Ride the vintage tram "Ding-Ding Car" for a unique Tokyo experience!

Text and photos by Hanari Anko, excerpted from "Adults’ Tokyo Holidays" published by Popular Wind Publishing

Attraction: Tokyo Toden Arakawa Line

In this modern metropolis of Tokyo, it's truly delightful to come across a vintage streetcar. The Arakawa Line (あらかわせん) runs through Tokyo's Arakawa, Kita, Toshima, and parts of Shinjuku wards. It starts at the "Minowabashi" stop and ends at the "Waseda" stop. Because the tram emits two "ding-ding" sounds before departure, it was often referred to as the "Ding-Ding Car" in the past.

Boarding is done via the "front door to pay, back door to exit" method. The distance between stops isn't very long, and many stops are located in residential areas, so most passengers are locals. As a result, you can unexpectedly enjoy many simple and charming scenes. Additionally, admiring the varied exterior designs of the different tram models is also a visual treat.

The Arakawa Line has a total of 30 "stops" (stations). Among them, the stops "Minowabashi," "Machiya Yonchome," "Shin-Kōshinzuka," "Higashi-Ikebukuro Yonchome," and "Kishibojinmae" allow for easy transfers to nearby subway lines, making connections convenient. So, where can you go with this Ding-Ding tram? At the starting stop "Minowabashi," there’s a vintage "Joyful Minowa Shopping Street" nearby. Get off at "Machiya Nichome" to visit the "Chromogenic Painting Art Museum." Near the "Ōji Yonchome" stop, there’s the "Banknote and Stamp Museum." The "Asukayama" stop area includes "Asukayama Park," the "Paper Museum," and "Ōji Shrine."

Also, from the "Shin-Kōshinzuka" stop, you can walk to the bustling "Sugamo Jizō-dōri Shopping Street" or visit the "Takayama Shrine." At the "Higashi-Ikebukuro Yonchome" stop, you can shop at "Sunshine City." If traveling with children, it’s recommended to visit the "Arakawa Depot Mae" stop, where you’ll find the adorable "Arakawa Park" as well as the old Toden vehicle exhibition space, the "Toden Memory Square."

If you’re someone who usually rushes on trams, take a break once in a while and explore at a leisurely pace. Riding the Arakawa Line allows you to experience another side of Tokyo’s lower-city charm, perfect for family trips!

Tokyo Toden Arakawa Line
Transportation: Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to "Minowa" Station, or take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to "Higashi-Ikebukuro" or JR Yamanote Line to "Ōtsuka" Station, then transfer to the Arakawa Line.
Official Website of the Tokyo Toden Arakawa Line:http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/toden/

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