Not like in major cities in continental Europe, trams are not major transport in Japan. Cities which have trams and more than 1 million inhabitants are five out of twelve; Sapporo, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. Then, Sapporo and Tokyo have only one line each.
Tram is relatively much common in western part of Japan. For example, there is no tram in Tohoku region, northeast Honshu. There is no tram between Tokyo and Sapporo in Hokkaido. Only one line in Tokyo metropolitan area.
Then, trams are not operated by local public transportation bureau. Almost half of the operators are private companies including in Kyoto and Osaka. On the other hand, Osaka's metros are officially based on license issued for trams, not for trains. Therefore the stations' officially not stations but stops.
Trams frequently used for tourists are in Hakodate, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Kumamoto. There are stops located close to major tourist attractions and buses are not so common running inside the city centers.
There are two types of fares. Fixed fare per ride or fare depends on the distance. Also in case of transfer between two lines, you have to get the transfer tickets. The procedures and conditions are different among operators and please check carefully each time before you get on the tram.
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