Nagasaki Electric Tramway Lines 1 & 5 from Nagasaki Station to Oura Cathedral

The Nagasaki Electric Tramway is the simplest way to travel around Nagasaki with 3 main fixed routes. The city area has a small sprawling network of lines, and most tourist attractions can be accessed by the Nagasaki Electric Tramway. For this trip, I will be travelling from JR Nagasaki Station to Oura Cathedral.

Nagasaki-Ekimae Station

JR Nagasaki Station is served by Nagasaki-Ekimae Station on the Nagasaki Electric Tramway, connected by overhead bridges, as the tram stop is in the middle of the busy road.

Head towards the opposite side of the platform from Nagasaki Station.

Nagasaki-Ekimae Station is also the junction where Lines 1 and 2 split.

Nagasaki-Ekimae Station has a simple layout with 2 side platforms, allowing for easier transfer, but do look out for the tram line on the tram itself to ensure that you get on the correct tram.

Heading down to the platform heading towards the south.

Interestingly, there is a trailing crossover located within Nagasaki-Ekimae Station itself. This is not in active use during revenue service.

A screen at the platform shows the current location of the incoming trams.

The waiting area along the platform is designated by lines to prevent confusion. For this trip, I will be taking Line 1 first.

A guide is posted on the platform to explain to passengers how to use the Nagasaki Electric Tramway.

The route map of the Nagasaki Electric Tramway.

During most hours of the day, the Nagasaki Electric Tramway operates with 3 main lines – Line 1, Line 3, and Line 5. Line 4 operates as a cross-line during peak hours only, and Line 2 operates only once a day towards the end of revenue service as a return trip to the depot, or otherwise during pre-announced event days only. Line 2 is not actively displayed on route maps with the extremely low service frequency.

The timetable of Line 1 and Line 3 trams from Nagasaki-Ekimae Station. Notice the remark on the last train of the day at 11.11pm – that is the sole Line 2 tram.

The route information is also displayed in a table. The lines aren’t very long, but provides good coverage within Nagasaki city.

Nagasaki Electric Tramway Line 1 to Shinchi Chinatown Station (for Line 5)

And here comes my Line 1 tram. This tram is bound for Sofukuji Temple. A change is required later on to Line 5 to get to Oura Cathedral.

Boarding is from the rear door.

If using an IC card, touch in on the card reader at the rear door.

The interior of the Nagasaki Electric Tramway 1300 type electric train.

If paying in cash, there is no need for a numbered ticket as flat fares are charged on the Nagasaki Electric Tramway.

The route map of the Nagasaki Electric Tramway is also displayed on board the tram.

The tram operates like a bus, so remember to press the bell before alighting.

Route information is displayed on the information screen on board the tram.

Nagasaki Electric Tramway Ticket

For my time in Nagasaki, I bought the 24-hour ticket which is valid for 24 hours after start of use. The Nagasaki Electric Tramway 24-HOUR PASS for Streetcar can only be purchased on the Jorudan app or RYDE PASS app.

A colour code and live moving time stamp validates the mobile ticket.

Show the valid ticket to the driver upon alighting from the front door.

If using an IC card, tap out when alighting from the front door.

If paying by cash, drop the exact fare into the fare box upon alighting. Change is available from the change machine in front of the fare box.

Change at Shinchi Chinatown Station

Shinchi Chinatown Station is an interchange between Line 1 and Line 5. Alight here to change for Line 5 to Oura Cathedral.

Do note that an IC transfer is available at Shinchi Chinatown Station, meaning, there is no additional fare to be paid when using an IC card and transferring at Shinchi Chinatown Station.

This transfer is not available for cash-paying passengers, and cash-paying passengers will have to pay again for the second tram journey when alighting.

This problem can be eliminated by using the Nagasaki Electric Tramway 24-HOUR PASS for Streetcar if travelling for at least 5 tram journeys within 24 hours.

Cross over to the opposite platform for Line 5 towards Oura Cathedral and Ishibashi.

Wait at the Line 5 waiting area.

Nagasaki Electric Tramway Line 5 to Oura Cathedral Station

And here comes my Line 5 tram.

Boarding is from the rear door.

The interior of the Nagasaki Electric Tramway 1300 type electric train.

Oura Cathedral Station

Arriving at Oura Cathedral Station.

Showing my Nagasaki Electric Tramway 24-HOUR PASS for Streetcar to the driver when alighting from the front door.

Oura Cathedral Station has just 1 track but 2 staggered side platforms. The tram stops and doors open according to the direction of the tram.

This tram will continue on 1 more stop to Ishibashi, where it terminates, and comes back again on the single track.

Cross the bridge from Oura Cathedral Station to the main attractions.

Aside from Oura Cathedral, Oura Cathedral Station is also used to access Glover Street, Glover Garden, Gunkanjima Digital Museum, and Former Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Museum.

Gunkanjima Digital Museum is just ahead.

The uphill Glover Street is used to access Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden.

Being a tourist attraction, Glover Street is lined with souvenir shops. Local snacks and gifts can also be purchased here.

Oura Cathedral

Oura Cathedral is just up ahead.

Entrance to Oura Cathedral costs 1,000 yen for adults.

Glover Garden

There are also a few staircases to continue up to Glover Garden.