The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation and Hato Bus are teaming up for a special one-day collaboration tour on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The tour offers a charter ride on the renovated 8500 Series tram—redesigned by railway designer Eiji Mitooka—along with a guided visit to the usually off-limits Arakawa Electric Office (depot). A total of 40 spots are available across two sessions of 20 participants each, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 8500 Series has been running on the Toden Arakawa Line—Tokyo's only tram line—for over 30 years. The car has been given a fresh look by Eiji Mitooka, whose design work spans JR Kyushu's trains and numerous other railways across Japan. The renovated car is finished in a golden yellow (yamabuki-iro) that recalls the trams of an earlier era, while presenting a refined and contemporary appearance.
The tour includes a charter ride on this rare single renovated car, taking participants through routes not normally accessible to passengers: the depot exit track and the turnaround track at Otsuka Station Front. Before boarding, the group is guided through Arakawa Electric Office by staff, with access to the depot floor and a photo opportunity inside the tram and at the driver's seat.
A complimentary "Toden Monaka"—a Japanese confection shaped after the tram—will be offered for participants to enjoy onboard the 8500 Series tram.
All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Tour Details
Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation x Hato Bus Collaboration: 8500 Series Mitooka Design Charter Ride and Arakawa Depot Tour
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Price: ¥25,000 per person (adults and children, tax included; children under elementary school age are not permitted)
Itinerary:
Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit (AM session: 8:30 AM / PM session: 2:00 PM departure) → Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation Arakawa Electric Office (depot tour, traverser viewing, commemorative photo at vehicles and driver's seat) → Toden Arakawa Line (charter ride on the Mitooka Design car — Arakawa Depot exit track to Otsuka Station Front to Minowabashi) → Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit (AM session: approx. 1:00 PM / PM session: approx. 6:30 PM arrival)
Notes:
- While safety precautions are taken during the depot tour, some areas may have uneven footing. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended.
- Tour content may be changed or cancelled due to weather or other circumstances.
- For safety reasons, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, and ladders are not permitted.
- Some portions of the program take place outdoors; participants should take individual precautions against heat stroke.
- Participants aged 15 to 17 traveling unaccompanied must submit a parental consent form.
Reservations open: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM
