Every rail enthusiast should includes Trams in Japan in their itinerary and visit at least one tram or light rail system to see a different aspect of Japan railways!
In the early 1900s many cities and towns throughout Japan had tram systems, but like many places around the world cars and buses (and of course heavy rail networks) took the place of the trams in most cities. Today 19 cities have tram networks and in many of these cities the tram is a major part of the public transport system.
For consistency, each articulated or multi-car tram is counted as one unit. Fukui Tetsudo uses low-floor trams on a mostly heavy rail line, with some through service to Echizen Tetsudo (2 L-series trams). Hiroden also runs trams on a heavy rail line connecting central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi.
| City | Operator | Gauge (mm) | No of Lines | Route km | No of trams (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fukui 福井市 | Fukui Tetsudō 福井鉄道 | 1067 | 1 | 2.8 | 16 (+2 Echizen Tetsudo units) |
| Hakodate 函館市 | Hakodate-shi 函館市 | 1372 | 4 | 10.9 | 32 |
| Osaka 大阪市 & Sakai 堺市 | Hankai Denki Kidō 阪堺電気軌道 | 1435 | 2 | 18.3 | 35 |
| Hiroshima 広島市 | Hiroshima Dentetsu 広島電鉄 | 1435 | 6 | 18.8 | 133 |
| Matsuyama 松山市 | Iyo Tetsudō 伊予鉄道 | 1067 | 6 | 6.9 | 38 |
| Kagoshima 鹿児島市 | Kagoshima-shi 鹿児島市 | 1435 | 4 | 12.6 | 56 |
| Kyoto 京都市 | Keifuku Denki Tetsudō 京福電気鉄道 | 1435 | 1 | 3.8 | 27 |
| Kumamoto 熊本市 | Kumamoto-shi 熊本市 | 1435 | 5 | 12.1 | 51 |
| Takeoka 高岡市 | Man'yōsen 万葉線 | 1067 | 2 | 12.8 | 11 |
| Nagasaki 長崎市 | Nagasaki Denki Kidō 長崎電気軌道 | 1435 | 5 | 11.5 | 71 |
| Okayama 岡山市 | Okayama Denki Kidō 岡山電気軌道 | 1067 | 2 | 4.7 | 22 |
| Sapporo 札幌市 | Sapporo Transportation Service Promotion Corporation. 札幌市交通事業振興公社 | 1067 | 4 | 8.9 | 36 |
| Tokyo-to 東京都（世田谷区) | Tōkyō Kyūkō Dentetsu (Tōkyū) 東京急行電鉄(東急) | 1372 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| Tokyo-to 東京都(荒川区、北区、豊島区、新宿区) | Tōkyō-to 東京都 | 1372 | 1 | 12.2 | 33 |
| Kochi 高知市 | Tosa Denki Tetsudō 土佐電気鉄道 | 1067 | 4 | 25.3 | 61 |
| Toyama富山市 | Toyama Chihō Tetsudō 富山地方鉄道 | 1067 | 6 | 7.6 | 30 |
| Toyohashi 豊橋市 | Toyohashi Tetsudō 豊橋鉄道 | 1067 | 2 | 5.4 | 16 |
| Kyoto 京都 & 大津 | Keihan Keishin Line 京阪京津線 | 1435 | 1 | 7.5 | 15 |
| Utsunomiya 宇都宮市 Haga Town 芳賀町 | Utsunomiya Light Rail 宇都宮ライトレール | 1067 | 1 | 14.5 | 17 (Aug 2023) |
The Hiroshima Electric Railway ("Hiroden") has trams that are more than 80 years old still in daily operation. The need, however, for trams that provide easy access has meant that many modern trams, often based on European designs, have and continue to be introduced.
The newest tram network in Japan is the Utsunomiya Light Rail system that started public service on 26th August 2023. The 14.5km route links the main JR railway station to the industrial park areas of Utsunomiya and nearby Haga Town in the norther of the Kanto region.
See our article on Utsunomiya Light Rail (redirects to our main site)
From vintage classics to character-themed trams, discover Japan’s diverse tram experiences.
Japan is home to many unique tram networks, blending modern convenience with cultural charm. Some lines feature themed or heritage trams, making them a fun attraction for travelers of all ages.
For example, Okayama’s “Chuggington Tram” is based on the UK children’s TV show.
(Note: this tram requires advance booking and is not part of regular service.)
Why not rent a tram for a private ride or even a party?
TS Japan Rail can help arrange it.
Traveling in a group? You can even rent a tram for a private ride or party—TS Japan Rail can help organize everything.
Even major cities like Tokyo and Osaka retain parts of their historic tram networks:
• Tokyo
•Tokyu Setagaya Line – runs entirely on its own dedicated track
•Toei Arakawa Line (Sakura Tram) – a 12.2 km route, partially operating on roadways
•Osaka
•Hankai Tram – links southern Osaka with Sakai City
Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to explore, Japan’s tram systems offer a nostalgic ride through local life.
If you are planning to Explore Japan’s Railways or want to explore Japan by Train TS Japan Rail is here to help you.
We can help you plan your trip so that you can experience the many aspects of Japan’s railways and travel on some interesting trains.
TS Japan Rail is here for the rail enthusiasts who want to explore Japan’s Railways. We can provide you with ideas on what to see and where to travel as well as help you plan your trip! Being locally based Japan Rail Experts we are best placed to ensure you get the most out of your trip!
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