See the evolution of train travel at Saitama's Railway Museum
Japan's train service is famous for its efficiency and punctuality, connecting millions of commuters and travelers. As one of the largest public transportation systems globally, it links urban and rural areas. The country also boasts museums that highlight its railway history, showcasing the evolution of train travel.
One excellent destination is the Railway Museum in Omiya, Saitama City. It's a great place to visit, especially during the hot summer or rainy days when you want to stay indoors.
Opened in 2007, this museum by JR East features an impressive 'Rolling Stock Station'. It showcases 36 diverse pieces of rolling stock, including Japan's first train, Locomotive No. 1 from 1872, and the state-of-the-art Shinkansen. Visitors can admire the impressive size and power of these trains through engaging audio-visual displays at the 'History Station', which help bring history to life. The collection celebrates past technological achievements and shows how railway design and engineering have evolved over time.
Railway professionals ensure passenger safety and timely train operations. The 'Job station' exhibit showcases the teamwork essential for smooth railway operations. Engage with videos highlighting the dedication, tools, and precision needed to maintain secure and punctual railways.
The 'Future Station' invites guests to imagine the future of rail transport. Visitors can create avatars and brainstorm innovative railway concepts, envisioning what rail travel might look like in the years ahead.
Museum Highlights
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Asahi Shimbun
21-07-2025
- Asahi Shimbun
Survey: New Shinkansen stations rapidly gain following
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DESTINATIONS FOR RAIL FANS Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in Hokkaido held the No. 4 position as the northernmost Shinkansen stop throughout the country. A 67-year-old woman from Nara Prefecture imagined what it would be like to arrive in Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto after passing through the iconic Seikan undersea tunnel between Japan's main island of Honshu and Hokkaido. 'I am thinking about what I will feel when crossing the strait all the way and landing on Hokkaido,' she said. A 78-year-old man from Chiba Prefecture echoed a considerable number of respondents who put emphasis on how to get to the station. The man said that he usually takes a flight but is now considering traveling by rail to Hokkaido at least once. More than one respondent recounted their envisioned itineraries. 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Preserved on the traditional Tokaido Shinkansen Line is a historic wooden building constructed before the end of World War II at Kakegawa Station in Shizuoka Prefecture. Kakegawa held the 71st spot in the latest ranking. With this in mind, sparing the time to check out station buildings when travelers disembark from their train at high-speed rail stops--whether for business or sightseeing--might offer them unexpected pleasures while traveling on the Shinkansen.
Japan Today
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