Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto Railway Museum is one of Japan’s largest railway museums, offering a comprehensive introduction to the history, technology, and culture of railways. It opened on April 29, 2016, in the Umekoji area of Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, and has been beloved by many as a facility where visitors can fully experience the appeal of railways, from steam locomotives to Shinkansen.

The exhibits inside the museum are designed around the themes of “see, touch, and experience,” with thoughtful features throughout so that both children and adults can enjoy learning. The collection includes 54 rolling stock vehicles, including those inherited from the museum’s predecessor, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum. Among the highlights are the first-generation Shinkansen “Type 0 Series Car No. 21,” the “500 Series Shinkansen,” which achieved commercial operation at 300 km/h and was registered in the Guinness World Records, and the “C62 Class,” one of the largest steam locomotives of Japan National Railways. Many legendary vehicles that colored railway history are on display.

Upon entering the main building, visitors are greeted by a spectacular display of nostalgic vehicles such as the 0 Series Shinkansen, the Kuha 86 Class Car No. 1, and C62 No. 26. The exterior and structural details of the vehicles are carefully preserved and exhibited, allowing visitors to appreciate their beautiful design up close.

On the second floor, there is a “driving simulator” area where visitors can experience operating conventional trains and Shinkansen trains through a lottery-based system. This realistic hands-on experience lets visitors feel like train drivers and is popular not only with railway fans but also with first-time visitors.

The museum also features one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas, where model trains run amid music, lighting, and narration. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, such as test rides on maintenance bicycles, and the “SL Steam Train” (fee required), which allows visitors to ride in passenger cars actually pulled by a steam locomotive, is one of the museum’s unique and precious experiences.

Especially noteworthy is the fan-shaped roundhouse, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in 1914, this reinforced concrete roundhouse houses 20 steam locomotives neatly lined up and is highly regarded by railway fans in Japan and abroad. As one of the oldest surviving locomotive depots, its magnificent appearance leaves a deep impression on visitors.

In addition, the Sky Terrace on the third floor offers a panoramic view of the JR Kyoto Line and Shinkansen trains passing by, making it a popular viewing spot where visitors can enjoy both the cityscape of Kyoto and the railway scenery at the same time.

Under the concept of “a railway culture base that grows with the local community,” the museum promotes initiatives that use railways as a place for learning and relaxation through cooperation with school education and local facilities. Programs such as “railway job experiences” led by JR West employees, guided tours by museum staff, and various workshops are also held, creating cultural activities that deepen visitors’ understanding of railways.

The museum also focuses on systematically collecting and preserving railway materials, as well as research and study, with the mission of contributing to the inheritance and development of railway culture.

The Kyoto Railway Museum is a valuable place where visitors can experience the history of railways and think about the future of railways. We invite you to come and experience the profound world of railways with your own eyes and hands.