Tokyo has a great train system, and there are many train lovers that want to come for trains! Here are the best places for Train lovers in / around Tokyo!
Train Museum in / around Tokyo
The Railway Museum – Omiya, Saitama
I highly recommend this place for someone who loves trains!
It’s very nice to spend a whole day looking and learning trains! You can also see some trains going through from the balcony and cafeteria space. I loved the diorama!
Pros: Many things to try!
Cons; It’s raffle for some experiences..
- For Kids & Adults
- Half day, even more
https://www.railway-museum.jp/e/
Keio Rail Land – Tokyo
If you are looking for somewhere to go with kids, for a half/whole day, Keio Rail Land might be a good idea.
There are,
- Simulator
- Bus (exhibition)
- Experience to announce and close/open doors
- small trains that kids can ride (adults too, but it’s small) outside
There is also a zoo, on the other side of train station.
- Kids > Adults
- 2 – 5h
- Cheap
The Hara Model Railroad Museum
The Hara Model Railway Museum was produce and owned by Nobutaro Hara, who was renowned for a model railroad maker and collector. There are some vintage things, too.
It’s only 5 minutes walk from Yokohama station, or 3 minutes from Shintakashima station.
Museums from Train Companies
Keikyu Museum – Yokohama
It’s free to enter! There are some that you need to pay and/or make a reservation in advance though.
There is an exhibition for history, diorama, souvenir shop, etc.
https://www.keikyu.co.jp/museum/
Tobu Train Museum – Sumida, Tokyo
There are some shows, exhibitions, experiences, etc. The Watching Promenade is very special, where you can see the real trains passing by underneath Mukojima station.
There is no restaurant. but you can bring food/beverage.
Metro Museum – Edogawa ward, Tokyo
There is the Metro Museum nearby Kasai station. There are simulator, panorama, quiz, etc.
Also, it’s very nice that they have free rental strollers, locker, and a nursing room.
You cannot bring/eat any food at the museum.
Bus & Train Museum by Tokyu – Kawasaki, Kanagawa
It’s a very small place but very cheap! If you’re with kids who love trains and looking for somewhere to go for a couple of hours, I’d recommend this place. Nothing much around, but you can go to Futakotamagawa for shopping malls and park.
- For, Kids > Adults
- 1 – 3h
- Cheap
Unique Trains to Ride!
Enoden (Enoshima Dentetsu) for ocean view
Enoden might be my most favorite local train in Japan. It’s super cute, retro-vibes, and you can have a beautiful ocean view and breeze! It runs quite slow, and goes through a very small area where houses/buildings are lined up on both sides.
I wouldn’t recommend going in GW = Golden Week (end of April to beginning of May) and summer, because it’s too crowded.. you might need to wait for an hour to get in the train, if it’s badly crowded.
Tokyu Setagaya Line – Train x Cat
Setagaya Line runs across the Setagaya ward in Tokyo, Japan. It’s only 2-car train. They have a special designed car, that is cat-themed. Because there is a famous temple, Gotokuji for beckoning cats in Setagaya line.
For the Great Train View Spots in Tokyo
Starbucks Tokyo Station City
If you’re a morning person, I’d recommend this place for the train view! You should go in early morning, otherwise it’s difficult to get a seat where you can have a train view. You can see many kinds of trains coming through!
Also, don’t forget to check “I’ve been there” series and seasonal products, especially Sakura season!
Kitte Garden – Tokyo Station
You can also have a nice view of trains coming through from the garden on the buildling named Kitte in front of Tokyo station. If the weather is good, it’s great to have a break there.
Inside Kitte, there are restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.
Ochanomizu – location of “Suzume”
You can find the view from the movie, “Suzume” in Ochanomizu area. The bridge, street, station, etc.
Shinanomachi – Location of “Your Name”
The last scene of Your Name, Mitsuha and Taki found each other on the trains when the trains are running parallel. That is around Shinanomachi area.
There are many places where you can enjoy learning and watching trains in / around Tokyo.
