Setagaya Line
The Setagaya Line is a 5-kilometer light rail line operated by Tokyu Corporation, connecting Sangen-jaya Station to Shimo-Takaido Station through 10 stations in Tokyo's Setagaya ward.[1] It serves as one of only two surviving tram lines in central Tokyo, utilizing two-car electric tramcars that run at street level and emphasizing local residential access.[2] Originally opened on January 18, 1925, as a branch of the Tamagawa Electric Railway's Tamagawa Line, the route provided early suburban connectivity from Shibuya to rural areas along the Tama River.[3] Following post-war urban expansion and declining ridership on longer segments, the line was truncated and renamed the Setagaya Line on July 1, 1969, retaining only the core urban portion while the rest was dismantled.[4] As of fiscal year 2024, it carries approximately 57,500 passengers daily, offering a slower-paced alternative to Tokyo's high-speed commuter rails with a maximum speed of 40 km/h and fares starting at 160 yen for adults.[5][6] The line's unique features include seven unmanned stations, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere, and its integration with nearby attractions such as Gotokuji Temple, famous for its maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figurines, which inspired the seasonal "Kofuku-no-Manekineko Densha" themed train introduced in 2019.[7] In 2019, it became Japan's first railway fully powered by renewable energy, sourced from hydropower and geothermal power, underscoring Tokyu's sustainability efforts.[8] Rolling stock consists exclusively of the 300 series trains, introduced in 1984 and designed for the line's narrow 1,372 mm gauge, which share tracks with no other services.[9] The line celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025 with various events highlighting its history and community role.[1]Route and Geography
Line Overview
The Setagaya Line is a 5.0 km light rail line operated by Tokyu Corporation, serving as one of only two surviving tram lines in Tokyo and governed under Japan's Tramways Act rather than the standard railway regulations applicable to other Tokyu routes.[5][10][9] It spans 10 stations entirely within Setagaya Ward, providing local connectivity in a densely residential area of western Tokyo.[10][5] The line runs from Sangen-jaya Station, where passengers can transfer to the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, to Shimo-Takaido Station, offering connections to the Keio Line, following a northwest-southeast path through Setagaya Ward's quiet residential neighborhoods on a dedicated right-of-way.[5] Unlike traditional street-running trams, it operates on a dedicated right-of-way separated from roadways, enabling reliable service without traffic interference, though it maintains a maximum speed of 40 km/h and is double-tracked throughout its length.[1][11] This configuration uses a unique 1,372 mm (Scotch) gauge among Tokyu lines and 600 V DC overhead catenary electrification.[10][5] Trains operate daily from approximately 4:00 AM to midnight, with headways varying from 5 to 20 minutes depending on time of day, supporting approximately 57,500 daily passengers as of 2017.[12] Originally established as a remnant of the Tamagawa Electric Railway, the line now functions as an integral part of Tokyo's urban fabric, emphasizing accessibility and community ties.[13]Stations and Connections
The Setagaya Line consists of 10 stations spanning 5.0 km through the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, providing a compact urban route primarily serving local residential communities. The stations are closely spaced, with all inter-station distances under 1 km, facilitating quick travel along the line's double-tracked route on a dedicated right-of-way through residential areas.[14]| Station Code | Station Name (Romanized) | Distance from Sangen-jaya (km) |
|---|---|---|
| SG01 | Sangen-jaya | 0.0 |
| SG02 | Nishi-Taishidō | 0.3 |
| SG03 | Wakabayashi | 0.9 |
| SG04 | Shōin-jinja-mae | 1.4 |
| SG05 | Setagaya | 1.9 |
| SG06 | Kamimachi | 2.2 |
| SG07 | Miyanosaka | 2.7 |
| SG08 | Yamashita | 3.4 |
| SG09 | Matsubara | 4.2 |
| SG10 | Shimo-Takaidō | 5.0 |