I'm in Japan at the moment and I'm very interested about the Yamanashi maglev test track. I heared that inhabitants of Yamanashi and government officials can ride the train for free.

I was wondering if there is a possibility that foreigners also could ride the train?
If not, is there a place where I can go to see the train passing by at high speed? Or just look at it?

Is there maybe a Japanese website where the timetables of departure are or something?

Thank you very much!

The free rides are not restricted to Yamanashi residents or even Japanese, but they are only offered at certain times of year and require advance application by postcard.

The vistor centre at the site is however open daily (except Mondays), and there is an observation gallery to watch the trains if they are being tested.
Testing is conducted most days, but the schedule is given in Japanese on the site below. No details of exact times, though.