The Hankai Tramway, the only tram in Osaka with a history of over 110 years, operates between the city of Osaka and Sakai, serving over 20,000 people daily for commuting to work and school. The sight of the tram, running through the towns from residential areas to ancient temples, is full of charm, making us yearn for a train journey. This time, we enjoyed a tour of approximately 14km, starting from Ebisucho on the Hankai Line to Hamadera Station, the terminal station of the Uemachi Line.

Enjoying the Hankai Tramway Tour at Your Leisure: First, I started from the Shin-Imamiya and Shinsekai areas and headed to the Ebisucho station. The original station building, used since the company’s establishment, suffered typhoon damage and was relocated about 100 meters south in February 2020. With improvements for barrier-free access, it has become more convenient to use.

On the Hankai Tramway, the Mo161 type vehicle manufactured in 1928 is still in operation. As the oldest active vehicle in Japan, its presence, having survived the massive World War II air raids over Osaka, evokes the weight of history.

Departing from Ebisucho, passing through Imaike and Imafune, we make our first stopover at Tenjin-no-Mori and visit Tenjin-no-Mori Tenmangu Shrine. Founded during the Oei era (1394-1428), this historic shrine was visited by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for safe childbirth prayers.

Next, we get off at Higashi-Kohama and head to Kohama shopping street. With a history dating back to the Meiji era (1868-1912) and about 120 stores in operation, it’s one of the most vibrant shopping streets in Osaka.

The greengrocers here sell fresh vegetables harvested in Nara and Wakayama at affordable prices.

Founded in 1910 and now run by the fourth generation, Igawa Tofu Store is a popular spot. Their hiro-su (deep-fried tofu soup), chock-full with ingredients, is sure to whet your appetite.

Two stations from Higashi-Kohama, we arrive at Sumiyoshi Toriimae, where we visit the renowned Sumiyoshi Sumiyoshi Taisha, a symbol of Osaka.

With over 1800 years of history and being the head shrine of approximately 2300 Sumiyoshi Taisha nationwide, Sumiyoshi Taisha is known for conferring various blessings such as business prosperity, childbirth, and health. Every New Year, about 2 million people visit for the first prayers.

The terminal of the Hankai Line is Abikomichi. Right next to the station is the Hankai Tramway headquarters, and from the platform, you can see the depot housing the trams.

Walking along the Abikomichi shopping street from the station, you’ll come across an area decorated with sepia-toned photos, showcasing various eras of the Hankai Tramway and evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Crossing the Yamato River, we enter from Osaka City into Sakai City.

Now for the Hankai Tramway Tour: Sakai Edition. We disembarked at Terajicho because there was a particular place I wanted to visit. It was…

Ginshariya Gekotei, a popular diner, known to everyone in Sakai. Established in 1963, the diner is famous for the rice cooking method meticulously perfected by the first owner, Takeshi Murashima. The diner serves rice cooked in a pot for about 20 minutes using traditional techniques, along with superb side dishes that complement the rice perfectly.

Today is Special Wednesday. The deal of three types of miso soup for 100 yen, rice for 150 yen, and free refills is unbeatable. The side dish on the square plate, chosen for its delicious-looking tuna, costs 500 yen. With the pork miso soup full of ingredients, the meal is more than satisfactory for 750 yen.

Although most of Sakai city was destroyed in air raids during the war, there are areas where the Edo-period streetscape is preserved. Stepping into the back alleys from Kishu Road, you can find charming old houses, making it perfect for a stroll.

Arriving at the terminal station, Hamadera Ekimae. Like other stations, it’s usually unstaffed, but sometimes someone is there to sell commuter passes or discount tickets.

Hamadera Park, boasting an area of 751,000 square meters, is equipped with various facilities including a rose garden, pool, tennis courts, and a go-kart track in the traffic playground, making it a play spot where one day is not enough. Since I didn’t have time today, I decided to turn back at the entrance.

On the way back, as it was getting late and I was getting hungry, I decided to get off at Imaike in Nishinari and have dinner.

Just a 3-minute walk from Imaike station, Sukiyaki Nabe Nabe-ya is a hot pot specialty store known for its taste and affordability. The popularity spread by word of mouth, and now it’s bustling with customers every day.

The menu at Sukiyaki Nabemono Nabeya mainly offers single-serving hot pot, allowing you to quickly come and eat. The pork chili pot in the photo, including meat, vegetables, and udon to finish, is 980 yen. There are also other items like the overwhelming beef sukiyaki and the oyster miso pot, which often sells out during its limited availability from October to April.

A day-long mini-tour on the Hankai Tramway, hopping on and off as I pleased. You might worry that frequent boarding could become costly, but fear not. The Hankai Tramway offers a one-day unlimited digital ticket for adults at 680 yen and children at 340 yen. You can use it by downloading the dedicated smartphone app, so be sure to get it and enjoy a leisurely journey on the tram.

Ebisucho Station

Address: 2-1 Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 556-0003

Google map

Fare: Entire route – Adults 230 yen, children 120 yen. One-day unlimited digital ticket – Adults 680 yen, Children 340 yen
Official Site

LOCATION

Source: 4Travel (https://4travel.jp/travelogue/11610232)

Information presented here is current as of 2020. Please check the websites of the individual shops and facilities for up-to-date information on business hours.