So, I found myself super bored the other day and decided I just had to get out. No plans, no destination in mind—just hop on a train and see where my feet would take me. That’s when I came across the Toden One-Day pass, a cheap little ticket that lets you ride the Tokyo Sakura Tram as much as you want, all day long. No stressing over travel costs, just pure exploration!
With the Toden 1 day pass , you get unlimited rides on the Sakura Tram, which runs across 30 stations from Waseda to Minowabashi. Riding the Tokyo Sakura Tram is especially magical during the sakura season! You get to enjoy beautiful views of the cherry blossoms in full bloom as the tram glides through the city—it’s the perfect way to take in the scenery.
Normal fare: Adults 170 yen (cash), 165 yen (IC card); Children 90 yen (cash), 82 yen (IC card)
Toden One-Day Pass: Adults 400 yen; Children 200 yen
How to buy Toden One day pass?
You can buy the ticket upon boarding the tram. Tell the driver that you want to buy “一日乗車券- ichinichi joushaken” You can pay cash or using IC cards (Suica,Pasmo).
First Trip: Toden Memorial Square
Admission Fee: FREE
Location: 8 Chome-33-7 Nishiogu, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0011
Open: Saturday, Sunday and Holiday
Time: 10 AM-4PM
If you’re in Tokyo and want to experience a slice of history, a ride on the Tokyo Sakura Tram is a must! It’s the last running Toden tram line in the city, offering a charming journey through some of Tokyo’s lesser-known spots.
Our adventure kicked off at Machiya Station, and we soon hopped off at Arakawa Shakomae Station. Right across from the station, we found Toden Memorial Square, where you can check out vintage tram cars dating all the way back to 1911. Stepping back in time like that really set the perfect mood for the rest of the day!
Location: Toden Memorial Square
Breakfast at Good Morning Cafe
After taking in the sights at Toden Memorial Square, we hopped on the tram and headed to Waseda Station, the final stop on the Tokyo Sakura Tram line. We decided to stop by Good Morning Cafe for a bite to eat. The atmosphere was perfect for a relaxing breakfast or lunch, and if the weather’s nice, you can even sit on their terrace. The portions were a little on the small side, but the food tasted great and was beautifully presented.
Location: Good Morning Cafe
Waseda University
Feeling refreshed, we took a quick two-minute walk to Waseda University. The university’s architecture is stunning, and there’s plenty to explore on campus.
Some facilities are even open to the public, like the Waseda House of Literature, where you can dive into the world of famous Japanese authors who studied here. The library itself feels more like an art museum with its beautiful interior design.
It’s a must-visit for theatre and film fans! You’ll find fascinating exhibits on Japanese theatre history, original scripts, and even Prof. Tsubouchi’s Shakespeare translations. No photos allowed inside, but it’s worth seeing in person to appreciate the details. Plus, admission is free!
Location: Waseda University
Exploring Waseda
After soaking in the academic atmosphere at Waseda, we headed towards our next stop, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Garden. On the way, we stumbled upon the Arakawa River, which was so clear you could spot big fish swimming beneath the surface. We even joked about trying to catch one!
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Garden
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is a five-star hotel with a garden that’s free for the public to enjoy. We were a little hesitant to enter at first since the lobby looked so fancy, but the receptionist was super kind and handed us a map of the garden.
The garden itself was gorgeous, and to our surprise, there were several couples taking wedding photos, adding to the magical atmosphere. We spent hours wandering around without realizing how much time had passed. The hotel has a lot of activities, please check their official website.
Before leaving, we stopped for coffee at a nearby cafe, which was the perfect way to wrap up our visit.
Location: Hotel Chinzanso garden
Oto noha Cafe
After all that exploring, we relaxed at Oto no ha Cafe, which is right next to Hotel Chinzanso. The coffee and sweets were amazing, and it was just what we needed before heading to our next stop—Sugamo.
Sugamo Jizou dori Shopping Street
Our next adventure took us to Sugamo Jizou Dori Shopping Street, often called the “Harajuku for old ladies.” The street was bustling with shops selling souvenirs and delicious street food. It’s a fun spot to experience a different side of Tokyo, away from the typical tourist areas.
Dinner at Nene Chicken no. 1!
We ended our day with a satisfying meal at Nene Chicken no. 1 in Shin Okubo. Nothing beats Korean fried chicken and a cold beer after a long day of sightseeing!
Location: Nene Chicken no. 1
1 Chome-12-7 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072
Summary
Hop on board the Tokyo Sakura Tram with the Toden 1-day pass and get ready for an adventure! For just 400 yen, you can enjoy unlimited rides on this charming tram and explore some of Tokyo’s hidden gems. From the nostalgic Toden Memorial Square to the beautiful Hotel Chinzanso garden, and even the vibrant Waseda University campus—there’s so much to see, and it’s all yours to explore. Don’t forget to check out spots like Sugamo along the way, too!
If you’re a fan of fun itineraries like this, you might also want to check out the JR Tokyo 1-day ticket (Furikippo). For 1600 yen, you’ll have unlimited rides on all train lines, buses, and yes, the Tokyo Sakura Tram too! It’s a great way to cover even more ground while exploring Tokyo.
