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This route, beloved as the only remaining Toden tram line in Tokyo, is used by an average of about 51,000 people per day (FY 2024 figure).
Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is beloved as the only remaining Toden tram line in Tokyo. It runs from Minowabashi Station in Arakawa Ward to Waseda Station in Shinjuku Ward, connecting 30 stations over 12.2 km, and it continues to be an important presence that supports local transportation. In FY 2024, it was used by an average of about 51,000 people per day, and it is also known for being well established as a line used for daily travel.
A wide range of spots line the route, including rows of cherry trees, famous rose gardens, temples and shrines, historic sites, and old-fashioned shopping streets. Simply riding the tram lets you feel the atmosphere of the neighborhoods it passes through, and it is easy to combine with walking, so many people use it for sightseeing as well.
A total of 33 vehicles are in service, including the 7700, 8500, 8800, 8900, and 9000 series, offering a varied lineup from retro-style cars to modern models. The fare is a flat fare, which is another appeal that makes it easy to use. One-day passes and mobile tickets are also sold, making it convenient for inbound travelers and for those who want to enjoy exploring along the line.
Running through the neon-lit streets in front of Otsuka Station.
In spring, you can also see the rows of cherry trees.
The “7700 series” in a classic modern-style color scheme
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Two types of foreign-language brochures are available.
Toei Transportation Guide
Tokyo Sakura Tram
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available within the area?
No, there is no free Wi-Fi within the Tokyo Sakura Tram area.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
On this trip to Tokyo, I made a special point of visiting Minowabashi Station. I’ve always felt that Japan’s streetcars have a distinctive charm, especially stations that retain the atmosphere of old Tokyo. They always make me want to stop and take it all in.
Minowabashi Station is one of the terminal stations on the Toden Arakawa Line, Tokyo’s only remaining publicly operated streetcar line, now also known as the “Tokyo Sakura Tram.” Arriving at the station, it really felt very different from the modern Tokyo I had imagined. There were no towering buildings or the hurried pace of a subway station. Instead, there was an old-fashioned platform, streetcars slowly pulling into the station, and surrounding streets that showed their age.
Standing beside the platform and watching the streetcars slowly arrive, stop, and then depart with passengers felt especially relaxing. There weren’t many elaborate decorations, but it had a very natural sense of nostalgia. I couldn’t help taking several more photos to preserve this scenery, so different from Tokyo’s bustling downtown areas.
Sometimes travel doesn’t necessarily mean rushing around to lots of famous attractions. Taking a slow walk somewhere like this and observing the daily lives of local people can actually give you a better sense of what a city is really like. There are also old streets and shopping streets near Minowabashi Station where you can browse the shops and experience a more everyday side of Tokyo.
If I have the chance to visit Tokyo again, I think I’ll still be drawn to places like this. There’s no pressure from a packed sightseeing schedule, and there’s no need to deliberately plan anything. Simply watching the streetcars come and go already makes for a wonderfully atmospheric travel experience.
📍Tokyo, Japan | Minowabashi Station (Minowabashi Stop)
🚃 Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram)
The Tokyo Sakura Tram, better known as the Toden Arakawa Line, runs from Minowabashi to Waseda, covering about 12.2 kilometers with a total of 30 stops. Along the way, you can see seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and roses, as well as pass through lively local neighborhoods like Oji, Otsuka, and Sugamo. There are also old-fashioned shopping streets, temples, and historic sites along the line. Riding this nostalgic tram and slowly taking in the scenery of Tokyo's traditional downtown neighborhoods feels like a little trip.
