Services started on 26th August 2023 on the brand new Utsunomiya Light Rail. This single line system is completely new and provides a rail connection to the industrial areas of Utsunomiya and the nearby town of Haga.
Utsunomiya is the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture in the Northern part of Kanto Region. Many foreign tourists, particularly if they are using JR Rail Passes pass thru Utsunomiya on the way to Nikko.
Although usually a place foreign and local tourists generally just pass through it has a number of things of interest, including its lively Jazz scene and strawberry picking.
Utsunomiya is particularly famous for Gyoza Dumplings. In fact it is named as the Gyoza Capital of Japan. It also has a lot of industry. for example Honda’s Research & Development Centre is based near Utsunomiya.
The tram also passes the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park, where from the hill where the castle once stood you can get a good view of the city.
Does the tram serve tourist spots?
We believe that to get the full experience of visiting a country like Japan it is good to see also things off the normal route. So although the tram does not go to any tourist sites (except the Castle Ruins Park) it does give foreign visitors a chance to see bits of Japan they might not ordinarily see.
It also gives visitors a chance to see how Japan’s amazing public transport system works, even in smaller provincial cities.
So if you have the time, we recommend visiting Utsunomiya and riding the new tram!
Of course rail enthusiasts must visit!
Why did Utsunomiya build a new tram system?
The main purpose of the Light Rail System is to link the centre of Utsunomiya with the industrial parks to the East of the city and nearby Haga Town
Is it a completely new line?
Yes, it does not replace any former lines or use former track beds,
When did construction start and when did operations start?
The building of the line was approved in 2016 and construction started in 2018. Due to the pandemic the opening of the line was delayed for about a year, finally opening 26th August 2023.
Information
| Operator | Utsunomiya Light Rail co Ltd 宇都宮ライトレール (3rd sector public / private operator) |
| Total Length | 14.6km |
| 14.5km Passenger route | |
| Running on roadway | 9.4km |
| Dedicated track | 5.1km |
| Number of train units | 17 three car articulated trams |
| Train Manufacturer | Niigata Transys |
| Type | HU300 series |
| Track gauge | 1067mm (3ft 6in) |
| Double / single track | All double track |
| Power Supply | 750V DC Overhead wire |
| number of stations | 19 |
| Barrier free | All stations and trams are built to be barrier free and accessible |
| consortium IC card can be used | Yes |
| Hours of operation and day time frequency | Aprox 5am to 12am; every 12 minutes |
Future Plans
There are plans to extend the light rail network to the west of JR Utsunomiya Station, where the main commercial area is situated. It is likely, however, to be at least 2030 before this can be realized.
How to get there
Utsunomiya is north of Tokyo and can be reached by the Tōhoku Shinkansen in about 55 minutes using either Yamabiko or Nasu trains from Tokyo and 1hr 20 mins~30mins from Sendai. By JR Tohoku Line (Utsunomiya Line) trains it takes about 1hr 50 mins from either Tokyo or Shinjuku.
JR Rail Passes can be used to / from get Utsunomiya, but not on the light rail system.
IC cards such as Suica, Icoca and Pasmo are valid on the trams.
For tourist information DISCOVER UTSUNOMIYA
Many foreign tourists pass thru Utsunomiya on their way to Nikko.
Links
Utsunomiya Light Rail official website: https://www.miyarail.co.jp
Japan Trams: TS Japan Rail – Rail Fan site info Page: Trams
Whether you want to See Japan by Rail or Explore Japan’s Railways, TS Japan Rail can help you plan your trip with ideas, designing travel itineraries, assisting with bookings and more.
We take the stress out of planning your trip and help ensure it is successful!
For more information on our services
see our homepage!
