The Most Nostalgic Ride in Tokyo: A Journey on the Last Remaining Streetcar Line
Tokyo boasts an extensive network of JR trains and subways, making it convenient to travel without a car. However, with such a focus on efficiency, there are few nostalgic routes that let you experience the city’s past.
On the other hand, surveys show that many travelers are seeking nostalgic experiences. According to Booking.com’s 2023 Travel Predictions, 88% of global travelers (80% of Japanese travelers) said they wanted to embark on “nostalgic gateways” in 2023. This was the most common response. Additionally, 23% of global travelers (20% of Japanese travelers) are actively seeking experiences that rekindle sentimental memories. This suggests that many people want to escape their daily stresses and feel a sense of nostalgia during their travels.
Today, I would like to introduce what I consider the most nostalgic ride in Tokyo: the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line). The Tokyo Sakura Tram is the last remaining streetcar line in Tokyo, running between Minowabashi Station and Waseda Station, covering 12.2 kilometers and 30 stops. Along the route, you can enjoy cherry blossoms and roses, making this a must-see route for flower lovers. The tram also passes historical and cultural landmarks, as well as traditional shopping streets, offering a rich variety of experiences.
The Tokyo Sakura Tram: Tokyo’s Most Historic and Nostalgic Mode of Transportation
Tokyo once had many streetcar lines. In the Kagurazaka area, where our company offers traditional cultural experience tours, there were three lines that ran from Iidabashi Station to Shinjuku Station, Waseda Station, and Yotsuya-Mitsuke Station. At its peak in 1943, there were 41 streetcar lines in Tokyo, covering a total of 213 kilometers. However, due to the increase in cars, 181 kilometers of the network were discontinued between 1967 and 1972.
Among the surviving lines, the Minowabashi-Waseda section, now known as the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), was saved due to its exclusive track, the difficulty of replacing it with buses, and strong support from local residents. The line, which opened in 1930, is one of Tokyo’s oldest streetcar routes. To put this in perspective, Japan’s first subway line, from Ueno Station to Asakusa Station, opened in 1927. The entire Ginza Line from Asakusa to Shibuya was completed in 1939. This makes the Tokyo Sakura Tram’s 1930 opening a significant part of Tokyo’s transportation history.
Flower Viewing Along the Line
Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed along the route, particularly between Waseda Station and Higashi-ikebukuro-yonchome Station, around Oji-ekimae Station, and near Arakawa-Yuenchimae Station.
Meanwhile, rose bushes bloom from early May to late May and mid-October to early November in areas like Minowabashi Station, Machiya-ekimae Station, and Arakawa-Shakomae Station. Since the next rose season is just around the corner in mid-October, why not take a leisurely ride on the Tokyo Sakura Tram and enjoy the beautiful flowers?
Tokyo Sakura Tram and Traditional Dyeing: Must-Try Nostalgic Activities in Tokyo in Autumn
Additionally, near Omokagebashi Station (next to Waseda Station), there is a traditional dyeing workshop, Tomita Sen Kogei, where you can experience dyeing silk stoles and tote bags. From October 31 to November 3, 2024, Shinjuku will hold a local industry event called "Oedo Shinjuku Konya Meguri" (Shinjuku Dyeing Tour), celebrating Shinjuku’s traditional dyeing industry. Since this coincides with the rose season, I recommend taking the Tokyo Sakura Tram and trying out a dyeing experience while admiring the roses.
In particular, Tomita Sen Kogei, founded in 1882, exudes a nostalgic charm itself. For travelers seeking nostalgic experiences, the Tokyo Sakura Tram and dyeing experiences are must-try activities in Tokyo. I’m sure you will be thoroughly satisfied with the nostalgic atmosphere.
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