Japan's Historic Tramways

Overview

Trams still run in numerous Japanese cities and are very popular with the public. Japan's first trams began operating in Kyoto, in 1895. At their peak, Japan's tramways reached a total length of 1500km, but increased private car ownership and the replacement of tramways with bus routes has left lines in just 17 cities covering around 200km. These tramways remain an important part of the neighborhoods they serve, evolving as the cities grow and change. The trams carry people's hopes and dreams, and act as a stage for scenes of meeting and parting.