Attraction Guide: Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Railway Museum Guide

All Aboard! Explore Japan's Railway History at the Kyoto Railway Museum Guide

The Kyoto Railway Museum is a comprehensive museum dedicated to the history of railways in Japan. It showcases a vast collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and railway-related artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Japan's railway system. Whether you're a train enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese history and technology, this museum is a must-visit. Opened in 2016, the Kyoto Railway Museum combines the collections of the former Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum and the Modern Transportation Museum. It aims to preserve and showcase the history of Japanese railways, from the early steam locomotives to the modern Shinkansen (bullet trains). The museum also highlights the technological advancements and cultural impact of railways on Japanese society. Visitors can explore a wide range of locomotives, including steam engines, electric trains, and diesel cars. Climb aboard some of the trains and experience what it was like to travel in different eras. See the Shinkansen 0 series, the first bullet train, and learn about the technology that made it possible. The museum also features interactive exhibits, simulators, and a large diorama of a railway network. While the museum itself doesn't have a specific culinary tradition, you can find ekiben (boxed meals sold at train stations) at the museum shop, a unique part of Japanese railway culture.