Day 5: May 24, 2025

Kyoto Railway Museum

Getting to the Kyoto Railway Museum was a breeze. Trains from the station were frequent and convenient. The journey was as smooth as the ones we were about to learn about.

As we approached, we encountered a bustling crowd. It was a clear sign that we weren’t the only ones fascinated by Japan’s rail legacy.

Despite the rush, the ticketing system was swift and well-managed in true Japanese fashion. Inside, we were awestruck by the sheer size of the museum.

It’s no exaggeration to say it houses nearly every type of train imaginable. From steam locomotives to modern shinkansen, all are beautifully preserved. The museum walks you through the rich history of Japan’s railway development.

Exhibits are dedicated not just to machines, but to the people behind the service. These include conductors, engineers, and crew who keep the wheels turning. Children (and adults!) were especially thrilled by the hands-on sections — including demo models, engine cabins, and an immersive simulation where kids could ‘drive’ trains.

One crowd favorite? The card-insertion demo, where visitors practiced using IC cards just like real passengers. It wasn’t just a museum. It was a full-on experience. It captured the spirit, discipline, and innovation of Japanese railways.

The Kyoto Railway Museum was a hit… from model trains to historical engines.

While coming back to hotel, we hopped at the Gusto restaurant in a huge mall. Robots took our orders at Gusto Pizzeria, served our meals. That left us wondering if the future is already here. Then we searched again for Sky Hop Bus for Kyoto sightseeing as we had limited time and reserved our seats

Read Japan travelogue here;

  1. My Japanese Memories
  2. On toes in Tokyo
  3. Sky Hops and Matcha Stops
  4. Greenery and Games
  5. Riding in Shinkansen and Kyoto Clouds️
  6. Serenity & Showers to Confusion at the Condominium
  7. From Maze to Magic
  8. A Rainy Day in Nagoya Castle
  9. New memories brick by brick

**All Photos by Author