Kyoto Railway Museum (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

The Kyoto Railway Museum is a large railway-themed museum located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City (inside Umekoji Park). Opened in 2016, the museum utilizes the grounds of the former Umekoji Locomotive Depot to display preserved trains and provide life-size facilities. Its greatest appeal is the opportunity to see a wide variety of actual trains, from steam locomotives to modern trains and Shinkansen trains, up close, making it popular not only with train enthusiasts but also with families and educational visitors.

Its distinctive features include the large number of actual train vehicles on display, the display and rotation of steam locomotives in a roundhouse (turntable), hands-on exhibits such as a driving simulator and conductor experience, and an exhibition space where you can get up close and personal with the maintenance workshop.The exhibition combines indoor and outdoor areas, and another attractive feature is the special exhibits and driving shows that are held according to the season and events.

Highlights

• Roundhouse (turntable) and steam locomotive exhibit:The impressive sight of the preserved steam locomotive and the sight of the carriage rotating on the turntable are a must-see, and it's a popular photo spot.
• Actual vehicle display:There are many representative locomotives and trains on display from the Meiji era to the present day, such as the 0 Series Shinkansen and D51. You can even enter some of the trains, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of those times.
• Driving simulators and driving experiences:You can experience what it's like to be a driver with a full-scale driving simulator and a driving experience program with age and height requirements (fees apply and reservations required).
• Maintenance workshop (vehicle workshop) tour:There are exhibits that recreate inspection and maintenance sites, and you can sometimes see actual work scenes. These exhibits give you a sense of the scale of maintenance work.
• Kids' corner and hands-on classes:There is a mini train for children and educational exhibits, making it a fun attraction for the whole family.
• Museum Shop and Cafe:There are shops selling railway goods and limited edition merchandise, as well as cafes and dining areas that are convenient for taking a break (ekiben (boxed lunches) are sometimes sold).

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station:It is about a 2-minute walk from Umekoji Kyoto-nishi Station on the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line). It is also conveniently located about a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station, or one stop away by JR (Umekoji Kyoto-nishi Station).
• bus:You can use Kyoto City Buses and sightseeing buses to Umekoji Park and the Railway Museum. Please check the route and timetable in advance.
• car:There are paid parking lots in the area, but they are limited in number and can get crowded, so we recommend using public transportation. They are especially crowded during long holidays and events.
• bicycle:There may be bicycle parking areas within the park. Please check the official website for details.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• If you want to see the main exhibits in a short time: about 1.5 to 2 hours
• If you want to take your time and enjoy the activities and shows: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
• If you are traveling with children or if you want to thoroughly enjoy the exhibits, it is safe to plan on spending half a day (4 hours or more). If you are planning on taking part in events or driving experiences, you may need more time depending on your reservation and participation time.

Nearby spots

• Kyoto Aquarium:Located within Umekoji Park, it is a popular spot that is easy to visit together with the Railway Museum.
• Umekoji Park:The large green space surrounding the museum is perfect for strolling and picnics.
• Nishi Honganji Temple and Higashi Honganji Temple:The historical temples are relatively close by, making it easy to incorporate into your sightseeing route.
• Around Kyoto Station:There are plenty of shopping and dining options within walking distance or a short train ride from the museum.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion:The museum is extremely crowded on weekends, public holidays, summer vacation, and the New Year holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday or immediately after opening. On special exhibitions and event days, there may be restrictions on admission and you may need to purchase tickets in advance.
• Reservations and tickets:Driving experiences and some programs may require advance reservations and fees. Admission tickets may also be sold online or on a time and date basis, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
• Photography etiquette:In principle, photography of exhibited vehicles is permitted, but there are restrictions on the use of tripods and flash photography, and consideration must be given to not disturbing other visitors. Please also observe basic etiquette, such as not touching exhibits and not entering restricted areas.
• Weather for outdoor exhibits:Some outdoor exhibits and events are affected by the weather. Please check in advance to see if exhibits and outdoor shows will be held in rainy weather.
• Note for those with children:When it's crowded, it's important to take precautions against children getting lost (take photos, decide on landmarks, etc.) and ensure safety. There are facilities such as stroller access and nursing rooms, but please be mindful of your surroundings when it's crowded.
• Barrier-free accessibility:The museum is wheelchair accessible, but some exhibits have steps and narrow passageways. Please refer to the official guide for details.
• Infection control measures:Guidelines for wearing masks and disinfecting hands may change depending on the season. Please check the official website for the latest information on infection control measures before visiting.

Please check the Kyoto Railway Museum's official website for the latest information on opening hours, admission fees, event information, and how to apply for a driving experience before making your plans.