For getting around Toyama City, the light rail transit (LRT) is highly recommended. Toyama City has a next-generation tram system, allowing access to major tourist attractions by tram..
The biggest appeal is that you can comfortably travel around the city for a flat rate of 240 yen, without having to use a taxi or rental car.
This article explains the following:
- Features of Toyama City's light rail transit (LRT) system
- How to ride a streetcar, fares, and payment methods
- Recommended tourist areas accessible by tram
If you use the tram effectively, your trip to Toyama will be very comfortable.
What is Toyama City's light rail transit (LRT)?
Features of next-generation light rail (LRT)
Toyama City's streetcars are also called "LRT" or "light rail."
LRT is an abbreviation for Light Rail Transit,Next-generation streetcars and their transportation systemsThis means "..."
Compared to conventional trams, it has the following features:
- Low-floor, barrier-free vehicles
- Comfortable ride with minimal vibration and noise.
- There are many trains, and they run on time.
- Energy-saving and environmentally friendly
Toyama residents call the streetcars "shiden" (city tram).
Japan's first city to introduce a full-scale LRT (Light Rail Transit) system.
In 2006, Toyama City introduced an LRT (Light Rail Transit) system on the Toyama Port Line, which connects Toyama Station with Iwasehama to the north.
This project attracted nationwide attention as the first full-fledged introduction of a light rail transit (LRT) system in Japan.
CurrentlyToyama Chihō Railway Co., Ltd.It is operated by "[company name]".
While the Haga-Utsunomiya LRT opened in Tochigi Prefecture in 2023, Toyama City was a pioneer in introducing it several decades earlier.
Route map and service lines
Toyama's tram system has a wide network of lines running north and south from Toyama Station. The main routes are as follows:
Towards Minami Toyama Station
This route connects the central part of Toyama City from north to south.
Toyama Station, Dentetsu Toyama Station, Esta, Chitetsu Building, Sakurabashi, Aramachi, Nakamachi (Nishimachi North), Nishimachi, Uehonmachi, Hirokando, Nishinakano, Koizumimachi, Horikawa Koizumi, Omachi, Minami Toyama Station
Loop Line (Toyama City Center Line)
This route starts at Toyama Station and circles the city center, passing through the bustling Sogawa area.
Toyama Station, Shintomi-cho, Prefectural Office, Marunouchi, International Conference Center, Ote Mall, Grand Plaza, Nakamachi (Nishimachi Kita), Aramachi, Sakurabashi, Chitetsu Building, Dentetsu Toyama Station, Esta
Toyama University front view
This route connects Toyama Station and Toyama University.
Toyama Station, Shintomi-cho, Prefectural Office, Marunouchi, Suwakawahara, Yasunoya, Toyama Toyopet Head Office (Gofuku Suehiro-cho), Toyama University
Towards Iwasehama (Toyama Port Line)
This route connects Toyama Station and Iwasehama, located north of Toyama City.
Toyama Station, Oaks Canal Park Hotel Toyama, Intec Headquarters, Ryukoku Toyama High School (Eirakucho), Okuda Junior High School, Shimookui, Awashima (Osakaya Shop), Etchu Nakajima, Shirokawahara, Inujima Shinmachi, Hasumachi (Baba Memorial Park), Hagiura Elementary School, Higashiiwase, Keirin Stadium, Iwasehama
Operation system
For the four routes mentioned above, there are six different operating routes starting from Toyama Station.
| System 1 | Minami Toyama Station to Toyama Station |
| System 2 | Minami Toyama Station - Toyama Station - Toyama University |
| Third System | Circular Line |
| System 4 | Iwasehama - Toyama Station - Minami Toyama Station |
| 5th System | Iwasehama - Toyama Station - Toyama University |
| 6th System | Iwasehama - Toyama Station - Loop Line |
With the unification of the operating companies for the north and south lines in 2020, it is now possible to travel between the north and south without changing trains at Toyama Station.
Why the tram is recommended for sightseeing in Toyama City
Here are six reasons why I recommend taking the tram when sightseeing in Toyama City:
- Wide network of routes covering tourist areas
- There are many trains and the waiting time is short.
- Cheap fares
- Barrier-free and comfortable vehicles
- A vehicle with a cool design
- Environmentally friendly and contributes to the SDGs
Wide network of routes covering tourist areas
Toyama City's tramwaysStarting from Toyama Station, a wide range of lines are developed from north to southIt has been done.
You can access major tourist spots such as Sogawa in the city center of Toyama and Iwase, which retains its old townscape, by tram.
