Readme before you journey
Kyoto is home to more than just ancient temples; it also boasts the best railway museum in Japan.
Kyoto Railway Museum
The journey is not far from Kyoto Station. There are many bus routes that pass by.
In this era, just click on >> Google Map and it will tell you everything you need to know, from which bus to take to where to get off and the arrival time.
This magnificent museum showcases a diverse collection of trains, from early steam locomotives to wartime trains, the iconic 0 Series Shinkansen, Japan's first bullet train, and the 500 Series Shinkansen, the first to reach speeds of 300 kilometers per hour, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
After purchasing your ticket and checking your luggage, you enter the first section, where you can see the entire train parked. You can walk inside each carriage to get a sneak peek. This serves as an appetizer before exploring the driver's cabin and various control compartments.
This is also a restaurant, with many fathers bringing their children to eat. It's very heartwarming.
The Shinkansen Series 0: A Symbol of Post-War Resilience
The sight of the Shinkansen Series 0 evokes a sense of awe and excitement. This iconic high-speed train, a childhood marvel for many, embodies the spirit of post-war Japan. Its creation, amidst the devastation of World War II, stands as a testament to the nation's remarkable resilience and technological prowess.
Completed in 1964, just 19 years after Japan's defeat and the atomic bombings, the Series 0 represented a monumental achievement. Emerging from the ashes of war, Japan had not only rebuilt its infrastructure but also pioneered a revolutionary mode of transportation. This feat becomes even more remarkable when considering the limited resources and technological advancements available at the time.
The Series 0's development was driven by a sense of urgency, fueled by the upcoming 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The nation sought to showcase its recovery and modernization to the world, and the Shinkansen became a powerful symbol of this transformation.
The train's sleek design and innovative technology captured the imagination of the world. Its bullet-like shape, inspired by the kingfisher bird, symbolized speed and efficiency. The Series 0's impact extended beyond transportation, influencing architecture, fashion, and popular culture.
Today, the Shinkansen Series 0 remains a cherished symbol of Japan's post-war resurgence. It serves as a reminder of the nation's ability to overcome adversity and achieve remarkable feats of engineering and innovation. The train's legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative power of human ingenuity and determination.
Once the excitement subsided, I walked into the exhibition hall and was immediately struck by the sight of a two-story hall with retro-looking trains parked inside. The classic design was captivating, and a friendly-looking staff member stood at the counter, ready to provide information.
The exhibition begins with a display of early steam engines, showcasing their operation and accompanied by examples of early locomotives. Information panels detail the historical development of railways around the world, including the dates of their establishment in various countries.
Thailand is also in the group of countries that started using trains, categorized as group 3 (yellow). This indicates that Thailand's development was not slow, comparable to China. The museum showcases early train models and dioramas depicting the atmosphere around train stations during that era. The exhibits convey a sense of civilization and grandeur, highlighting the prosperity of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe as major trading centers of the time.
The first railway tunnel in Tokyo is located in the Kansai region, demonstrating the region's advanced development.
The children brought by the school walked around in an orderly manner.
This is the first electric train in Japan, dating back to 1928! They have been developing electric trains since then.
This zone tells the story of how the Japanese railway expanded, how it managed to reach all corners of the country so quickly, extending from north to south, and how the integration of the railway with other modes of transport led to rapid economic growth.
This is a scene depicting the Shinkansen bullet train parked beside a mock-up train station. Many current stations still retain this appearance, with a convenience store located at the front. Walking onto the platform, one encounters another train parked further inside.
Next is the zone dedicated to the structure and components of trains, which is a very fun zone with many things to do.
The exhibition showcased a diverse range of train undercarriages. Informative boards and displays explained the workings of the train wheels, which visitors could even try pulling. The highlight was a pit that allowed us to walk under the train and observe its underside!
The train is not an elephant! Who would have the chance to crawl under a train easily? So, I walked under it several times.
The Osaka Loop Line train was parked to demonstrate the platform safety system, as well as the honeycomb structure of the train car, which is strong and lightweight.
Experiment with the various mechanisms of wheel rotation in different configurations, rotating until your arms are tired. There are many things to learn and be amazed by in the science of train bogies, including steering, stability, and shock absorption.
This interactive exhibit allows you to explore the impact of different types of rails and sleepers on train speed. (See the video for details.)
The train control system has many parts. Looking at the switch panel, I am reminded of the saying that a philanderer with many girlfriends must be good at switching train tracks. I think if you can switch this machine, you are a god. I guarantee you can handle ten mistresses.
The tunnel boring and bridge construction across the river are also noteworthy.
The Museum Shop is strategically placed in the middle of the path. They always seem to find cute things to tempt people into buying.
The second floor offers a more modern atmosphere, showcasing contemporary topics. It features a train simulator where both children and adults can enjoy driving various trains.
Another highlight of this class is the Railway diorama, a three-dimensional model of a train that is incredibly large!!!
Approximately 30 meters in length and 10 meters in width, the show is presented in rounds.
The next round will take a long time, so I won't be able to watch it.
The remaining content focuses on the importance and necessity of rail transportation. While the presentation may seem simple and not particularly engaging, the content effectively reaches the audience. It prompts viewers to consider why rail transportation is the primary mode of transportation in this country.
The exhibition also includes a sub-gallery showcasing the old railway station, featuring its construction methods and decorative materials.
At this point, I must confess that my eyes are beginning to blur, and I can barely make anything out. I need to find something to eat to keep me going. Fortunately, there is a restaurant on this floor.
The food is presented in a train-themed style, but the taste is mediocre at best, just enough to keep you going.
However, the view is truly spectacular.
Even if you don't feel like eating, come here and sit down for a drink and enjoy the view. You'll be impressed.
The rooftop offers another scenic viewpoint with a screen displaying the real-time arrival and departure information of each train. While the accuracy of the information is uncertain due to the language barrier (Japanese), the overall experience is undeniably impressive.
Emerging from the building, the rear reveals a line of meticulously maintained steam locomotives, each gleaming in pristine condition.
The circular plaza in the center, which initially puzzled me, serves as a turntable for locomotives to enter various parking spaces. A real train with a whistle and smoke adds to the atmosphere. This is a fantastic photo opportunity, so take plenty of selfies with the train.
The Museum Shop, a small building at the exit, offered a wide variety of souvenirs, as usual, including bottled water. The model trains were particularly tempting, but thanks to my commitment to not buying anything I wouldn't use, the money in my wallet remained untouched. I returned home with only the knowledge and impressions of what I had seen.
Japan is one of the countries with the most extensive use of rail transportation.
The Kyoto Railway Museum is a museum that is not ostentatious.
However, it conveys knowledge and provides an understanding of the history and development of rail transportation in Japan.
This museum houses a collection of both historical and contemporary artifacts.
The interactive element allows for engagement without requiring extensive digital resources, effectively facilitating communication with the audience.
Appealing to both children and adults
It is difficult to categorize this place as a specific type of museum.
It is a blend of science museum and history.
Previously, I had many questions about how Japanese people use trains.
Coming here, I have no more questions.
Kyoto: Dedicate half a day to this destination.
It will be worth it to come to Japan.
I would like to know more about the updated entrance fees and opening hours.
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architectraveler
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 9:40 PM
