What are the Hara Model Railway Museum opening hours and admission prices?

Hara Model Railway Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Adult admission is 310 yen, children (4-15 years) 150 yen, and seniors (65+) 250 yen. The museum offers discounts for groups of 20 or more visitors.

How do I get to Hara Model Railway Museum from Tokyo by train?

Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo to Kozu Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to the JR Gotemba Line to Shimosoga Station. The Hara Model Railway Museum is a 5-minute walk from Shimosoga Station. The total journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours from central Tokyo.

What can visitors see at Hara Model Railway Museum in Japan?

Hara Model Railway Museum features the world's largest HO gauge model railway diorama covering 310 square meters, over 1,000 model trains including Japanese and international locomotives, interactive train simulators, and detailed miniature landscapes representing various regions of Japan and Europe.

Is Hara Model Railway Museum suitable for children and families?

Yes, Hara Model Railway Museum is very family-friendly with hands-on exhibits, train simulators that children can operate, educational displays about railway history, and spacious viewing areas. The museum offers reduced admission for children and has facilities including restrooms and a gift shop with model trains.

What are the best nearby attractions to visit with Hara Model Railway Museum?

Popular attractions near Hara Model Railway Museum include Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes region (30 minutes by car), Gotemba Premium Outlets for shopping, Hakone hot springs and Lake Ashi, and the scenic Izu Peninsula. Many visitors combine the museum with a Mount Fuji sightseeing trip.

Yokohama

Hara Model Railway Museum

4.3 (1897)Tourist AttractionMuseumPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Sep 23, 2026

The Hara Model Railway Museum in Yokohama opened in 2012 as Japan's largest collection of model trains, housed in a renovated historic building that once served as the Yokohama Mitsubishi Bank. The museum was established by Nobutaro Hara, a renowned model train collector who spent decades amassing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of HO gauge and 1 gauge model railways.

This museum represents Japan's deep cultural connection to railways, showcasing the evolution of train technology from steam locomotives to modern bullet trains. The collection includes over 1,000 railway vehicles from Japan, Europe, and America, with particular emphasis on Japanese railway history and the craftsmanship of model-making. The museum serves as both an educational facility and a celebration of Japan's railway heritage, which has been integral to the country's modernization since the Meiji era.

Visitors can observe massive diorama layouts featuring detailed miniature landscapes with operating trains, including a spectacular 310-square-meter main layout. The museum offers hands-on experiences where guests can operate model trains on designated tracks. Interactive displays explain railway technology and history, while the Ichiban-tetsu Café provides themed dining with views of the operating models. The museum shop sells exclusive model trains and railway memorabilia.

The museum maintains consistent indoor exhibits year-round, though special seasonal displays and limited-edition model releases often coincide with Golden Week in May and the New Year period. Summer months see increased family visitors, while autumn and winter typically offer a quieter viewing experience.

Located in Yokohama's Nippori district, the museum is accessible via JR Kehin-Tohoku Line to Tsurumi Station, followed by a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Keikyu Main Line to Keikyu Tsurumi Station for an 8-minute walk. Adult admission costs ¥1,000, with children ¥500. The museum operates Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Mondays except national holidays. Advanced booking is recommended during peak periods and weekends.