sightseeing

[Next-generation LRT] How to use streetcars for sightseeing in Toyama City

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Nobukatsu

I want to know about the tram in Toyama City.

Transportation is very important when traveling.

In particular, in rural areas, subways are not as well developed as in Tokyo, so it can be inconvenient to get around in many cases.

Toyama City is developing a next-generation streetcar system.If you make good use of this tram, you can have a comfortable trip in Toyama City.

By reading this article, you will understand the following:

  • Characteristics of Toyama City's tram
  • Reasons why we recommend using the tram for sightseeing in Toyama City
  • How to use the tram
  • Recommended sightseeing areas in Toyama City accessible by tram

If you are planning a trip to Toyama, please use this as a reference.

Nobukatsu

If you use the tram effectively, your trip to Toyama will be very comfortable.

Characteristics of Toyama City's tram

Toyama City's tram is a next-generation light rail (LRT) system.

Toyama City's streetcars are also called "LRT" or "light rail."

LRT is an abbreviation for Light Rail Transit, which literally means "light-weight passenger rail transport."

When using the term LRT in Japan,Next-generation streetcars and their transportation systems" often means "

Compared to conventional trams, it has the following features:

  • Barrier-free low-floor vehicles
  • Less vibration and noise while driving for comfort
  • High frequency and excellent punctuality
  • Energy-saving and environmentally friendly
Nobukatsu

Toyama residents call the streetcars "shiden" (city tram).

Toyama City introduces Japan's first full-scale LRT

Toyama City introduced LRT in 2006 on the Toyama Port Line, which connects Toyama Station with Iwase Port on the north side of the city.

this is,The first full-scale introduction of LRT in JapanIt is as follows.

The streetcar/LRT is operated by Toyama Chiho Railway Co., Ltd.

Nobukatsu

The Haga-Utsunomiya LRT began operation in 2023, and attracted much attention as it was the first full-scale introduction of LRT in decades.

Toyama City tram route map

Toyama's tramway starts from Toyama Station.Minami Toyama Station, Loop Line,In front of Toyama University,Four driving routes in the direction of IwasehamaThere is.

Towards Minami Toyama Station

This route connects Toyama Station and Minami-Toyama Station.

Bus stops heading towards Minami Toyama Station

Toyama Station, Dentetsu Toyama Station, Esta, Chitetsu Building, Sakurabashi, Aramachi, Nakamachi (Nishimachi North), Nishimachi, Uehonmachi, Hirokando, Nishinakano, Koizumimachi, Horikawa Koizumi, Omachi, Minami Toyama Station

Circular Line

This route starts at Toyama Station and goes around the center of Toyama City. It passes through Sogawa, the downtown area of Toyama City.

Loop Line Stops

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

This route connects Toyama Station and Toyama University.

Bus stops for Toyama University

Toyama Station, Shintomi-cho, Prefectural Office, Marunouchi, Suwakawahara, Yasunoya, Toyama Toyopet Head Office (Gofuku Suehiro-cho), Toyama University

To Iwasehama (Toyama Port Line)

The Toyamako Line is a route that connects Toyama Station with Iwasehama on the north side of Toyama City.

Bus stops for Iwasehama (Toyama Port Line)

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

Six types of operation routes

For the four routes mentioned above, there are six different operating routes starting from Toyama Station.

System 1Minami Toyama Station to Toyama Station
System 2Minami Toyama Station - Toyama Station - Toyama University
Third SystemCircular Line
System 4Iwasehama - Toyama Station - Minami Toyama Station
5th SystemIwasehama - Toyama Station - Toyama University
6th SystemIwasehama - Toyama Station - Loop Line
Nobukatsu

In 2020, the operating companies were unified, and it became possible to travel north and south without having to transfer at Toyama Station.

Reasons why we recommend using the tram for sightseeing in Toyama City

If used properly, Toyama's tram system can be very convenient for sightseeing in Toyama City.

