What other travelers are saying about The Railway Museum
Every train enthusiasts dream..
Lots about the history of trains and railway cars in Japan and how they evolved. In fact, there is probably too much information for just one day.
The museum has:
* various trains
* a giant diorama (think model train set in a basement but x100) of the trains currently in Tokyo and how and when they operate
* simulators (you can to practice driving trains)
* a lunch car train for you to eat in
* interactive activities, such as making your own train
* a cafe/restaurant
* souvenir shop
* audio information available in English via the app
* daily demonstrations of how they would change tracks.
I am sure i am missing stuff as well but if you like trains or are with someone who likes trains. I would recommend this museum. It was easy to get to via the metro and you can buy tickets online or in person. Would recommend 2-4 hours based on level of interest.
We visited the museum on a Saturday in November 2024.
For train enthusiasts, this place is incredibly exciting; however, we believe that even non-enthusiasts will be in awe of it as well.
This place is amazing! There are several exhibitions stretching from the train station to the entrance of the museum. If I remember correctly, there are about four to five ticket machines outside. We paid in cash, and at that time, the ticket price was ¥1600 per adult. Surprisingly, there was no queue since we arrived around 11 am, and the morning crowd had mostly entered by then.
The exhibition features a huge hall displaying various models and types of trains used throughout history. We walked around several times to appreciate each train on display. You can even enter some of the trains to experience what the cabin feels like inside. The different designs of the trains and their cabins can be appreciated by anyone, not just dedicated train enthusiasts.
It's also a fun place for kids; the displays are not only grand but also quite engaging. The second floor of the exhibition houses a restaurant and presents a chronological timeline of the different types of trains, including those that are still in existence and those coming in the future, complete with detailed miniature models.
In another building, there are several simulators where visitors can experience what it's like to be a train conductor. It's surprisingly realistic.
Overall, I can confidently say that this museum is worth the visit. It offers not only a stunning perspective on design but also a deep appreciation for engineering and technology. Over the years, advancements in engineering and technology, combined with innovative design, have made significant contributions to the history of trains.
Oh my goodness where do I begin...Rail runs through my veins like blood so this place is pretty much heaven...all the displays are amazing and there's so many trains from so many different eras! And so many carriages that you can enter!
The most amazing part was the multiple displays in which a full platform as been rebuilt...signs, maps, clocks and time-tables all on display on a platform in amazing condition, as if it's been lifted straight from their original era. Even if I've never had the feeling, I really could close my eyes and feel like I was standing there on a 1960s or 1970s rail platform...the experience is unbeatable.
I would come back 1 million times if I could! I would never get tired of this amazing museum!!
This has got to be one of the best museums I have ever er seen. It was a lot bigger than I had thought. It is easy to get to by train from everywhere in Tokyo. The trains were really displayed to get close up views with a wide variety of trains. There are trains you can sit and have your lunch in as well. They have an extensive area for children to explore. The back area has quite a few train simulators that are true to life and wish I had time to experience one. There are rooms with the history of train service from the beginning to current. If you are in Tokyo and want to see a fantastic museum this is the one you can not miss.. !
I'm so glad I came here, I'm not even much of a train fan but driving the mini trains and the simulators put a very big smile on my face. A fantastic museum and experience that's well thought out and put together, absolutely worth the journey from central Tokyo! Food in the restaurant was a bit poor, very expensive and not tasty. Would be perfect with a better menu as the decor and atmosphere were great.