
Another great thing about the service is that the fare is the same no matter how far you go. The exotic scenery from the train window, including Dejima, Shinchi Chinatown, and Glover Garden, is also appealing.
[Kumamoto Prefecture] Kumamoto City Tram
The Kumamoto City Tram is a streetcar that has long been used by the people of Kumamoto. As it weaves between buildings, just riding it is exciting.
The appeal is that you can enjoy the difference in the carriages, from modern one-car trains to futuristic ultra-low-floor carriages. From the train window, you can see retro scenery such as the historic Higo Bank building and Nagasaki Jiro Bookstore, allowing you to take photogenic pictures that blend in with the city scenery.
It is also easy to access tourist spots such as Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Torimachi-suji, and Gotsu Lake!
[Kagoshima Prefecture] Kagoshima City Tram
The Kagoshima City Tram is a streetcar that began operating over 100 years ago and is an essential service for Kagoshima residents and tourists alike. It runs every 5 to 7 minutes, making it extremely convenient for getting anywhere!
It is characterized by its designs unique to Kagoshima, such as Shirokuma Kurobuta pork and Satsuma Kiriko. There are even chartered “cafe trams” available, allowing you to enjoy a streetcar like no other.
We recommend Tenmonkan, the city’s most popular shopping district. It is packed with Kagoshima’s signature delicacies, so you can enjoy eating your way around.
Take a tram ride to enhance your travel experience
The tram runs slowly, so you can enjoy the cityscape while traveling.Be sure to visit tourist spots with trams and enjoy a romantic city tour while listening to the clanging sound.
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