Kyoto Railway Museum

4.5 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Museum・Point Of Interest・Establishment

The Kyoto Railway Museum is a treasure trove for train enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Located near Umekoji Park, this expansive museum showcases Japan’s rich railway heritage. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of locomotives, from steam engines to modern bullet trains, all beautifully preserved.

One of the standout features is the roundhouse, where you can see steam engines up close and even witness live demonstrations of these majestic machines in action. The museum's interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about the mechanics of trains and the history of rail travel in Japan. There's also a fascinating diorama that brings miniature trains to life, delighting both kids and adults.

The museum isn’t just about looking; it's about experiencing. Visitors can step into historical train cars, sit in the driver’s seat, and even try their hand at a train simulator. The educational displays provide insights into the technological advancements and the crucial role trains have played in Japan’s development.

For families, Kyoto Railway Museum offers a kids’ area with hands-on activities that make learning fun. With its blend of history, technology, and interactive fun, the Kyoto Railway Museum offers a captivating journey through the world of trains, making it a must-visit in Kyoto.

Hours:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

Wednesdays

Year-end through New Year season (December 30 to January 1)

Available:

All year (Except Wednesdays and Year-end through the New Year season)

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

1,500 yen (General admission: 18 years and older)

1,300 yen (University and high school students)

500 yen (Junior high and elementary school students)

200 yen (Children: 3 years and older)

Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Website

www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp

The area

Address

Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Kyoto Railway Museum

This was a bit of a walk from Kyoto station, and I got the train back. Go up to the top level and get a wonderful view of the active train lines. I spent quite a while watching the Bullet Trains pass below. Such a great spot and a lovely history of the Japan Railways. If you love trains, you will absolutely love this!

Greg Mack

Sep 16, 2024

It's a great place for young children and adult rail fans. There are so much information you can get if you really spend time. Many kids friendly activities and impressive collection of trains. If you pay extra, there is a train ride, and driving simulation game. There is a cafe and price looks very reasonable but we did not try the food. If you want to also visit the aquarium there are combo tickets you can purchase as well.

Chun Yi Chan

Sep 1, 2024

Great excursion destination for train fans and families. At the Railway Museum, visitors learn about the history of the railroads in Japan and what makes the system in Japan so special. There are many trains on display in different areas. Visitors can also take part and try things out for themselves at individual stations. The admission price is fair for this large exhibition. A special highlight is the restaurant on the second floor with a view of Kyoto station.

Oskar Vitlif

Aug 8, 2024

Great selection of trains. Over a dozen of the original steam engines, with about half of them in a running condition (you can tell by a sooted roof above them). Even if you don't take a steam train ride, you can still them being topped up with coal and swing through a train carousel which is quite a show. I wish they let people inside the emperor train :/ Also, I wish I have reserved more time to visit. The place is huge so I recommend spending several hours.

Zaar Hai

Aug 11, 2024

Make sure you allocate a whole day this place is jam packed full of exhibits and information. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. One of the only problems is that a lot of the exhibits don’t have accompanying English references. Unfortunately I don’t speak or read Japanese well. Plenty of space around the exhibits. Also unlike 2000 year old Roman exhibits where you can walk inside a lot of the ancient buildings the Kyoto Railway Museum exhibits you have to look from outside the trains.