Most of the restaurants in Toyama City that are listed in the Michelin Guide are also accessible by tram.
There are many trains and the waiting time is short.
It varies depending on the route,They run at intervals of approximately 5 to 15 minutes.
You can travel smoothly without the stress of having to wait a long time for the next train while sightseeing.
Even on snowy days, train service remains stable.
Cheap fares
The fare isAdults: 240 yen"Children under 12 years old pay 120 yen.And the price is a flat rate regardless of the distance traveled.
It significantly reduces costs compared to taxis or rental cars..
Barrier-free and comfortable vehicles
Low-floor LRT vehicles make boarding and alighting easy, and can be used safely by people with strollers or wheelchairs.With minimal vibration and noise during operation, you can enjoy a comfortable journey.
A vehicle with a cool design
LRT vehicles are characterized by their sophisticated design.
The sight of it running through Toyama city is picturesque, and riding it itself becomes part of the sightseeing experience.
Environmentally friendly and contributes to the SDGs
Because the tram is powered by electricity,Vehicles with a lower environmental impact compared to cars that emit carbon dioxide.is.
Choosing the tram also contributes to achieving the SDGs..
Toyama City was selected as an SDG Future City in 2018 in recognition of its compact city strategy centered on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
How to ride the tram in Toyama City
Boarding location (tram stop)
You board a streetcar at a stop called a "den-tei" (tram stop).
If you arrive at Toyama Station by Shinkansen, the tram stop is directly in front of you after you exit the ticket gate.
Simply follow the signs, and even first-time visitors can easily find their way.
Boarding and alighting procedures
[When boarding] Board the train through the central door. There is no need to pay the fare when boarding.
[When getting off] Press the stop request button inside the bus one stop before your desired stop. Exit through the front door of the bus.
Fares and payment methods
The fares are as follows. A flat rate applies regardless of distance traveled.
| adult | Children (under 12 years old) |
| 240 yen | 120 yen |
Payment is made upon alighting, just before the exit at the front of the vehicle. In addition to cash, IC cards such as Suica can also be used.
You can also check the official video of Toyama Chihō Railway for details on how to ride. See below for more information.A helpful video for sightseeing on Toyama's streetcars.Please see the following.
Recommended tourist areas accessible by Toyama tram
Using Toyama City's tram system provides easy access to the city's main tourist areas. Here are some particularly recommended options:3 areasWe will introduce the following.
Around Toyama Station
Toyama Station is the starting point for sightseeing in Toyama.As it is a Shinkansen (bullet train) departure and arrival station, and also the starting and ending point for both the north and south tram lines, it is an ideal base for sightseeing.
The area around Toyama Station boasts a wide variety of hotels and restaurants, including conveyor belt sushi restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, and numerous spots where you can savor local Toyama sake.
Sōgawa
The main enclosure (Sōgawa) isToyama City's largest shopping districtis.
This area is not only home to many restaurants and hotels, but also boasts numerous tourist attractions such as art museums, making it a place where you can enjoy yourself all day long..
To access Sogawa, get off at "Ote Mall" or "Grand Plaza-mae" on the Loop Line (Toyama City Center Line).
Iwase
Iwase is a tourist area in northern Toyama City that retains the historic townscape from the Edo period to the Meiji period. It has a history of flourishing as a port of call for Kitamae ships, and visitors can enjoy a charming stroll through the town.
Furthermore, Iwase boasts numerous restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, making it an area worth visiting for foodies.
To get to Iwase, get off at "Higashi-Iwase" or "Keirinjo-mae" on the Toyama Port Line. The journey from Toyama Station takes approximately 25 minutes.
A helpful video for sightseeing on Toyama's streetcars.
Here are two helpful videos for those using Toyama City's streetcar system for the first time. Checking them before boarding will make your trip much smoother.
Toyama Chihō Railway Official | How to Ride Explanation Video
This is an official video from Toyama Chihō Railway, which operates the streetcars in Toyama City.
This guide clearly explains the basics of using the public transport, including where to board, how to press the stop request button, and how to pay the fare.
If this is your first time riding a streetcar, it's a good idea to watch this video beforehand.
Shioneru | A day trip enjoying Toyama's streetcars
This video shows Shioneru, a female railway enthusiast and YouTuber, riding around the streetcar lines of Toyama City for an entire day.
This popular video, with over 100,000 views, allows you to see the atmosphere of the streetcar and the tourist spots along the route through actual footage.
This video is perfect for getting an idea of how to use the tram system when sightseeing in Toyama.
