Toden Arakawa Line: Tokyo's Last Streetcar

A single-car tram rattles across northern Tokyo from Minowabashi to Waseda, past old shopping streets, shrines and spring roses.

Published October 26, 2026 at 11:42 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The Toden Arakawa Line, branded the Tokyo Sakura Tram, is the last remaining streetcar line of Tokyo's old Toden network. It runs about 12.2 kilometers between Minowabashi and Waseda, with 30 stops and a flat fare of roughly 170 yen for adults. Operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, it is an easy, inexpensive way to see older neighborhoods of the city.

Tokyo is famous for its subways and bullet trains, so a slow tram that trundles down side streets surprises many visitors. The Toden Arakawa Line is a rare reminder of the city streetcar network that once crisscrossed Tokyo, and it still serves neighborhoods where people shop, pray and commute by tram every day. This guide explains where the line goes, how it came to survive, what to see at selected stops, how fares and passes work, and how to plan a relaxed half day on board.

What the Toden Arakawa Line is

The Toden Arakawa Line is the only surviving line of Tokyo's Toden tram network, and it runs from Minowabashi in the east to Waseda in the west. Wikipedia and the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation give the line's length as 12.2 kilometers with 30 stops, all within Tokyo. A one-way ride from end to end takes about 50 minutes, according to Wikipedia.

Toden is the everyday name for the streetcars run by the Tokyo Metropolitan government. The line is also marketed as the Tokyo Sakura Tram, a nod to the cherry trees and roses planted along parts of its route. Trains consist of a single car, and a driver operates each one, so the ride has a gentle, neighborhood feel that is quite unlike the big subway lines.

The route runs from Arakawa Ward in the east to Shinjuku Ward in the west. Many of its stops sit beside shopping streets, small parks and shrines rather than skyscrapers, which makes it a good choice for travelers who want a quieter view of Tokyo.

How the line survived

Tokyo's tram system began in 1882 as Japan's first horse-drawn tram, was electrified in 1903 and later came under city management. At its peak the network had 41 routes and about 213 kilometers of track, according to Wikipedia. As cars became common after the war, most routes were closed in stages between the 1960s and early 1970s while the city turned its attention to buses and subways.

The Arakawa Line is what remained. The Bureau of Transportation's guide describes it as the only remaining Toden tram line, and Wikipedia notes that a plan to abandon the last surviving track was cancelled in 1974, with the remaining routes combined under the name Arakawa Line. Its oldest sections go back to the early twentieth century, run first by a company that built a tram line in the Oji area.

Today the line is a working piece of the city's public transport and also a favorite among railway fans and photographers, who enjoy its retro design cars and mix of old and new scenery.

Key stops and connections

The line connects with many subway and rail lines, which makes it easy to board. Wikipedia lists connections with the Hibiya Line at Minowabashi, the Yamanote Line at Otsuka, the Keihin-Tohoku Line and Namboku Line at Oji, and the Fukutoshin Line at Kishibojimmae. Several other connections exist, so check a route app when planning your day.

Minowabashi, the eastern end, has a memorial building run by the tram operator, where tickets and small goods are sold. Waseda, the western end, sits in the university district. In between, Oji is known for its old neighborhood feel, Otsuka for its station-side food alleys, and Kishibojimmae for access to a quiet temple district.

Because the route runs through ordinary residential areas, it is wise to treat the tram as part of a walking day rather than a rapid transit link. Pick two or three stops and stroll.

Sights along the way

The Bureau of Transportation's visitor guide highlights several places near the stations. Near Minowabashi is a Showa-era shopping street with a nostalgic feel. A short walk from Arakawa-shakomae station, a small display space shows older trams, and it is open limited hours on weekends and holidays, so check before heading over.

Near Otsuka station lies a food alley with small eateries, and close to Miyanomae station sits Ogu Hachiman Shrine, where the shrine stamp changes with the season. A lantern shop founded in 1913 near Namidabashi offers a lantern painting experience that requires reservations, and instructions are in Japanese.

Near Kishibojimmae, a temple district around the Kishimojin-do hall is dedicated to the protection of children and safe childbirth, and a long-established snack shop nearby sells sweets. Waseda, at the western end, is a lively university district. These stops offer a good mix of food, history and everyday Tokyo.

Spring roses and cherry blossoms

The line is known for seasonal flowers. The tourism guide for the line says roses bloom along parts of the route in spring and autumn, and cherry blossoms appear in spring. The Japan travel directory also describes the route as passing rows of cherry trees and well-known rose gardens.

Because the line sits close to parks and small gardens, many travelers time a ride to coincide with the roses. Bloom dates shift with each year's weather, so look for current flower reports from the local ward or operator before you plan.

Even outside peak seasons, the tram offers quiet green views. Winter brings clear air, and early summer brings fresh leaves. The retro tram design makes it a pleasing subject for photos at any time of year.

Fares, passes and payment

The Bureau of Transportation lists the adult fare at 170 yen, or 168 yen when paid in full with a single IC card, with a lower fare for children. Fares are flat, so the price does not depend on distance. Fares change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the official site.

Day passes are also available. The Bureau's guide describes a pass that covers the tram along with other Toei services, and a Toden day pass that covers only the tram has been listed on a Japanese travel directory as well. Prices and coverage vary, so check which pass fits your plans before you buy.

Credit cards cannot be used on board, according to one Japan travel directory, so carry an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo, or small coins. Tickets and some goods are sold at the Minowabashi memorial building.

Tips for riding

Plan a relaxed schedule. The tram is frequent but slower than a subway, and it shares streets with road crossings, so allow time. Early morning and late afternoon are busier on weekdays because commuters use it, so travelers wanting a seat often choose the middle of the day.

Follow the signs and announcements on board, and pay attention to boarding and payment rules shown on the car. A mix of English and Japanese notices is common, and drivers and local passengers are generally patient with visitors.

Bring comfortable shoes, because the most rewarding stops involve walking. If you love photography, a window seat in the front or rear gives a view of the track ahead. Services may be suspended in bad weather or for track work, so check the operator's notices before you travel.

Making it a half-day trip

A simple half-day plan is to start at Minowabashi, ride to Otsuka or Oji, explore a shopping street, then continue to Kishibojimmae or Waseda. Each section of the line has its own mood, from lively old shopping districts to leafy residential streets.

You can also combine the ride with subway connections. Many travelers use the Yamanote Line at Otsuka to continue to other parts of Tokyo, or the Fukutoshin Line at Kishibojimmae to head toward Shibuya or Shinjuku. Ending the day with a meal near Waseda or Otsuka makes a pleasant wrap-up.

Whether you are a rail fan or simply curious about older Tokyo, the Toden Arakawa Line shows how a small tram line can keep a neighborhood connected.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Toden Arakawa Line the only streetcar in Tokyo?

Yes, it is the only remaining line of the old Toden streetcar network. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, it runs about 12.2 kilometers with 30 stops. At its peak, the old network had 41 routes, so the survivor is a small but treasured remnant.

How much does the Tokyo Sakura Tram cost?

The Bureau of Transportation lists a flat adult fare of 170 yen, slightly lower when paying fully with a single IC card, and a reduced child fare. Day passes are also sold. Fares can change, so confirm the amount on the official Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation website.

How long does it take to ride the whole Toden Arakawa Line?

A full trip from Minowabashi to Waseda takes about 50 minutes, according to Wikipedia. The tram makes 30 stops and moves at a leisurely pace, so allow extra time for walks and photos. Travelers often pick a few stops rather than riding straight through.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Streetcars and Trams of Japan, The Yamanote Line: Tokyo's Loop Line and How to Ride It and Train-Watching in Japan: Railfan Culture and Where to Enjoy It Politely.