Kyoto Railway Museum: Japan’s Railway History in Action

Kyoto Railway Museum Introduction

The Kyoto Railway Museum, one of Japan’s three great railway museums, opened in 2016 by JR West on the former site of the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum. This modern museum, spanning 30,000 square meters, showcases over 50 retired trains, from steam locomotives to the latest electric trains and shinkansen, presenting visitors with a journey through more than a century of Japanese railway development.

Key Information

• Location: About a 20-minute walk west of Kyoto Station
• Area: 30,000 square meters
• Exhibits: Over 50 retired trains, including steam locomotives, electric trains, and shinkansen
• Features: Interactive exhibitions, large railway diorama, observation deck, steam locomotive ride experience
• Admission: 1500 yen (1200 yen if purchased via Klook)

Kyoto Railway Museum Historical

The Kyoto Railway Museum’s predecessor, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, was established in 1972. With the rapid development of Japanese railway technology, JR West decided to upgrade this old museum into a modern facility showcasing the comprehensive history of Japanese railways. On April 29, 2016, the new Kyoto Railway Museum officially opened, becoming one of Japan’s three great railway museums alongside the Railway Museum in Saitama and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya.

Main Attractions

1. Retired Train Exhibition Area

The museum’s three-floor exhibition hall displays over 50 retired trains from various periods, from early steam locomotives to modern electric trains and shinkansen. Visitors can observe these “railway giants” up close and even walk underneath a retired freight locomotive to examine its inner workings.

2. Interactive Experience Zone

Several interactive areas allow visitors to experience the work of train drivers or conductors. The most popular attraction is the train simulator cockpit, where you can feel the thrill of driving a high-speed train.

3. Large Railway Diorama

The museum boasts one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas. Under the control of a skilled operator, miniature trains traverse carefully crafted terrain, recreating a microcosm of Japan’s railway network.

4. 1914 Roundhouse

Next to the main building stands a roundhouse from 1914 with a turntable. It houses Japan’s largest collection of steam locomotives, and visitors can observe real-time maintenance work on steam locomotives through windows.

5. Steam Locomotive Ride Experience

For an additional 300 yen, visitors can take a short 10-minute, 1-kilometer journey on a real steam locomotive, reliving the romance of the steam era.

6. Observation Deck and Restaurant

The museum’s second floor features a restaurant and observation deck, where you can dine while watching trains on the JR Kyoto Line and Tokaido Shinkansen whiz by.

7. Former Nijo Station Building

At the museum’s exit stands the elegant, old-fashioned former Nijo Station building. Built in 1904, it’s the oldest existing station building in Japan, relocated here in 1997 to become part of the museum.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (late March – May): Cherry blossom season, beautiful scenery around the museum
• Autumn (October – November): Cool weather, relatively fewer tourists
• Avoid peak tourist seasons like Golden Week (late April – early May) and summer vacation (mid-July – August)

Transportation Guide

• From Kyoto Station:

1. Take the JR Nara Line to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (about 3 minutes, 150 yen one-way), then walk a few minutes
2. Or walk about 20 minutes

• City Bus: Take City Bus Route 205 to Umekoji-Koen-mae stop

Opening Hours and Admission Information

• Hours: 10:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
• Closed: Wednesdays (except national holidays and during spring and summer school holidays), December 30 to January 1
• Admission: Adults 1500 yen (1200 yen if booked through Klook)
• Steam locomotive experience: Additional 300 yen

Visitor Tips

1. Allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit
2. Book tickets online in advance for discounts
3. Arrive early on weekends and holidays to avoid crowds
4. Consider visiting nearby Umekoji Park after your museum tour
5. Lockers are available for storing personal items
6. Don’t forget to photograph passing shinkansen from the observation deck

Official Website

Kyoto Railway Museum

Kyoto Railway Museum Conclusion

The Kyoto Railway Museum is not just a paradise for railway enthusiasts but also an excellent window into Japan’s modernization process. From the steam era to high-speed rail, each exhibited train tells a story of Japan’s glorious railway development. Whether you’re a train buff or a tourist interested in Japanese history and culture, this museum is worth dedicating half a day to explore in depth. When visiting Kyoto, don’t miss this chance to take a journey through time on the railways!