Tokyo Transport: Toden Arakawa Line

Toden Arakawa Line 都電荒川線

The 12km-long Toden Arakawa Line is basically Tokyo's last remaining streetcar (tram) line, though a claim can also being made for the Tokyu Setagaya Line (東急世田谷線).

The earliest parts of the Toden Arakawa Line date from 1913 and the line survived the wholesale destruction of Tokyo's streetcars in the 1960s due to opposition from local residents.

The Toden Arikawa Line runs from Waseda Station north to Minowabashi Station. The whole route takes about 48 minutes to travel its 29 stations and connects with the Yamanote Line, Tokyo subway and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.

Riding the train offers a cozy insight into neighborhood Tokyo and is useful for the Zoshigaya Cemetery, Waseda University, Gakushuin and Koganji Temple.

Tokyo was once criss-crossed by a number of trams (known as chin chin densha) for the characteristc sound of their bells. Present fares are a flat 160 yen or use your travel pass. The main rolling stock is modern, though a few traditional trams are also in service.

Announcements on the train are in Japanese and in English too. The next station is displayed on electronic boards in the carriages in both Japanese and English.

Toden Arakawa Video

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