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Kyoto Railway Museum

TransportHistoryScienceOpen until 5pmFrom £1500Umekoji-Kyotonishi (JR Sagano Line), 2 min walk

JR West's railway museum beside Umekoji Park displays 54 rail vehicles, from the massive C62 steam locomotive to the original 0 Series and 500 Series Shinkansen. It grew out of the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum (1972) and reopened expanded in 2016 with a three-storey main hall, a 30-metre model railway diorama and driving simulators. Its 20-track roundhouse of 1914, still used to service steam locomotives, is an Important Cultural Property, and the SL Steam train offers short rides behind a working steam engine. The former Nijo Station building, which houses the steam locomotive displays and shop, closes for about 15 months of renovation from 1 October 2026.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Nearest station: Umekoji-Kyotonishi (JR Sagano Line), 2 min walk, Kyoto Station (JR / Kintetsu / Subway), 20 min walk or 10 min by bus 205/208, Umekoji-koen/Kyoto Railway Museum-mae bus stop

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Hours

Special opening 14 October, 10:00–17:00

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
WedClosed
Thu10:00–17:00
FriToday10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

From £1500

University and high school students 1,300 yen; junior high and elementary 500 yen; children 3+ 200 yen. SL Steam ride 300 yen (100 yen children); driving simulator 100 yen, advance e-ticket only.

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Kyoto National Museum

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Visitor Information

How much does Kyoto Railway Museum cost?
Standard adult admission to Kyoto Railway Museum is £1500. University and high school students 1,300 yen; junior high and elementary 500 yen; children 3+ 200 yen. SL Steam ride 300 yen (100 yen children); driving simulator 100 yen, advance e-ticket only.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Kyoto Railway Museum?
Kyoto Railway Museum is open 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30). Closed Wednesdays, except national holidays and school holiday periods (spring, summer, winter breaks); open Wed 14 Oct 2026. Closed 30 Dec-1 Jan, plus some temporary closing days in January and February (see yearly calendar).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Kyoto Railway Museum?
Kyoto Railway Museum is located at Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, in the Umekoji area of Kyoto. The nearest stations are Umekoji-Kyotonishi (JR Sagano Line), 2 min walk, Kyoto Station (JR / Kintetsu / Subway), 20 min walk or 10 min by bus 205/208, Umekoji-koen/Kyoto Railway Museum-mae bus stop.
What can I see at Kyoto Railway Museum?
54 trains from steam giants to the first Shinkansen, a 1914 roundhouse and a real steam train you can ride. Current highlights include Special Display Vehicles That Came to Kyoto Railway Museum, Tomix 50th Anniversary Exhibition, Railways Born from Drawings: Blueprints and the Real Thing.
Do I need to book Kyoto Railway Museum in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto Railway Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Saigen Jiro / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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