All Reviews of Kumamoto City Tram

Travelers who love nostalgic streetcars shouldn’t miss Nagasaki Jiro Kissashitsu, a special spot tucked away inside a historic building in Kumamoto.

This café, filled with a strong Showa-era atmosphere, is run by a friendly and sweet elderly couple. Head up to the second floor and choose a seat by one of the rustic wooden windows. The view is excellent, allowing you to quietly watch the Kumamoto City Trams clatter back and forth outside while taking in the city’s passing memories.

Order their signature retro pudding with its firm texture, along with a rich, aromatic cup of hand-drip black coffee, and immerse yourself in the elegant classical music and the warm feeling of the room’s old wooden furnishings. The everyday trams outside and the passage of time indoors seem to slow down together at this moment, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a quiet and soothing afternoon.

On this trip to Kumamoto, one of my favorite moments was riding the Kumamoto City Tram through the city. Sitting inside the retro streetcar and watching the streets pass by outside, it felt as if time had slowed down too.

When I reached my destination, Nagasaki Jiro Kissashitsu came into view. As soon as I stepped inside, the strong retro atmosphere and literary vibe made me feel as though I had returned to the Showa era. I especially liked the seating on the second floor, where I could watch the streetcars pass outside while enjoying the owner's specialty Napolitan spaghetti. It was simple yet warm and comforting, as if I had suddenly fallen through a tunnel in time.

Apparently, many writers and intellectuals visited in the past, and Haruki Murakami was also an honored guest! This adds to the old establishment's unique cultural atmosphere. The bookstore on the first floor is even a designated cultural property. That afternoon, I had an unforgettable encounter with this wonderful building.

The streetcars I always see in Japanese anime feel like such a distinctive part of Japan's cityscape! Riding Kumamoto's streetcar through the city streets, enjoying the scenery along the way and the relaxed travel atmosphere, was a fun and unique experience.

The Kumamoto City Tram is a very important means of transportation in central Kumamoto. It's convenient and takes you to many popular attractions, such as Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Station, and the downtown shopping district. The trams run through the streets, giving the city a distinctly Japanese feel.

Riding the Kumamoto City Tram this time was very relaxing. Sitting on the tram and looking out at the streets, I could enjoy Kumamoto's cityscape along the way without constantly rushing around, while also getting a feel for the rhythm of local residents' daily lives.

I really like this way of slowly exploring a city. Riding the tram through the streets, I saw different scenery along the way, with a little surprise on every stretch. This ride on the Kumamoto City Tram also became a very special memory from my trip.

When visiting Kumamoto, I don't think you necessarily need to rent a car. There are streetcars in the city, which are very convenient for independent travelers.

The Kumamoto City Tram has the A Line and B Line, connecting many popular places such as Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Castle, the downtown shopping districts, and the Suizenji area. Just check the routes to plan where you want to go. Transportation is relatively simple, without having to constantly figure out complicated bus routes.

I also really enjoy riding the streetcar. There's no need to drive or look for parking, and sitting on the streetcar watching the Kumamoto cityscape while slowly moving along really adds to the travel atmosphere.

Riding the city tram and watching the streets go by really gives you that slow-living vibe.

It can get a bit crowded during rush hour though, so be ready for that.