Steam Locomotive Kyoto Railway Museum (Video)

All aboard! The film below follows the journey onboard the steam locomotive exhibit ride at Kyoto Railway Museum in Kyoto.

The original Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum opened in 1972, but was expanded and modernized in 2016, becoming the current day Kyoto Railway Museum.

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VIDEO: Steam Locomotive Kyoto Railway Museum Ride

Steam locomotive Kyoto Railway Museum ride

The museum is an absolute must-see if you're into trains of any era.

Even if you're not particularly a train geek, you might still want to consider adding this sprawling, impressive museum to your 'to do' list if you're planning on coming to Kyoto.

A small additional fee

To get access to this steam locomotive you'll need to pay the entrance to the main museum as well. Then, for a small additional fee, visitors can access the steam locomotive exhibit and ride in cars pulled by one of the actual steam locomotives kept and maintained at the museum.

And it's well worth the small extra cost.

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The 1km round-trip

The 1km round-trip takes about 10 minutes, giving visitors a small taste of how it felt to travel by steam locomotive.

The journey exits the railyard on a private track that at first runs parallel with the Tokaido main and shinkansen lines running into Kyoto Station, it then veers off to run alongside Umekoji Park.

It then reverses along the track, back to the platform at the Museum.

Kyoto City Guide - must-sees and new discoveries

For everything you need to get you started on exploring the best and hidden sights that Kyoto offers, be sure to check out my Kyoto City Guide - written by local expert and author Phillip Jackson.

Kyoto Day Trips by Train Tickets

EIZAN RAILWAY 1 DAY PASS

Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

This 1-day pass ticket “Ee Kippu” is a perfect choice for the passengers who want to fully enjoy many popular tourists attractions along Eizan Railway. This ticket enables passengers to get on and get off at any station as many as one likes on the day.

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Eizan Tram and Mountain Cable Car Ticket

EIZAN TRAM & CABLE CAR TICKET

Eizan Tram & Mountain Cable Car Round-trip Ticket

848 meters higher than Eizan, the route of the cable car is divided into two parts. When reaching the top of the mountain, you can also take the shuttle bus to visit the world heritage, Enryakuji Temple.

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SAGANO ROMANTIC TRAIN

Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour

Go on a scenic day tour of the most beautiful sights in Kyoto, from the mountainside to the temples
Hop onto an old engine train for a romantic view of the mountainside at Arashiyama for a nostalgic experience.

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Kyoto Railway Museum Location Map

About the Author

A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.