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While much of Toyama is walkable, using the handy tram system is the easiest way to get around the sights of Toyama if you want to rest your feet or go north to the pretty Iwase area – and it might not even cost you a penny. Here’s what you need to know…
Understanding the Toyama Tram System
There are six tram lines in Toyama, identified by colour on the tram map, and also numbered from 1-6. You work out which tram you need by looking at the end destination. Don’t worry, this isn’t as complicated as it sounds, as there aren’t many endpoints to pick from!
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
All the trams also call at Toyama’s main station, which is likely where you’ll arrive in the city, but from there,
Line 1 goes South, starting at Toyama Station
Line 2 goes East to South via Toyama Station
Line 3 is a Loop Line that goes in a small loop around the inner city
Line 4 goes North to South via Toyama Station
Live 5 goes North to East via Toyama Station
Line 6 loops the middle of the city, but also goes North
Which Tram Might You Need?
So, which lines do tourists visiting Toyama need? Here’s how to reach the main tourist sights in Toyama.
To Visit Iwase
Iwase is located north of the city, so to get here, take the 4, 5, or 6 tram in the direction of Iwasehama. On the way back, the trains will be labelled Toyama.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you might be able to catch these inside the city, or, all three of them pick up at the 4, 5 and 6 line stops at the Station.
Get off at either Higashi Iwase or Keirinjo Mae.
To Go to the Glass Museum & Hie Shrine
The closest station to the Glass Museum is Nishicho, which is served by the 1,2 and 4 tram lines. Assuming you’re coming from the station, these will have Minamitoyamaeki-mae as their end destination.
However, you can also take the Loop Lines and get off at Grand Plaza Mae.
To Get to Toyama Castle Park
The Kokusai Kaigijo-mae Station is just a two-minute walk from the castle. This is reached by the Loop lines.
To Visit Kansui Park
Home to what’s said to be one of the most beautiful Starbucks in Japan and the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, Kansui Park is also the boarding point for the boat rides that visit Nakajima Dock. The closest tram stops to this are Toyama Station, from which it’s a 15-minute walk, or Intec-Honsha-Mae Station, which is a 14-minute walk.
Depending on where your hotel is located, this is one destination you might be better off walking to or taking the local bus.
To Reach Toyama Dentetsu Station
This is the station you need to start the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – if you’re coming from Toyama Station, you’ll walk here, but if you’re coming from a hotel elsewhere in Toyama, you can reach this on the 1 and 2 lines. Or take the Loop lines.
Finding Your Stop
At the main tram stop at Toyama Station you’ll need to choose the platform dedicated to your tram line number to make sure you get on the right one going the right one.
Elsewhere in the city, you’ll get on at a platform in the middle of the road or, either side of the tracks. If there are two sides, look for the final destination to check you’re going the right way.
If more than one route stops at the platform and you need to take a particular one, you also use the end destination to identify them, so make sure you know where your train should end up – maps on the platforms or Google Maps will help you here.
Paying for the Tram
Toyama has a flat fare system that makes using the tram simple – you’ll pay 240 yen for adults and 120 yen for children aged 6-11. Those under six travel for free.
You pay this in the fare box by the driver as you get off the tram – for this reason, you always get off on the front of the tram.
IC Cards like Suica and ICOCA are accepted. If you are paying cash, though, you need to have the exact money – the driver won’t make change for you. If you need to change a note, there are change machines in the tram. The largest note these will take is 1000 yen. If you have bigger notes, change them before you get on.
Getting on the Tram for Free
There’s a nice little touch organised by the Toyama City for international guests. If you’re staying at a hotel in Toyama, you are entitled to two free rides on the tram.
Ask for your vouchers when you check into your hotel and then drop one in the fare box as you alight the tram.
Your fare back into the city on the tram is also included if you take one of the boat trips from Kusan Park to Iwase. Make sure they give you the ticket to use.
If you’re going to take more than three trips a day on the tram – and you’ve already used your two free rides – you can also buy a one-day tram pass.
This costs 650 yen for adults and 330 yen for children. You can buy it at Toyama Dentetsu Station or the Tourist Information Offices around the city. There is one of these close to the tram interchange at the main Toyama Station.
Getting On and Off the Tram
You get onto the tram in the middle or the back – save the front door for those getting off the tram.
When you want to get off, push the buzzer to alert the driver.
Many of the trams are modern and flat, with platforms that make them easy to use with strollers and luggage. Speak to staff if you plan to use the trams with a wheelchair to determine if a ramp is needed for access to or from the tram at your relevant stop. Some of the trams that run on the network are an older style, which isn’t flat to the platform. If one of these pulls in, you might prefer to wait a few minutes for the next one.
If you are travelling with luggage, please remember that the trams are also used by locals going to and from work, so be considerate and try to avoid blocking doors during busier times.
Do the Trams Go to Toyama Airport?
While most tourists will arrive in Toyama by train, if you have flown in, you won’t use the tram to get to or from the airport. Instead, you’ll catch the bus or taxi.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve traveled to Japan eight times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 25 towns and cities. My last visit was November 2024 so, everything here is pretty up to date.
