The Railway Museum was opened in 2007 in Saitama City by JR East. It recounts the history of railway in Japan, exhibits many previously used train cars, teaches train operation using interesting simulators, and explains railway technology as it evolved over the years.
The museum's big collection of formerly used train cars includes steam and diesel locomotives, and retired shinkansen, passenger and freight cars. Many of them can be entered or viewed from under. There is also one of Japan's largest dioramas. In another section, railway concepts, science and systems are explained through models and hands-on activities.
The museum also offers multiple, popular train simulators, including a steam locomotive driving simulator and a simulator for train conductors that involves the opening and closing of train doors. The museum's app can be used to reserve slots for many of the simulators, while other simulators can be used on a first-come first-serve basis.
The eatery and rooftop garden provide nice views of trains passing by, as the museum stands between the tracks of the JR Takasaki Line and the Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku shinkansen. There are also play areas for children, as well as a mini shinkansen ride and a small network of tracks for mini trains, which visitors can ride and operate.
Some of the simulators and rides require additional fees.
Getting there and around
The Railway Museum is located just beside Tetsudo Hakubutsukan Station, which is reached in a three minute ride from Omiya Station by the New Shuttle (190 yen one way). The New Shuttle ride is not covered by any JR passes except the JR Tokyo Wide Pass.
How to get to and around Saitama
Hours and Fees
Hours
10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Advance reservations can be made here.
Advance reservations can be made here.
Closed
Tuesdays and December 29 to January 1
Admission
1600 yen (1500 yen if purchased in advance); additional fees of typically 600 yen apply for some of the hands-on attractions
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Saitama
Top rated in Saitama
Budget:
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Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-ShintoshinView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin in Saitama offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, tea and coffee maker, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy Japanese and European cuisines at the on-site restaurant, complemented by a buffet breakfast. The hotel also provides free WiFi throughout the property.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a restaurant, minimarket, 24-hour front desk, lift, full-day security, and luggage storage. Paid on-site private parking is available for guests.Prime Location
Located 51 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its proximity to public transport and excellent service. -
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REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELSView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELS in Saitama offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, bidets, and modern amenities. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy Japanese, local, and European cuisines at the on-site restaurant. The hotel also provides a buffet breakfast and a lounge for relaxation.Leisure Facilities
The hotel offers a sauna, public bath, and lounge. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, bike hire, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 51 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location and excellent public transport options nearby. Guests appreciate the bathroom cleanliness. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel Omiya-nishiguchiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Omiya-nishiguchi in Saitama offers 4-star comfort with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy bathrooms with bidets, baths, showers, and slippers.Modern Amenities
The hotel features a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a buffet breakfast, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Convenient Location
Located 51 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its bathroom comfort, cleanliness, and room comfort. -
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The Mark Grand HotelThe Mark Grand Hotel is a city hotel located a 10-minute walk from Saitama-Shintoshin Station, which is one stop away from Omiya Station, a 20-minute train ride from Ikebukuro Station, and a 30-minute train ride from Ueno Station. It is ideal for tourists from abroad and offers very convenient access to popular tourist destinations in Tokyo and the Saitama area. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. Free private parking is available for guests staying on the ground floor. All rooms offer city views, have carpeted floors, and are decorated in earth tones. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, a refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, shower, washlet toilet, and free toiletries. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. During their stay, guests can use the gym, hot springs, saunas, and swimming pools of the "Central Wellness Club" within the hotel for an additional fee. Hikawa Shrine is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and Saitama Stadium, a football stadium, is a 25-minute car ride away. Haneda Airport can be reached in 80 minutes by trainView on Booking.com -
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Palace Hotel OmiyaBuilt in the convention complex Omiya Sonic City, Palace Hotel Omiya offers restaurants and cafes in the city famous for railways and bonsai culture. Rooms at this property were fully renovated in 2012 and are fitted with Sealy beds. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel is only a 3-minute walk from Omiya Station, which is served by 14 railway lines. Limousin buses to Haneda airports are also available at the station. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a fridge, electric kettle, flat-screen TV with satellite channels. For your comfort, slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer are provided. Restaurants at Omiya Palace Hotel include Japanese, Chinese and French. There are 19 banquet and meeting rooms and a 24-hour front desk with luggage storage and Currency exchange services at the property. The Railway Museum is a 10-minute train ride away, while The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama is a 20-minute train ride away from Palace Hotel Omiya. GMO Arena Saitama and Hikawa Shrine can be reached within 10 minutes by public transport.View on Booking.com -
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Candeo Hotels OmiyaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Candeo Hotels Omiya in Saitama offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, baths, bidets, and free toiletries. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, sofa, and electric kettle.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, hot tub, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, car park, and sofa bed.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is served daily, providing a variety of options to start the day.Convenient Location
Located 51 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is situated in Omiya-ku Sakuragi-cho. Nearby attractions include car parks and a variety of dining options. -
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eeGee STAY OmiyaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
eeGee STAY Omiya in Saitama offers capsule rooms with free WiFi, TV, and carpeted floors. Each room includes a shared bathroom with free toiletries, slippers, and a TV.Convenient Location
Situated 52 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions. Guests appreciate the convenient location and the proximity to public transport.Guest Services
The property features a 24-hour front desk with Japanese-speaking staff. Additional amenities include a ground-floor unit and a shared bathroom, ensuring a comfortable stay. -
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Royal Pines Hotel UrawaThe Royal Pines Hotel Urawa features 8 restaurants, including a top-floor caf? and its own pastry shop. It has a 24-hour reception and a hairdressing salon, while free WiFi is available property-wide. Urawa Station is only a 5-minute walk away. JR Tokyo and Ikebukuro train stations are respectively a 24 and 18-minute train ride from Urawa Station. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and a safe. A trouser press and an electric kettle are provided. The en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub, shower and toiletries. Certain rooms feature airweave mattresses for guest's comfort. Royal Pines offers currency exchange and safety deposit of valuables. It has a garden, and drinks vending machines are on site. The Royal Pines Hotel Urawa has a buffet restaurant, as well as restaurants offering Japanese, Chinese or French cuisines. Freshly baked seasonal pastries can be enjoyed at the coffee shop of bakery La Mora, and the Top Lounge offers original cocktails. Royal Pines Hotel Urawa is a 5-minute train ride away from Saitama-Shintoshin Station featuring Saitama Super Arena. Urawa Station connects with Omiya Station in 7 minutes. Haneda Airport is a 70-minute train ride away, while Narita Airport is a 90-minute train ride from the hotel. Shinjuku, Tokyo and Asakusa train station are a 30-minute train ride away.View on Booking.com -
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Super Hotel Premier Saitama HigashiguchiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Super Hotel Premier Saitama Higashiguchi in Saitama offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, electric kettle, work desk, microwave, TV, and soundproofing.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, spa facilities, and a wellness centre. The hotel provides free WiFi, a bar, and a lounge for relaxation. Additional services include a public bath, lift, daily housekeeping, child-friendly buffet, full-day security, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 52 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its attentive staff, comfortable bathrooms, and delicious breakfast. Nearby attractions include Omiya Station and Saitama Stadium. -
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Hotel Global View UrawaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Global View Urawa in Saitama offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi, ensuring a pleasant stay.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast with Japanese, local, and European cuisines. The on-site restaurant provides a variety of dining options, catering to diverse preferences.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage. Private check-in and check-out services enhance the guest experience.Accessible Location
Located 40 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is situated in Urawa-ku, Saitama. Nearby attractions include Takasago Station and Saitama Stadium.
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