Toden: Should Tokyo Bring Back the Light Rail System?

Tokyo is famous for its fast and busy train systems, but many people don’t realize it used to have an extensive light rail network called the Toden. Today, only one line remains: the Tokyo Sakura Tram.

With more cities worldwide bringing back trams to cut traffic and pollution, some wonder if Tokyo should do the same. If you’re curious about transportation, Tokyo’s past and future with trams is a story worth reading!

A Brief History of Toden Light Rails

Toden, short for “Tokyo Metropolitan Electric Railway,” was once a part of daily life in Tokyo. It started in the early 1900s and quickly grew, connecting neighborhoods across the city. At its peak, the Toden network had over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of track and more than 40 lines. These light rail cars helped people get around long before subways and buses became common. Back then, the streets were slower and less crowded, so trams were an easy way to travel.

But after World War II, Tokyo changed fast. The city grew, more people bought cars, and traffic got worse. Bigger buses and the subway system became more popular than the slower-moving trams. Over time, most of the Toden lines were shut down to make room for cars and wider roads. By 1972, nearly the entire network was gone—except for one line that still runs today.

The Last Line Standing: Tokyo Sakura Tram

The Tokyo Sakura Tram, or the Arakawa Line, is the only surviving piece of the old Toden system. This 12.2-kilometer (7.6-mile) line runs between Minowabashi and Waseda and still serves many local neighborhoods. It’s slower than the subway but has a charm that modern trains don’t offer. Locals and tourists both enjoy riding it, especially during cherry blossom season, when the views are beautiful.

This line shows that trams can still work in a big city. They are quiet, clean, and suitable for short trips. Because they run on the street, they easily get on and off. Unlike subways, they give people a better view of the city. The Tokyo Sakura Tram is a piece of history that is still alive today. Even though it’s small, the tram is still part of the city’s public transport network.

Should Tokyo expand its light rail system again?

Some people say Tokyo should bring back more tram lines, and there are good reasons for this. Trams are better for the environment than cars and can help reduce air pollution. They also make streets safer by slowing down traffic. Light rail could help people get around more easily in areas where the subway doesn’t go. Smaller communities could benefit from a clean, simple transport like this.

However, expanding the tram system would not be easy. Tokyo is already full of roads, buildings, and underground train lines. Building new tracks would cost a lot of money and take years. Some people might not like having more tracks on busy streets. Still, if the city wants to reduce traffic and help the planet, bringing back more trams could be smart.

Light Rail and Tokyo Tourism

Trams can also boost tourism. The Tokyo Sakura Tram passes through quiet neighborhoods, shrines, parks, and old-fashioned shopping streets that tourists might miss otherwise. A larger tram system could give visitors a slower, scenic way to explore the city. Compared to subways, trams let people look out the window and experience Tokyo above ground. Tourists can enjoy a more relaxed travel than packed train rides underground.

By highlighting tram routes as part of the sightseeing experience, Tokyo could add new value to its tourism industry. City guides could offer tram passes with cultural stops along the way. Local businesses near tram stations would likely see more foot traffic. Light rail travel has a nostalgic feel that can be part of the city’s brand, especially for travelers interested in Tokyo’s history.

Why should people ride the light rail system?

Riding light rail is a simple and eco-friendly way to get around. Trams use electricity and don’t produce exhaust like cars and buses do. This helps cut down on air pollution and makes the city cleaner. Trams are also very quiet, which means less noise for people living near the streets. For people who care about the environment, trams are a better choice.

Light rail is also easier and more relaxing than a crowded subway or noisy buses. The stations are close to the street, so riders don’t need to go underground or climb stairs. Trams are great for short trips and can stop more often, helping people reach local shops, schools, and parks. They also feel safer for people who don’t like being in tight spaces.

In many ways, light rail offers a smoother and more pleasant ride for everyday travel. Have you ever ridden the Tokyo Sakura Tram? What was your experience like? Should there be more light rail trams in Tokyo? Let us know in the comments below!