The Railway Museum

The Railway Museum opened in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, on October 14, 2007, as the main project commemorating the 20th anniversary of JR East’s founding. It is one of Japan’s leading railway museums, showcasing the history, technology, and future challenges of railways in Japan.

In July 2018, the South Wing opened, and the exhibits in the Main Building were completely renewed. With this renovation, the museum was transformed into a facility where visitors can comprehensively enjoy the appeal of railways through a wide variety of exhibits and hands-on experiences, divided into five stations (exhibition areas): “Rolling Stock,” “History,” “Work,” “Science,” and “Future.”

Museum Concept
The Railway Museum is positioned as a facility that combines the following three roles:

1. Role as a railway museum
In addition to heritage and materials related to railways in Japan and around the world, it systematically preserves and researches valuable materials concerning the privatization and reform of Japanese National Railways and the history of JR East.

2. Role as a history museum
It introduces the development of railway systems, focusing on actual rolling stock displays and placing them in the context of their historical background and relationship with society. Visitors can learn about railway development as part of Japan’s industrial history.

3. Role as an educational museum
Visitors can learn experientially about how railways work, their principles, and the latest technologies through models, simulations, and play equipment. It is also well loved as a place where children can learn while having fun.

The Five Stations Inside the Museum

1. Rolling Stock Station
This is the largest exhibition hall in the museum, featuring 36 actual railway vehicles. In total, 41 real vehicles are on display throughout the museum.
From steam locomotives to electric locomotives and Shinkansen, a wide variety of vehicles from different eras and types are gathered here, allowing visitors to experience the evolution of railway technology in each period.
Sound, lighting, and visual effects recreate scenes from the past and let visitors experience the power and atmosphere of railways in a highly immersive way.

2. History Station
This area displays valuable materials collected since the days of its predecessor, the Transportation Museum in Kanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
The “Railway Culture Gallery” introduces the relationship between Japanese railways and culture from a fresh perspective, allowing visitors to deeply understand the impact railways have had on Japanese society.

3. Work Station
This exhibition introduces the jobs that support railway operations, such as station staff, train drivers, and maintenance workers.
Children can learn about the many professions behind railways, providing an opportunity to understand how society works.

4. Science Station
This area offers hands-on learning about how railways operate and the latest technologies through models and simulations.
With exhibits enjoyable for both children and adults, visitors can understand railway technology from a scientific perspective.

5. Future Station
This exhibition introduces future railway concepts and next-generation technologies. Visitors can experience the future of railways through topics such as improved safety, environmental performance, and the evolution of Shinkansen technology.

Experiences and Activities
At the Railway Museum, there are many exhibits designed not only for viewing and learning, but also for hands-on experience.

- Mini Train Driving: A popular attraction where visitors can operate a mini train themselves.
- Driving Simulator: Visitors can experience operating a steam locomotive or Shinkansen from a realistic driver’s seat.
- Railway Diorama: One of Japan’s largest 1:80 scale railway models, dynamically recreating train operations with lighting and video effects.
- Teppaku Hiroba: An outdoor space for young children where they can enjoy driving the “Mini Hayabusa.”

Dining, Shops, and Rest Areas
- Train Restaurant Nippon Shokudo: Recreates classic dining car menus, allowing visitors to enjoy the feeling of traveling by train.
- Ekiben Sales Corner: Offers a wide selection of railway-themed gourmet items, including popular ekiben and bento in Shinkansen-designed containers.
- Museum Shop: Sells many exclusive Railway Museum original goods available only here.
- Rest Area: A free休憩 area where visitors can relax while looking at trains and Shinkansen vehicles.
- Rooftop Observation Space: From the rooftops of the Main Building and South Wing, visitors can watch Shinkansen and conventional trains passing nearby.

Appeal and Ways to Enjoy the Museum
The Railway Museum is popular not only with railway enthusiasts, but also with families and visitors seeking educational experiences.
With a full range of hands-on learning, dining, and observation opportunities, its greatest appeal is that visitors can “learn while having fun.”
By using worksheets available for download from the official website, visitors can deepen their understanding of the exhibits through a more interactive learning experience.
It is a facility where children and adults alike can gain knowledge and inspiration through railways.

The Railway Museum is one of Japan’s largest comprehensive railway museums, connecting the past, present, and future of railways.
With the powerful presence of real rolling stock, science-based hands-on exhibits, and well-equipped facilities that the whole family can enjoy, every visit brings new discoveries. It is truly “the place where you can learn everything about railways.”