SAITAMA

The Railway Museum

An Interactive Journey Through Japan’s Rail Heritage

The Railway Museum in Omiya introduces visitors to the story of how railways shaped modern Japan, from the country’s first steam locomotives to the world-leading Shinkansen bullet trains.

Experience & Activities

Access

Step into the Railway Museum and experience Japan’s rail history not as a static archive, but as a living system built by people, ingenuity, and dedication.

Located in Omiya, Saitama City, the Railway Museum is one of Japan’s most comprehensive and engaging destinations for understanding how railways shaped modern life. The museum opened in October 2007 as the centerpiece of the JR East 20th Anniversary Memorial Project, undergoing full renovation of the main facilities in 2018. Today, the museum is organized into five themed “stations” that explore the evolving relationship between people and railways through history, technology, and hands-on experience.

The Rolling Stock Station anchors the museum with 36 historic trains on display, ranging from Locomotive No. 1—the first engine to run in Japan in 1872—to iconic Shinkansen models. Immersive lighting, sound, and video production bring the scale and power of these trains vividly to life. The History Station traces nearly 150 years of railway development, revealing how engineers and workers responded to the needs of each era. At the Science Station, interactive exhibits explain the principles behind train operation, while the Job Station highlights the precision teamwork required to keep Japan’s railways safe and punctual. Finally, the Future Station invites visitors to imagine and design what rail travel might look like in years to come.

What truly sets the Railway Museum apart is the breadth of hands-on programs available. Popular experiences such as the Miniature Driving Train, Shinkansen and steam locomotive simulators, and conductor and driver training classrooms allow visitors to step into the roles of railway professionals. Many of these programs require winning a lottery through the Railway Museum Raffle App and paying an additional fee.Younger visitors can enjoy the Mini Shinkansen Ride, while large-scale regular events offer dynamic experiences, such as one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas, turntable demonstrations, and live railway teamwork shows.

To make the most of your visit, download The Railway Museum App, which offers multilingual exhibit explanations, curator insights, floor maps in over ten languages. Advance ticket reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and holidays. More than a collection of trains, the Railway Museum reveals how railways shaped Japan’s economy, cities, and everyday rhythms. By blending history, technology, and immersive experiences, it stands as an essential stop for families, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking to understand Japan through one of its most transformative innovations.

Photo courtesy of The Railway Museum

Address

The Railway Museum

3-47 Onaricho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama Prefecture

Phone number

+81-48-651-0088

Business hours

10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) / Closed on Tuesdays and during the year-end and New Year holidays

WEB site

https://www.railway-museum.jp/e/

Digital Map