"Toden" the only tramway in Tokyo: (1) Farewell to the 7000 series trams

Hi! Welcome back to my Train Travelog Japan.

Well, how do you enjoy the very local tastes of towns in Tokyo?

I'd say that traveling by "Toden Arakawa Line," Tokyo's only tramway, is the best!

The line is nicknamed "Tokyo Sakura (cherry blossom) Line." One-carriage trams run about 12km and 30 stations at the speed of a bicycle with a soothing rhythm close to that of heart beats of humans.

The above 7001 model tram nicknamed "Aka-obi (red belt)" symbolized by its red line on the body is to retire very soon along with other 7000 series. It is now adorned with a decorative medal to celebrate and appreciate its long and safe service from the year 1954. The 7000 series once won the Laurel Prize of Japan Railfan Club for its universality in 1978.

Although the 7000 series trams are retiring soon, eight 7700 trams utilizing bodies and parts of the retiring trams will be launched soon.

A retirement ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 10, 2017, inviting some public applicants. (Application already closed.)

One day ahead of the above event is the national "Tramway (Streetcar) Memorial Day," and there are some campaigns and events featuring tramways and streetcars throughout Japan on the day.

If you are interested in a memorial tramway one-day ticket in the honor of the retiring 7000 series titled in Japanese:「ありがとう７０００形」都電記念一日乗車券 , the tickets will be available only between 7:00am of Saturday, June 3rd and 7:00pm of Sunday, June 11 at "Arakawa densha eigyo-sho (荒川電車営業所)" near the Arakawa-shako-mae (荒川車庫前) station on the line. The one-day ticket is 400 JPY,and the tickets are valid only until June 11.

*Address of Arakasa densha eigyo-sho:

8-33-7 Nishi-oku, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo

(荒川区西尾久8-33-7)

*Inquiries in Japanese to: 03-3816-5700

Sorry for this last minute announcement! Good luck!

Inquiries to:

 #Japan #Tramway #Streetcar #Tokyo #Toden #TravelByTrain