A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Nagasaki’s Streetcars
Trams (streetcars) are one of the most convenient and affordable ways to explore Nagasaki City. With a flat fare regardless of distance, they are easy to use for both locals and tourists. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started—including the route map, fares, how to ride, and which stops serve major sightseeing spots.
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🚋 What Is the Nagasaki Streetcar?
Nagasaki’s trams are operated by Nagasaki Electric Tramway Co., Ltd., offering compact coverage of the city that makes them perfect for sightseeing. The fleet includes both charming retro-style cars and modern low-floor trams that are barrier-free and accessible.
Operator: Nagasaki Electric Tramway Co., Ltd.
Number of Lines: 5 routes
Total Track Length: Approx. 11.5 km
Number of Stops: 35
🗺️ 2025 Nagasaki Tram Route Map & Line Information
Nagasaki’s tram system consists of five color-coded lines, all covering key tourist destinations and train stations. The route map helps you navigate the city efficiently.
2025 English version of Nagasaki streetcar route map
Line No.
Color
Route
Interval
Line 1
Blue
Akasako ↔ Sofukuji
Approx. every 5 min
Line 3
Red
Akasako ↔ Hotarujaya
Approx. every 7 min
Line 5
Green
Hotarujaya ↔ Ishibashi
Approx. every 9 min
Line 4
Yellow
Hotarujaya ↔ Sofukuji (only ｍorning and evening)
Operating Hours: Around 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (varies by line)
Note: Line 4 (Yellow) operates ｍorning and evening only.
🎯 Access to Major Tourist Attractions
Tourist Spot
Nearest Tram Stop
Approx. Walk
Stadium City
Stadium City North (formerly Zenza-machi)
3 min
Peace Park
Matsuyama-machi
5 min
Atomic Bomb Museum
Atomic Bomb Museum
5 min
Dejima
Dejima
1 min
Megane Bridge
Civic Hall
5 min
Oura Church
Oura Church-shita
5 min
Glover Garden
Oura Church-shita
7 min
Nagasaki Port Terminal
Ohato
5 min
Chinatown
Shinchi Chinatown
1 min
Hamano-machi Arcade
Kanko-dori
1 min
Nagasaki Station
Nagasaki Ekimae
2 min
🧭 How to Ride the Tram in Nagasaki (2025 Edition)
Nagasaki’s trams use a pay-after-you-ride system, and boarding/exiting doors are designated.
✅ Easy Steps for First-Time Riders:
Wait at the tram stop in the direction you want to go. Trams come every 5–10 minutes.
Check the destination on the tram’s display.
Board from the center door (front boarding may occur when crowded).
Touch your IC card to the reader (or pay in cash when exiting).
Inside the tram, move toward the front and hold on for safety.
Press the “stop” button before your destination.
Exit from the front door, tap your card or drop cash fare.
Be careful when stepping out.
💰 Fares (As of May 2025)
Adults (13+): ¥150 flat fare
Children (6–12): ¥80
Infants (under 1): Free
Young children (1 per adult/child free, otherwise ¥80)
🎫 1-Day Pass
Adults: ¥600 / Children: ¥300
Unlimited rides all day
Available at tourist info centers, hotels, and Nagasaki Station (not sold onboard)
💳 Payment Methods & IC Cards
You can pay in several convenient ways:
Nationwide IC cards (10 types, e.g. Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, nimoca) → Tap when boarding and exiting → Works with smartphone apps (e.g. Mobile Suica)
Cash → Take a boarding ticket, pay at the fare box when exiting
🆕 Credit Card Contactless Payment (from October 1, 2025)
Supports Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay
Debit & prepaid cards, smartphones, and wearables also accepted
Tap when boarding and again when exiting
💡 New! An “Off-Peak Daily Fare Cap” (¥600 max) will be tested, ensuring you never pay more than ¥600 in one day if you ride off-peak.
🧭 How to Ride (Step-by-Step)
STEP
1.Wait at the correct stop (trams every 5–10 minutes).
STEP
2.Check the tram’s destination on the display.
STEP
3.Board through the middle door (front when crowded).
STEP
4.Tap your IC card.
STEP
6.Press the stop button when your stop is near.
STEP
7.Exit through the front door, tap your IC card or pay cash.
🏨 Best Hotel Areas with Tram Access
Nagasaki Station Area – convenient for transport and shopping
Chinatown Area – central, with restaurants and nightlife
Oura / Minamiyamate Area – close to historical sites and scenic
🌍 For International Visitors: What You Should Know
✈️ Getting to Nagasaki from Major Cities
From Tokyo: 2 hours by plane From Osaka: 1.5 hours by plane → From Nagasaki Airport: Limousine bus to Nagasaki Station (~45 mins), then hop on the tram at Nagasaki Ekimae
From Fukuoka (Hakata): Take the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen and transfer at Takeo-Onsen → local JR train to Nagasaki
スポンサー
🗣️ Language Support
Most signs and announcements on trams are in English, Chinese, and Korean
Route maps include multilingual instructions
Tourist info centers near major stations can help with tickets and directions
📱 Handy Travel Apps
Google Maps – works well with real-time tram info
NAVITIME Japan Travel – tailored to tourists, supports English
Japan Travel by JNTO – includes offline features
🧳 Luggage, Wi-Fi & Accessibility
Suitcases and strollers allowed, but avoid peak hours
Free Wi-Fi available at some stops (not on board)
Look for low-floor trams (“non-step cars”) for easy access
🤝 Etiquette Tips
Stay quiet on board
No eating or drinking
Line up when boarding
Offer seats to the elderly or those in need
🗺️ Sample Itinerary (All by Tram!)
Morning: Peace Park → Atomic Bomb Museum
Lunch: Chinatown
Afternoon: Dejima → Megane Bridge
Evening: Glover Garden → Oura Church → Hamano-machi for dinner
🈂️ Basic Japanese Phrases
English
Japanese
Pronunciation
Where is this tram going?
この電車はどこに行きますか？
Kono densha wa doko ni ikimasu ka?
I want to go to Dejima.
出島に行きたいです。
Dejima ni ikitai desu.
Is this the right tram?
○○行きの電車ですか？
○○ yuki no densha desu ka?
Thank you
ありがとう
Arigatou
✅ Summary
Nagasaki’s streetcars are affordable, scenic, and tourist-friendly. With flat fares, 1-day passes, new IC and credit card payments, plus special discounts, they’re perfect for exploring the city stress-free.
🚨 Note: Info is current as of September 2025. Please check the official Nagasaki Electric Tramway website for the latest updates.
