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.
🚋 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.
| 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)
1.Wait at the correct stop (trams every 5–10 minutes).
2.Check the tram’s destination on the display.
3.Board through the middle door (front when crowded).
4.Tap your IC card (or board with cash ticket).
5.Hold on while riding; prepare exact change if using cash.
6.Press the stop button when your stop is near.
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
🗣️ 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.