Located just down the tracks from JR Kyoto Station, the Kyoto Railway Museum is a fantastic place to go for train lovers of all ages, or anyone with even a passing interest in Japan’s celebrated rail network. Here visitors can learn about the rich history and technological innovations of Japanese railways, with many large-scale and fun interactive exhibits designed to inform and entertain. The museum offers a real steam locomotive ‘SL Steam’ experience, along with a huge collection of original vehicles on display, plus moving models and train simulators – there is something for everyone!

What to See and Do at the Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto Railway Museum opened in 2016 is one of the largest railway museums in Japan, with a huge range of fun exhibits and displays to delight hardcore train fans and more casual visitors. The museum is home to 54 train cars which encompass the entire history of railways in Japan, from old-fashioned Meiji-era steam locomotives to state-of-the-art shinkansen, many of which can be explored up close, both inside and out.

One of the museum’s many highlights is the railways diorama - this enormous (approximately 30m wide and 10m deep) is a 1/80 scale recreation of a railway system set in a superbly detailed and colorful model world, with moving trains, a busy rail depot, stations, level crossings and much more beside.

Outside in the train yard be sure not to miss the wonderfully impressive 20-track roundhouse and turntable dating back to 1914, a designated Important Cultural Property – the enormous car shed houses an extensive collection of vintage engines.

Experience Interactive Exhibits for Adults and Children at Kyoto Railway Museum

SL Steam

Referenced from the official website of the Kyoto Railway Museum

The museum boasts a number of fantastic interactive exhibits which can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. A highlight for many is taking a ride on a real steam locomotive – there are four types of steam engine which run the 1km of track in the museum, and it is great fun to ride in an old-fashioned carriage as the steam engine puffs along the track.

Fees: ¥300 for adults, ¥100 for junior high school students and children aged 3 and above.
*Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines on the steam locomotive platform starting from the museum’s opening time.

💡Tip: Trains generally run once or twice an hour during museum opening time.　However, the daily schedule varies, so be sure to check the Information Center upon arrival for the latest updates!

Train Simulator

Another museum highlight is the train simulator – this realistic train driving simulator is based on one that real train drivers use for training, but is simple enough that even young children can enjoy it! Choose from a conventional line train or high-speed shinkansen, and experience what it is like to drive a real train. This is a popular attraction, so be sure to book your ticket online in advance.

Fees: ¥100 / session (approximately 10 minutes)
💡Tip: Please note that tickets are not sold at the museum. Instead, e-tickets become available for purchase at 8:00 PM (JST) one day in advance via Asoview! - try to get them early, as tickets often sell out.
・Electronic Ticket (Conventional Line)
・Electronic Ticket (Shinkansen)

Amazing Souvenirs and Dining Options to Boost Your Museum Experience!

Referenced from the official website of the Kyoto Railway Museum

Housed in the rustic and atmospheric surroundings of the former Nijo Station house, the museum shop is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir during your visit. There are a wide range of goods on offer, from limited edition model trains to cute railway-themed plushie toys, which are sure to delight young and old alike.

Referenced from the official website of the Kyoto Railway Museum

0 Series Shinkansen Bento Lunchbox / ¥1,500
If you fancy a bite to eat then head up to the museum restaurant located on the 2nd floor, which offers a varied menu full of tasty dishes including hamburg steak, Kyoto style ramen, udon noodles and pasta . Alternatively, grab an original shinkansen-themed lunchbox at the dining car and lunch box sales booth, and enjoy it while sitting inside an original dining car, just like passengers of yesteryear.

Kyoto Railway Museum Opening Hours & Ticket Fees

Kyoto Railway Museum is open year-round from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm. Note that the museum is closed every Wednesday, and for some days around New Year; check online for the latest updates. Tickets can be bought on the day at the museum, or in advance online via the museum’s website.

Kyoto Railway Museum admission fees are as follows:
・Adults: ¥1,500
・University and high school students: ¥1,300
・Junior high and elementary school students: ¥500
・Young children (over 3 years old): ¥200

It is best to allow at least 2 to 4 hours for a visit however, as there is lots to see and do!

How to get to Kyoto Railway Museum from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto

Kyoto Railway Museum is in a very convenient central location, just a 20-minute walk west of Kyoto Station. From HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto, the museum is easily accessible via the following public transport options.

・[By train (JR Line)]
Walk approximately 20 minutes or take the city bus to Kyoto Station, then take the Sagano Line to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (one stop). The museum is a 2-minute walk from the station.
・[By bus]
From Kawaramachi Gojo bus stop, conveniently located right next to our hotel, take the Kyoto City Bus (route 4 or 7) to Kyoto Station, a ride that takes about 10 minutes.
At Kyoto Station, transfer to Kyoto City Bus from B3 bus stop, or Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus from C2 bus stop. After a 10-minute ride, get off at either "Umekoji Koen/JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Eki-mae" or "Umekoji Koen/Kyoto Tetsudo Hakubutsukan-mae".

Kyoto Railway Museum
Address: Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: every Wednesday, year-end through New-Year season (30th December to 1st January) and other irregular holidays
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, or 2-minute from Umekoji-kyotonishi Station on the JR Sagano Line
Website: https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/en/

Writer
Tom Fay
Originally from the United Kingdom, Tom has been living in Japan since 2007. Having lived in Osaka for many years, he now resides in a 150 year-old farmhouse in rural Kyoto, where he enjoys growing vegetables and trying to live sustainably. He has a particular interest in nature and the outdoors, and spends much of his time climbing mountains, but he likes exploring new places all over the country, from the big cities to off-the-beaten-track localities.