Beer-hall tram resumes after hiatus

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:24 JST, August 6, 2022

OKAYAMA — A beer garden-themed streetcar, which gives passengers a chance to enjoy beer while taking in the local sights, has resumed operation for the first time since 2019 in Okayama City.

The Okayama Electric Tram Co. and other groups have been conducting this seasonal event in order to attract people to use the streetcars, but the event had been suspended for the past two years due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The tram operator has two lines from a terminal in front of JR Okayama Station, and the beer car makes one round trip over both the Higashiyama and Seiki lines. The trip lasts two hours, and passengers are provided with beer and food.

“It’s a strange feeling and nice because I normally can’t drink alcohol on the train,” said a 64-year-old passenger while enjoying his fourth ride of the beer hall car.

Reservations are required. The fare is ¥4,000, which includes three beers and a light meal. The tour is scheduled to run several times until Oct. 21.