The Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is a streetcar running 12.2 km in length (30 stops) and connects Minowabashi Station (Arakawa Ward, Tokyo) to Waseda Station (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo).

Although there were as many as 41 similar lines at their peak, these numbers gradually declined due to the development of other transportation networks. Today it is Tokyo’s only remaining tram line. It was given the nickname "Tokyo Sakura Tram" in 2017.

1. Before boarding, please check the destination displayed on the upper front part of the vehicle to ensure it's the correct one for you.
2. You need to enter from the front and pay the fare upon boarding. This is a one-car train with only one crew member, so please make sure to move towards the back when boarding to avoid crowding the front. If you have a 1-Day Pass, show the ticket to the staff to confirm the date.
3. To get off, please confirm that it's the right stop by checking the name displayed on the screen, and notify the driver by pushing the buzzer before arriving at your stop.
4. When you reach your stop, please exit from the rear of the vehicle.

Metro 1-Day Passes can be purchased on the day of riding at the automatic vending machines at any Tokyo Metro Station, on the Toei Bus (after 4 AM), and inside the Toei train cars, as well as the vending machines at each station along the Nippori-Toneri Liner.

For advance purchases, you can get them at most Toei Subway Station Offices (some exceptions), at the Toei Bus City or Branch Offices, at the Arakawa Train Business Office, and at the commuter pass sales offices of the Toei Subway, Toei Bus, the Nippori-Toneri Liner and Toei Transportation Information Kiosk "Minowabashi Omoidekan."

Trams run at intervals of 6 to 7 minutes apart during the day, so it is very convenient. Check the timetable for more details.

Along the Toden lie many great viewpoints as the roses bloom in spring (around May) and fall (around October).

It is said that it was decided to green the route where the Toden runs through the Arakawa Ward in the center of the ward by planting roses and is now known affectionately as the Rose Highway.

About 13,000 vines of about 140 species of roses are planted here, and at the Otsuka Station Square is a flowerbed with over 700 vines of about 500 different species.

Surprisingly, it seems these were built and raised by local volunteers. The area along the railway is planted evenly along both sides of the track so that you can enjoy the view from the windows on either side of the car.

Allow me to introduce a closer look at these rose viewing spots along the Toden.

Minowabashi Station is said to be more of a rose garden than a train station. It was selected as one of the top 100 Kanto stations in 1997 as "the only station in the Tokyo metropolitan area where you can find roses in full bloom."

The structure of the station and decoration of the signboards leave the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa Era of old Japan. The combination of the retro streetcar and blooming roses makes it a very popular photography location.

When you get off, find your way around the flowerbed on the platform side, and you will see the best spot to take photos.

There is a shopping district in the vicinity with a downtown atmosphere, and it is a fun place to take a walk.

Arakawa Nature Park is a spacious park blooming with seasonal flowers and lush nature, including a lake inhabited by swans near the Arakawa Ni-Chome Stop. Here the walls are decorated with roses and colorful flowerbeds along the path to the park.

Why not get off along the way for a gorgeous photo op of a lovely bronze statue and the rose decorations in front?

You can appreciate the rosy view from the window along the long-distance ride from Minowabashi to Machiya Station. One of these locations is the vicinity around the front of the Arakawa Ward Office.

However, there are no flowerbed decorations in front of that particular stop, and the area itself is a bit of a walk from the station, so we recommend just enjoying the view from the inside of the train.

The tram passes through the center of a peaceful residential landscape lined with roses, making for a lovely view.

Every year in May (May 21 in 2023), a very popular event called the "Arakawa City of Roses" is held here at the Machiya Station front.

A gorgeous rose flowerbed in front of the stop and beautifully planted colorful roses that are not very commonly seen in the other rose spots along the line.

In front of the stop lies a variety of shops along the street, including stores and restaurants, making it the busiest area in this vicinity. There is even a bench near the rose flowerbed so you can relax as you take in the roses.

Various colorful roses are spread along both sides of the straight-extending railway from Arakawa-Yūenchimae to Arakawa-Shakomae.

The special feature of this particular rose viewing spot is not a flowerbed, but the scenery of roses blooming in full view along the railway and into the distance. It is recommended to take in this view not just from the window but also by getting off and taking a stroll along the tracks.

The Toden rose spot closest to the Waseda area is the section along the tracks from Otsuka Station to Mukaihara. The roses between these two stations are really high in both vibrant color and density.

It is such a sight to see so many roses condensed in the space between just two stops. The Otsuka Rose Festival is held here every May and October and is always crowded with many people from all around.

Right after you get off at Arakawa-Shakomae, you will see the Toden Memorial Square. In this space designed in the image of an old-fashioned station is an exhibition of valuable old vehicles that ran during the heyday of Toden.

Nostalgic for those who knew the old days and a new experience for the first-timers, this is a spot in which anyone can enjoy more than just the electric car itself. It is open only on weekends and public holidays from 10 AM to 4 PM and is free to enter.

Next to Toden Memorial Square is a garage that is still in use to this day. If your timing is on point, you may even be able to catch the train entering and exiting! (For safety, please refrain from entering the garage.)

The Arakawa Amusement Park, which underwent renovations in April 2022, is the only amusement park in this area. The nearest station to the park is Arakawa-Yūenchimae. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful rose viewing promenade from the station to the park.

Inside the Arakawa Amusement Park, there is a collection of old green and cream-colored cars on display. If you're interested in seeing these vehicles, taking a stroll around the exhibition is definitely worth it!

The one and only Toden streetcar is still beloved by many to this day. Here you can experience not just the rarity of the vehicle and the beauty of the roses, but also the various walking spots located around each viewpoint.

We would definitely love to recommend this nostalgic Toden Line as a must-see sightseeing spot to anyone in the Tokyo area.