Keikyu Museum
A free museum showcasing the history of the Keikyu Line with a stunning model railway and a full-size train car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to book activities
Keikyu Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to book activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free museum showcasing the history of the Keikyu Line with a stunning model railway and a full-size train car.
"Stumbled into this place thinking it was for kids...left an hour later convinced it’s actually built for grownups."
🎯 Book Simulators Early
Popular paid activities like train simulators sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book upon arrival or online if possible.
📱 Google Translate is Your Friend
While not essential for enjoyment, a translation app helps with understanding exhibit details and instructions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Massive Model Railway Diorama
Main Exhibition Hall
A breathtaking, detailed miniature world of Yokohama, complete with landmarks and moving trains. It's a testament to Japanese precision and urban planning.
Full-Size Keikyu Train Car
Exhibition Hall
Step inside a beautifully restored, retired Keikyu train car and experience vintage commuter vibes. You can even sit in the driver's seat!
Interactive Simulators
Activity Area
Channel your inner driver with realistic bus and train simulators. These paid experiences are a major draw for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Book Ahead for Experiences
Beyond the Diorama: Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Simulators Early
Popular paid activities like train simulators sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book upon arrival or online if possible. +1
📱 Google Translate is Your Friend
While not essential for enjoyment, a translation app helps with understanding exhibit details and instructions.
🚂 Train Merch Galore
A small shop offers Plarail, Gacha, and other Keikyu-themed souvenirs. Perfect for train enthusiasts!
🚸 Kid-Friendly Fun
This museum is a hit with children who love trains and public transport.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Simulators Early
Popular paid activities like train simulators sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book upon arrival or online if possible. +1
📱 Google Translate is Your Friend
While not essential for enjoyment, a translation app helps with understanding exhibit details and instructions.
🚂 Train Merch Galore
A small shop offers Plarail, Gacha, and other Keikyu-themed souvenirs. Perfect for train enthusiasts!
🚸 Kid-Friendly Fun
This museum is a hit with children who love trains and public transport.
📍 Directly Connected to Station
Conveniently located within Yokohama Station, making it an easy stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Keikyu Museum is a surprisingly engaging and free attraction, praised for its incredibly detailed model railway diorama and the opportunity to explore a full-size historic train car. While some visitors found it small and overcrowded on weekends, the interactive simulators and the overall charm make it a worthwhile stop, especially for families and train enthusiasts. Some reviewers noted unfriendly service for foreigners and issues with booking paid activities.
"Stumbled into this place thinking it was for kids...left an hour later convinced it’s actually built for grownups pretending they’re just being polite.
First off, it’s free. As in: you walk in, spend nothing, and walk out somehow smarter, happier, and more nostalgic. There’s a full-size retired Keikyu train car parked in the building like it’s posing for its Tinder profile: beautifully restored, and yes, you can sit inside and soak up all the vintage commuter vibes.
Then comes the chef’s kiss: the massive model railway diorama. This thing isn’t a toy... it’s a love letter to urban planning. Yokohama landmarks? Check. Ferris wheels with real-time clocks? Check. Tiny garbage trucks and accurate rail schedules? Check and check. Japan’s obsession with precision has never looked cuter.
Bonus points for the bus driver simulator, which lets you channel your inner Isuzu-driving legend. I’m not saying I nailed the route, but if you saw me gripping that wheel, you’d know ... I was born for this.
Pro tip: bring Google Translate, unless your kanji game is god-tier. But honestly, you don’t need words when your jaw is on the floor.
Would I go again? In a heartbeat. This museum slaps. Bring a kid if you must... but don’t pretend it’s not about you."
Jim Reaugh
"Nice kids free museum, but you need for sure to go in the morning, because they have some paid experiences that was sold out afternoon :( The stuff look friendly. But it was overcrowded and actually museum is super small."
Solo Kate
"Lovely place, free entrance for the diorama and the historical car.
Some activities, driving simulator and drawing, require booking in advance and they get pretty busy on weekends, plan early.
There's a tiny shopping corner with plarail, gaccha and other keikyu items. Worth a visit if your child is into trains."
Fabio Crisci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Keikyu Museum is conveniently located within Yokohama Station, just about a 30-40 minute train ride south of Tokyo. You can take a Keikyu Line train directly to Shinagawa Station and then transfer, or use other JR lines to reach Yokohama.
Yes, the museum is directly connected to Yokohama Station, making it a great starting point or stop for exploring other Yokohama attractions like the Cup Noodles Museum, Red Brick Warehouse, or Chinatown.
If you're in Yokohama, the easiest way is to head to Yokohama Station. The Keikyu Museum is directly accessible from within the station, making it very convenient.
