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)
Note that visitors without advance reservations cannot enter the museum before 11am. Advance reservations can be made here.
Note that visitors without advance reservations cannot enter the museum before 11am. Advance reservations can be made here.
Closed
Tuesdays and December 29 to January 1
Admission
1330 yen (additional fees of typically 510 yen for some of the attractions)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Saitama
Top rated in Saitamapowered by
Budget:
-
-
![]()
Restay Iwatsuki (Adult Only)Set within 5.7 km of Saitama Stadium 2002 and 11 km of Saitama Super Arena, Restay Iwatsuki (Adult Only) offers rooms in Saitama. This 2-star love hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Kawaguchi City Cultural Properties Center is 14 km away and Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine is 14 km from the love hotel. All guest rooms in the love hotel are fitted with a kettle. All rooms have a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Restay Iwatsuki (Adult Only), the rooms include air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The accommodation offers a sauna. Kozen-in Temple is 14 km from Restay Iwatsuki (Adult Only), while Kongo-ji Temple is 14 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 51 km from the love hotel.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-ShintoshinFeaturing 4-star accommodation, Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin is situated in Saitama, 400 metres from Saitama Super Arena and 11 km from Saitama Stadium 2002. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. SKIP CITY Visual Museum is 13 km from Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin, while Kawaguchi Science Museum is 13 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 51 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
![]()
REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELSAttractively located in the Omiya Ward district of Saitama, REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELS is situated 2.6 km from Saitama Super Arena, 10 km from Saitama Stadium 2002 and 14 km from SKIP CITY Visual Museum. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. All guest rooms have a private bathroom, slippers and bed linen. The hotel offers 4-star accommodation with a sauna. Kawaguchi Science Museum is 14 km from REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELS, while Aokicho Park is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 51 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Candeo Hotels OmiyaLocated in Saitama, within 2.1 km of Saitama Super Arena and 12 km of Saitama Stadium 2002, Candeo Hotels Omiya provides accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is situated 14 km from SKIP CITY Visual Museum, 14 km from Torin-ji Temple and 14 km from Kawaguchi Science Museum. Aokicho Park is 15 km away and Itsukan-ji Temple is 15 km from the hotel. The hotel offers 4-star accommodation with a sauna and hot tub. Languages spoken at the reception include English and Japanese. Chosho-ji Temple is 14 km from Candeo Hotels Omiya, while Niikura Furusato Minkaen is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 51 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Super Hotel Premier Saitama HigashiguchiBoasting a bar and a spa and wellness centre, Super Hotel Premier Saitama Higashiguchi is set in Saitama, 3.1 km from Saitama Super Arena and 11 km from Saitama Stadium 2002. Featuring a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 14 km from SKIP CITY Visual Museum. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. At Super Hotel Premier Saitama Higashiguchi guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath. Kawaguchi Science Museum is 15 km from the accommodation, while Aokicho Park is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 52 km from Super Hotel Premier Saitama Higashiguchi.View on Booking.com -
![]()
eeGee STAY OmiyaSituated conveniently in the Omiya Ward district of Saitama, eeGee STAY Omiya is located 10 km from Saitama Stadium 2002, 14 km from SKIP CITY Visual Museum and 14 km from Kawaguchi Science Museum. With free WiFi, this 2-star capsule hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is set 3.2 km from Saitama Super Arena. The units in the capsule hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Aokicho Park is 15 km from eeGee STAY Omiya, while Torin-ji Temple is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 52 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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, dry cleaning services 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 and live piano music at night. 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 50-minute train ride away, while Narita Airport is a 60-minute train ride from the hotel. Shinjuku, Tokyo and Asakusa train station are a 30-minute train ride away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
The Mark Grand HotelThe Mark Grand Hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Saitama-Shintoshin Station. Saitama Super Arena is a 15-minute walk away. Free WiFi is provided in all rooms. Private parking is available at an additional cost. All rooms have city views and are carpeted and 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. Hotel guests can use the gym, hot springs, saunas and swimming pools of the gCentral Wellness Clubh operating within the hotel for an additional special fee. Hikawa Shrine is a 20-minute drive from the property, while Saitama Stadium, a football stadium, is a 25-minute car ride away. Haneda International Airport is an 80-minute train ride from The Mark Grand Hotel.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Water Hotel Mw (Love Hotel)Water Hotel Mw (Love Hotel) is set in Saitama, within 6 km of Saitama Stadium 2002 and 9 km of Osaki Park. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available on site. The units at the love hotel feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, blu-ray player, and a private bathroom with a hot tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Water Hotel Mw (Love Hotel) offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a sauna. Hikawa Shrine is 10 km from the accommodation, while NACK5 Stadium Omiya is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 62 km from Water Hotel Mw (Love Hotel).View on Booking.com -
![]()
Toyoko Inn Urawa misono eki Higashi guchiToyoko Inn Urawa misono eki Higashi guchi is set in Saitama, 1.9 km from Saitama Stadium 2002 and 7.8 km from Kozen-in Temple. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Kawaguchi City Cultural Properties Center is 8.3 km from the hotel and Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine is 8.4 km away. At the hotel, every room includes a desk. The units in Toyoko Inn Urawa misono eki Higashi guchi are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. The accommodation can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Shinkoshigaya Varie is 8 km from Toyoko Inn Urawa misono eki Higashi guchi, while Kongo-ji Temple is 8.3 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 45 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
-
