SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is one of Japan’s leading railway museums, introducing the evolution of rail technology and the impact it has had on society. It opened in 2011 as a corporate museum of JR Central and is located in the open, waterfront setting of Kinjo Pier in Nagoya Port.

Inside the museum, 39 real railway vehicles are on display, ranging from steam locomotives to the latest superconducting maglev trains, offering a sweeping overview of the history of Japanese rail technology. In addition to viewing the trains from the outside, visitors can enter and explore the interiors of many of them, except for a few, allowing them to experience the impressive scale and authentic textures up close. The museum is designed to be enjoyable not only for railway fans, but also for anyone discovering an interest in trains for the first time.

Impressive Train Displays and a Symbol of Speed
At the symbolic exhibition stretching from the entrance, vehicles ranging from a steam locomotive that set a speed record to the superconducting maglev MLX01-1 are displayed under the theme of “speed,” overwhelming visitors with their presence. On the main floor beyond the exhibition area, Shinkansen trains from the 0 Series to the 700 Series are lined up, allowing visitors to see how Japan’s Shinkansen technology has evolved over time.

The museum also features a wide range of representative vehicles from different eras, including steam locomotives, conventional line trains, commuter trains, limited express trains, and electric locomotives, making it an exhibition that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Superconducting Maglev Exhibition Room and the 500 km/h Experience
One of the biggest highlights of the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is its superconducting maglev exhibit, showcasing the technology of JR Central, which operates the museum. In addition to displaying an actual vehicle that once recorded the world’s fastest speed, the museum explains how the maglev runs, levitates, and propels itself through hands-on devices and models.

In the mini theater, visitors can also simulate the world of a maglev traveling at 500 km/h, experiencing an overwhelming sense of speed and a glimpse of the future of rail travel. As an interactive exhibit unlike anything else, it attracts great attention from many visitors.

One of Japan’s Largest Railway Dioramas
The museum features one of the largest railway dioramas in Japan, covering an area of approximately 220 square meters. Centered around scenes along the Tokaido Shinkansen line, it meticulously recreates urban areas, mountainous regions, and port towns, with detailed attention given to buildings, daily life, and even the routines of the people who live there.

The diorama presentation lasts about 20 minutes and depicts “24 hours of railways,” from morning to night and into the following morning. At night, the streets and stations light up, creating a fantastical atmosphere different from that of the daytime—one of its major attractions.

Hands-On Exhibits and Simulators
At the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, visitors can do more than just look—they can learn through hands-on exhibits. In the “Railway Mechanisms” section, technologies that support safe and precise operations, such as ATC (Automatic Train Control), can be understood through actual operation.

Particularly popular are the simulator experiences. In the Shinkansen Simulator “N700,” visitors can operate an actual-size cab from an N700 Series Shinkansen and enjoy a highly realistic driving experience. The conventional line simulator offers both driver and conductor experiences, and is especially popular with children. Since tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, it is recommended to reserve them immediately after entering the museum.

Family-Friendly Facilities and Dining
There is also a kids’ corner for preschool children and their guardians, where they can safely play with Plarail and various other play equipment. Because it is time-limited and reservation-based, families can enjoy a relaxed visit without worrying about crowds.

Food may be brought into the museum, and one especially memorable experience is eating a boxed lunch purchased inside the museum in the interior of the outdoor-exhibited N700 Series Shinkansen. It is a unique way to enjoy the museum, offering the feeling of dining aboard a real Shinkansen.

The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is more than just a railway exhibit; it is an interactive museum where visitors can learn from multiple perspectives about the evolution of railway technology, safety, comfort, and the influence railways have had on society and culture. With its balance of real vehicles, cutting-edge technology, hands-on exhibits, and family-friendly facilities, it is a fascinating destination that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.