Kagoshima City Tram

Operated by Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau, the Kagoshima City Tram has been running since 1912 and has supported local life for more than a century. More than just a means of transportation, the sight of the trams themselves has become an integral part of Kagoshima’s cityscape.

Today, the system consists of two routes: Line 1, which runs between Kagoshima-Ekimae and Taniyama, and Line 2, connecting Kagoshima-Ekimae with Korimoto. In the city center, trams run at a frequency of around 15 services per hour, keeping wait times short and making them convenient for sightseeing and transfers. Serving as a key north-south transportation axis, the tram is an indispensable part of daily life in the region.

Fares are a flat rate, with a rear-door boarding and front-door exit system and payment made upon alighting. In addition to cash, the trams accept IC cards such as Rapica and Iwasaki Card, as well as contactless credit card payments, making them easy to use even for first-time riders.

The rolling stock includes classic, retro-style cars such as the 500 and 600 series that date back to the Showa era, alongside modern, barrier-free ultra-low-floor “Utram” vehicles. The mix of nostalgic and contemporary trams running side by side adds a distinctly Kagoshima character to the streets.