As the museum is located within Yokohama Station, it's best to use public transportation. There are numerous parking garages around Yokohama Station, but they can be expensive.
Absolutely! The Keikyu Museum is part of the Keikyu railway network and is directly accessible from the Keikyu Line platforms at Yokohama Station. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Keikyu Museum is free! However, some interactive experiences like the driving simulators require separate paid tickets. +1
The cost for interactive experiences like the bus driver simulator or train driving simulator varies. It's best to check the museum's official website or inquire upon arrival for current pricing.
While general entry is free and doesn't require booking, popular paid activities like the simulators often require advance reservations, especially on weekends. It's highly recommended to book these in advance to guarantee your spot. +1
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the official Keikyu Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can vary.
While the main entry is free, discounts for paid activities are not widely advertised. However, some travel platforms like Klook might offer package deals that include entry to various Yokohama attractions.
🎫 🚝 Onsite Experience
The museum features a massive, detailed model railway diorama of Yokohama, a full-size restored Keikyu train car you can enter, and interactive simulators for bus and train driving. There are also exhibits on the history of the Keikyu Line.
Yes, it's very suitable for children, especially those who love trains and public transport. The interactive simulators and the model railway are big hits with younger visitors.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on your interest and whether you participate in the paid activities. Many visitors find themselves staying longer than expected due to the engaging exhibits.
Absolutely! The detailed diorama, the historic train car, and the simulators offer fantastic photo opportunities. You can capture unique shots of miniature cityscapes and vintage trains.
According to one reviewer, the 'chef's kiss' is the massive model railway diorama, described as a 'love letter to urban planning' with incredible detail.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there's a small shopping corner selling Plarail toys, Gacha capsule toys, and other Keikyu-themed merchandise. It's a great place to find souvenirs for train enthusiasts.
The museum itself does not have a restaurant. However, being located within Yokohama Station, you'll find a vast array of dining options, from quick bites to full meals, both inside and around the station.
The Keikyu Museum focuses on exhibits and experiences related to trains, not ticket sales. You can purchase Keikyu Line tickets at the ticket counters within Yokohama Station.
You can find various Keikyu-branded items, including model trains (Plarail), collectible Gacha toys, and other railway-themed merchandise.
While the museum doesn't serve food, the surrounding Yokohama Station complex offers numerous family-friendly dining choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Keikyu Museum. You'll find plenty of great spots to capture the detailed diorama and the historic train car.
The massive model railway diorama offers stunning panoramic shots. The interior of the full-size train car and the interactive simulators also make for unique and engaging photos.
You can certainly take photos of the train simulators, but be mindful of other visitors who are actively using them. Capturing the action can make for dynamic shots.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For the diorama, a wide-angle lens can help capture the vastness, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The massive model railway diorama is also a major draw, captivating young minds with its intricate details and moving trains. Exploring the full-size retired train car allows children to step inside and imagine themselves as passengers or even conductors. The museum shop offers a variety of train-themed souvenirs, perfect for little enthusiasts.
🚄 Train Enthusiasts & Hobbyists
The museum also touches upon the engineering and operational aspects of trains, which can be fascinating for hobbyists. While not a technical deep dive, the context provided by the exhibits and the interactive simulators offer insights into the world of railway operations. The gift shop is also a good place to find collectible railway merchandise.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Curious Explorers
Don't shy away from the interactive simulators even if traveling solo; they offer a fun, albeit paid, experience that's worth trying. The museum is compact enough to explore thoroughly in a couple of hours, making it ideal for a day trip or a relaxed afternoon. Plus, the proximity to Yokohama Station means easy access to other parts of the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Diorama
Many visitors are struck by the realism and dynamism of the diorama. The tiny garbage trucks moving, the lights of buildings illuminating, and the trains running on their programmed routes create a living, breathing miniature world. It’s a testament to the passion and skill involved in its creation, making it a highlight that many reviewers rave about. The sheer scale and intricacy invite prolonged observation, with new details discovered at every glance.
Hands-On with Keikyu's Fleet
For those seeking more active engagement, the museum features interactive simulators. These paid experiences allow you to step into the driver's seat of a bus or a high-speed train. While booking in advance is often necessary, especially for the train simulator, the opportunity to control these complex machines offers a thrilling and memorable experience. It’s a chance to understand the skills and responsibilities involved in operating public transport, making it a popular attraction for families and aspiring train enthusiasts.
A Free Gem for All Ages
Despite its free entry, the museum is far from basic. It offers a rich experience that appeals to a wide audience, from young children fascinated by trains to adults who appreciate the history, engineering, and urban planning showcased. The combination of free access to impressive exhibits like the diorama and the historic train car, alongside optional paid interactive experiences, creates a well-rounded visit. This makes it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting Yokohama.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit