SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Explore Japan's railway marvels, from historic steam engines to the futuristic SCMAGLEV. An immersive journey through high-speed rail innovation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for simulators
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds for simulators
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Japan's railway marvels, from historic steam engines to the futuristic SCMAGLEV. An immersive journey through high-speed rail innovation.
"Absolutely amazing! This museum offers an incredibly immersive journey through the history of Japan's pioneering train technology."
🎯 Book Simulators ASAP
Simulator tickets sell out fast! Arrive at opening to guarantee your spot for this popular experience. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
SCMAGLEV and Shinkansen Collection
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at Japan's pioneering high-speed rail, from historic steam locomotives to record-breaking Shinkansen and the futuristic Maglev.
Massive Diorama
Diorama Hall
A detailed miniature recreation of cities and stations, complete with working trains, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rail network.
Train Driver Simulators
Simulator Area
Experience the thrill of operating a high-speed train with realistic simulators. Book tickets early as they sell out fast!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Simulators Early
Dietary Needs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Simulators ASAP
Simulator tickets sell out fast! Arrive at opening to guarantee your spot for this popular experience. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits.
🎒 Pack Snacks
No vegan/vegetarian options on-site. Bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions. :food:
📸 No Selfie Sticks
Photography is encouraged, but selfie sticks are not permitted inside. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Simulators ASAP
Simulator tickets sell out fast! Arrive at opening to guarantee your spot for this popular experience. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits.
🎒 Pack Snacks
No vegan/vegetarian options on-site. Bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions. :food:
📸 No Selfie Sticks
Photography is encouraged, but selfie sticks are not permitted inside. :camerawithflash:
🧒 Kids' Play Area
A dedicated space for younger children to enjoy, making it family-friendly. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, calling it an immersive and sensory experience that showcases Japan's pioneering train technology. The extensive collection of trains, from steam engines to Maglev, is a major highlight, offering a fascinating look at railway history and innovation. While the simulators are a must-try, booking early is essential, and the lack of diverse food options is a minor drawback for some.
"I’ve visited a lot of museums, and this one easily ranks in my top five. It’s a great mix of history, engineering, and hands-on fun, whether you’re a lifelong train nerd or visiting with kids.
I went on a Friday around noon. There was no line to enter, but the museum was filled with hundreds of school kids, so the energy level was high, but no lines.
One of the big advantages here is that you can walk through many of the real train cars, which makes the exhibits feel alive rather than static. The audio descriptions throughout the museum are genuinely worthwhile too. If you plan to use the mobile audio guide (and you should), bring a headset. And for iPhone users: it didn’t work for me in Safari, but switching to the Google browser on iOS fixed it immediately.
Each exhibit has a number and you type that into a web interface (available in English) to hear about what you’re looking at.
Two highlights were the huge working model train layout and the VR maglev experience. The model set alone is worth the visit, and the VR exhibit is just plain fun. Kids would love it, but even as an adult I thought it was great.
I also watched two short films in the theater. Both had English captions and were surprisingly engaging, educational without feeling dry.
There’s a restaurant on-site with cute maglev-themed packaging that kids will enjoy. The food itself was underwhelming, but it’s convenient and the theming is charming.
Overall, huge kudos to JR for creating such an interactive, well-designed museum. If you have even a passing interest in trains or Japanese technology, this place is absolutely worth your time."
Chris
"The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya is an impressive and extensive museum dedicated to Japan’s rich railway history and its cutting-edge train technology. The exhibits cover everything from historic locomotives and classic commuter trains to the latest Shinkansen (bullet train) models and even maglev technology. It’s a fascinating destination for both train enthusiasts and families alike.
When I visited, it happened to be the opening day of the recently retired “Yellow Doctor” Shinkansen, a special maintenance train that has become quite iconic in Japan. Because of this special event, the museum was especially crowded, with long lines and plenty of excited visitors eager to see the new exhibit. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere was lively and full of energy.
The museum’s layout is well-designed, allowing visitors to walk through real train cars, explore interactive exhibits, and even experience simulator rides that let you feel what it’s like to drive a Shinkansen. There are also educational displays explaining the engineering and safety systems behind Japan’s rail network, making it both fun and informative for all ages.
Overall, the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a must-visit attraction in Nagoya for anyone interested in trains or Japanese technology."
Wesley Wong
"A paradise for train lovers. This place is a must-visit in Japan. The museum is highly interactive and fun for all ages. The collection of trains on display is amazing, with so many iconic models and rolling stock to see up close. The admission fee is very affordable too, which makes it even better. The museum even has an ekiben shop and you can enjoy it while on a Shinkansen! I had a great time and would absolutely recommend it to anyone, especially rail fans!"
jpfrommanila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line to its terminal station, Kinjofuto Station. The journey is straightforward and offers a glimpse of the surrounding area.
Yes, it is easily accessible via the Aonami Line, which connects directly to Kinjofuto Station, the closest station to the park.
The Aonami Line ride from Nagoya Station to Kinjofuto Station typically takes around 25-30 minutes.
While public transport is recommended, there are parking facilities available for visitors who prefer to drive.
The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is operated by JR Central, but the Aonami Line is not covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass. You will need a separate ticket for this line.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but it is closed on Tuesdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Admission is very affordable. Adults are typically JPY 1000, and children aged 3 and above are JPY 700. Children under 3 enter for free.
Tickets can be purchased at the venue. However, for popular attractions like the driving simulators, it's highly recommended to arrive early as they sell out quickly.
While specific discounts are not widely advertised, the general admission prices are already very reasonable, making it an excellent value.
Visiting on a weekday morning, especially outside of school holidays, is the best strategy to avoid crowds and ensure you can experience all exhibits, including the simulators.
🎫 🧳 Onsite Experience
The park features an extensive collection of over 35 railway vehicles, including historic steam locomotives, Shinkansen bullet trains, and the cutting-edge SCMAGLEV. There's also a large diorama and interactive exhibits.
Yes, visitors can walk through many of the trains on display, offering a unique perspective on their interiors and evolution.
Absolutely! The park has a dedicated kids' play area and various interactive displays that make learning about trains fun for all ages.
Yes, even if you're not a hardcore train fan, the museum's focus on Japan's efficiency and technological advancement in transportation is fascinating and educational.
Yes, there are English signage throughout the museum, and audio guides are available in various languages to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited food options available, and notably, there are no vegan or vegetarian choices. Visitors with dietary restrictions should plan to eat before or after their visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food in designated areas or before entering the main exhibition spaces.
Yes, being located in Nagoya, there are numerous dining options available in the city center and around Nagoya Station, offering a wide variety of Japanese cuisine.
Nagoya is known for dishes like miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice).
Information on specific cafes or snack bars is limited, but the primary focus is on the exhibits. It's best to assume limited on-site dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum, allowing you to capture the impressive collection of trains.
The main restriction is that selfie sticks are not permitted within the museum premises.
The main exhibition hall with the diverse train collection and the large diorama offer fantastic photo opportunities. The exterior of the SCMAGLEV train is also a popular subject.
You can photograph the simulators, but operating them requires a separate ticket and is a hands-on experience.
You can walk through many of the trains, providing unique angles and perspectives for your photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the train driver simulators are a huge draw, remember to book tickets for these early as they sell out quickly. The spacious, mostly indoor environment makes it comfortable for families, regardless of the weather. Just be mindful of the limited food options on-site and pack snacks if needed.
🚄 Train Enthusiasts
The opportunity to walk through actual train cars and the chance to experience operating a train via the simulators (if you secure tickets!) offer an unparalleled level of immersion. The detailed diorama also provides a fascinating perspective on the scale and complexity of Japan's railway network.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Nagoya
It's an excellent way to spend a few hours learning about Japan's incredible engineering prowess. You can easily combine a visit here with other nearby attractions like Legoland Japan or explore the shopping at the nearby Dome furniture store.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of Japanese Rail
The centerpiece of this evolution is the SCMAGLEV (Superconducting Magnetic Levitation) technology. This groundbreaking system, developed by JR Central, uses powerful magnets to levitate the train above the track, allowing for incredibly high speeds with minimal friction. The museum provides insights into the science behind this technology and its potential to revolutionize future travel, connecting cities like Tokyo and Nagoya at unprecedented speeds.
Beyond the technological marvels, the park also emphasizes the cultural significance of trains in Japan. For many, trains are not just a mode of transport but a symbol of national pride, efficiency, and connectivity. The museum's immersive displays and detailed historical context help visitors understand why Japan's railway system is so highly regarded worldwide.
Experiencing the Thrill: Simulators and Interactive Exhibits
Beyond the simulators, the park offers a range of interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Children will particularly enjoy the dedicated play area, while adults can appreciate the detailed explanations of railway mechanics and operations. The massive diorama of Japanese cities and stations, complete with miniature trains in motion, is a particular highlight, offering a captivating overview of the country's intricate rail network.
These hands-on elements transform the museum from a passive viewing experience into an active exploration. It allows visitors to not only learn about the history and technology of Japanese trains but also to feel a connection to the operational aspects of this vital transportation system.
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