We recommend it for the following reasons:

  • The area is large
  • There are many trains running
  • Cheap fares
  • Comfortable travel
  • Cool Vehicle
  • Environmentally friendly

A wide range of routes covering all tourist areas

Toyama City's tramwaysStarting from Toyama Station, a wide range of lines are developed from north to southIt has been done.

This means that you can easily access tourist spots such as the Sogawa area in the center of Toyama City and Iwase, with its ancient townscape.

https://toyama-tram.com/sightseeing-spot

Gourmet food,Most of the restaurants in Toyama City listed in the Michelin Guide are accessible by tram.is.

https://toyama-tram.com/michelin-guide-list

There are many trains running

Another feature of Toyama City's tramways is the high frequency of service.

There are differences between each route,It runs approximately every 5 to 15 minutes.This means you can move around with less waiting time.

Cheap fares

The fares are as follows:

adultChildren (under 12 years old)
240 yen120 yen

The above fares are the same regardless of the distance traveled. In addition to cash, IC cards such as SUICA can also be used.

Using the tram is a much cheaper way to get around than taxis or rental cars.

Travel comfortably with LRT vehicles

Low-floor, barrier-free LRT vehicles make it easy to get on and off. They also produce less noise and vibration while in operation, allowing for a comfortable journey.

Cool Vehicle

The LRT vehicles have a sophisticated design and are visually pleasing.

Nobukatsu

Riding the tram itself becomes a tourist event.

Environmentally friendly and contributing to the SDGs

Trams are powered by electricity.It is more environmentally friendly than cars, which emit carbon dioxide.It can be said to be a vehicle.Using trams contributes to the SDGsleads to.

Nobukatsu

Toyama City is promoting a compact city strategy centered on LRT and was selected as a 2018 SDGs Future City.

How to ride the tram in Toyama City

Boarding location

You can board trams from stops called tram stops.

If you are coming from outside the prefecture, it is very convenient to access as the tram stop is directly in front of you when you exit the Shinkansen ticket gates at Toyama Station.

Getting on and off

Board from the center of the vehicle. No fare is required when boarding, as it is paid after boarding.

When you want to get off, press the stop button one stop before you want to get off. The alighting location will be at the front of the carriage.

Fare and payment method

The fare is 210 yen for adults and 110 yen for children under 12. The fare is the same regardless of the distance traveled.

Payment is done at the front of the vehicle when you get off. You can pay by cash or IC card such as Suica.

Nobukatsu

For information on how to ride the tram and pay the fare, please watch the easy-to-understand video provided by Toyama Chiho Railway, the company that operates the tram.

Recommended areas to reach by tram in Toyama City

We will introduce recommended areas in Toyama City that can be reached by tram.

Around Toyama Station

Toyama Station is the starting point for tourism in Toyama and the area where tram lines depart from and arrive north and south.

The area around Toyama Station is packed with hotels and restaurants, making it a must-see tourist spot.is.

https://toyama-tram.com/toyamastation-kaitensushi
https://toyama-tram.com/sake-toyamastation/

Sogawa

Sogawa is a downtown area of Toyama City.There are also many hotels and restaurants. There are also many tourist attractions such as art museums around Sogawa.

If you are going to Sogawa by tram, get off at Ote Mall Station or Grand Plaza-mae Station on the Loop Line (Toyama City Line).

https://toyama-tram.com/tourismspot_loopline/
https://toyama-tram.com/hotel-sougawa
https://toyama-tram.com/suehiroken

Iwase

Iwase is a tourist area in Toyama City that retains its old townscape. There are also many historic buildings in the surrounding area.

In addition, Iwase hasIt is a very unique tourist spot with many restaurants featured in the Michelin Guidebook.It has become.

To access by tram, get off at Iwase on the Toyamako Line.

https://toyama-tram.com/iwase-daydrinking
Nobukatsu

If you are visiting Toyama, be sure to try the tram.

https://toyama-tram.com/sightseeing-spot