Category: Railway Events & Museums

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• How to get a numbered ticket for the “Pochi” railway model sale
• Details about Kyoto’s famous Kinshi-don and where to find it
• Kyoto’s bread culture and recommended bakeries in the Shijo area
• A model itinerary for an early morning Kyoto adventure

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Saturday Morning — Heading to Shijo Before Dawn!

On a Saturday morning, with barely a car on the road, we made our way to Shijo-dori in Kyoto.

The Mascots were fidgeting with excitement — “Are we getting something?” But the shop we were heading to was still firmly closed. While the Mascots looked on in bewilderment, this was all part of a carefully laid plan.

The Shijo Area of Kyoto is easily accessible from Hankyu Kyoto Line’s Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and JR Kyoto Station, with plenty of sightseeing, dining, and shopping on offer. Early morning on Shijo-dori, with almost no one around, offers a rare and precious glimpse of Kyoto’s quiet, peaceful side.

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Securing a Numbered Entry Ticket Before Opening — That Was the Whole Plan!

The shop opens at 10 AM — but numbered entry tickets are distributed before opening, which is why we set out so early in the morning (laughs).

With our ticket successfully secured, all that was left was to relax in a nearby café until opening time. A morning café in Kyoto is a truly special experience in itself.

Tips for Getting Your Numbered Ticket

• The more popular the event, the earlier you’ll need to arrive
• Check the official SNS accounts in advance for ticket distribution times
• Once you have your ticket, a nearby café is the perfect place to wait

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Time for the “Pochi” Railway Model Sale! Sneaking Off While the Mascots Sleep

When the time came, we made our way to the “Pochi” railway model sale.

But just at that moment, the Mascots surrendered to sleepiness and dozed off inside the bag. “Now’s our chance!” — and so, carefully avoiding waking them, we quietly slipped off to the battleground (laughs).

We successfully secured the trains we had our eyes on — an absolute dream for any railway model enthusiast!

“Pochi” Railway Models is a well-known shop specialising in the buying and selling of second-hand railway models. Their sales events often feature rare and limited-edition vehicles, drawing railway fans from all across Japan.

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Next Stop: Kinshi-don at the Legendary “Kyogoku Kaneyo”

With the model sale thoroughly enjoyed, it was time for a proper meal. Our destination was Kyogoku Kaneyo — a Kyoto institution, unmistakable by its famous signboard.

Here we enjoyed the Kinshi-don — a uniquely Kyoto dish featuring a generous topping of finely shredded kinshi (golden) egg over an unagi (eel) rice bowl. Paired with a beautifully dashi-flavored chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), the refined, elegant flavors were everything we had hoped for.

Kinshi-don is one of Kyoto’s most beloved local dishes. A bowl of unagi rice topped with delicate shredded egg, it carries the gentle, sophisticated flavors that define Kyoto cuisine. Kyogoku Kaneyo has been serving guests for over 100 years and remains a firm favourite with both tourists and locals alike. Lunchtime can get busy, so arriving early is recommended!

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One Last Treat Before Heading Back to Osaka

Back at Kyoto Station for a commemorative photo, we prepared for the return journey to Osaka — but not before stopping at one of Kyoto’s famous bakeries for a little something extra.

Kyoto is known as one of Japan’s most competitive cities for bakeries, and the Mascots were absolutely delighted to have secured a shio-pan (salt bread) for the journey home (laughs).

Kyoto’s bread culture ranks among the very best in Japan. The Shijo and Kawaramachi area is home to many popular bakeries, and food-hopping between them is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Make sure to add a bakery stop to your Kyoto itinerary!

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Model Itinerary for an Early Morning Kyoto Adventure

Time	Activity
Early Morning	Head to Shijo-dori to secure a numbered ticket
Morning	Wait at a nearby café until opening time
From 10 AM	Enjoy the “Pochi” railway model sale
Noon	Kinshi-don & chawanmushi lunch at Kyogoku Kaneyo
Afternoon	Commemorative photo at Kyoto Station / bakery stop
Evening	Return to Osaka

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Summary | Early Rising Is the Secret to a Perfect Kyoto Morning!

Spot	Highlights
“Pochi” Railway Model Sale	A must-visit event requiring a numbered ticket — fans travel from across Japan
Kinshi-don (Kyogoku Kaneyo)	Over 100 years of history — shredded egg over unagi rice, simply exquisite
Kyoto Bakeries	Salt bread is a must — the perfect treat for the journey home

Kyoto rewards early risers — start your day before the crowds and you can pack an enormous amount into a single day. Popular spots and events often require numbered tickets or advance reservations, so always check ahead before you go!

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What You’ll Learn in This Article

• How to enjoy the puzzle-solving and stamp rally events at Osaka Station
• What the AR Osaka Railway Museum has to offer
• Recommended sightseeing spots around Osaka Station
• How to find out about upcoming events

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A Saturday Afternoon at Osaka Station — and We Stumbled Upon an Event!

It was 5 PM on a Saturday, the summer sun still blazing high in the sky over Osaka Station. Wandering through the station, wiping away the sweat, we suddenly discovered that an event was in full swing!

Osaka Station regularly hosts puzzle-solving events and stamp rallies, and this was one of them. Popular with tourists and locals alike, these events are a fantastic way to experience the station in a completely new way.

Osaka Station is one of Japan’s largest terminal stations, served by JR, private railways, and the subway. With extensive shopping and dining facilities, the station itself has become a major tourist attraction. Events are held throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover whenever you visit.

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First Things First — Strategy Meeting at a Café! Mascots Are Fully Engaged

Before diving into the event, we decided a proper strategy session was in order — so we headed to a café inside the station.

The Mascots immediately claimed their spots at the table and threw themselves into the planning with great enthusiasm. Poring over the map and marking off checkpoints, they were absolutely in full serious mode (laughs). With plenty of cafés and food courts inside Osaka Station, finding the perfect spot for a strategy meeting is never a problem!

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Conquering the Checkpoints — Puzzle Solving & Stamp Rally!

Strategy session complete — time to head out! We made our way from checkpoint to checkpoint, solving puzzles as we went.

The Mascots were absolutely bursting with excitement at every stop. Exploring corners of Osaka Station you’d never normally notice is one of the greatest joys of these kinds of events.

Why Puzzle-Solving & Stamp Rally Events Are So Great

• You naturally find yourself exploring areas of the station you’d never usually visit
• You discover new sides of Osaka Station you never knew existed
• Fun for all ages — it feels just like playing a game
• Many events are free or very low cost to enter
• Everything takes place indoors — perfect even on a rainy day

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AR Osaka Railway Museum Running Simultaneously — A Must for Train Lovers!

Even better — running alongside the main event was the AR Osaka Railway Museum! Simply point your smartphone at designated spots around the station to unlock fascinating AR content all about railways. For train enthusiasts, this was absolutely irresistible.Most of the AR content is free to enjoy with just a smartphone — no special equipment or preparation needed. That ease of access makes it a perfect addition to any sightseeing itinerary, even if you only have a few minutes to spare.

Walking through the station while learning about railway history and fun facts made for the perfect combination of sightseeing and learning — all in one experience.

Perfect For:

• Railway fans and train enthusiasts
• Families with children
• Anyone who wants to experience Osaka sightseeing from a fresh new angle
• Fans of puzzle-solving and stamp rally events
• Anyone looking for something fun to do on a rainy day

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Pair the Event with Sightseeing Around Osaka Station!

The area around Osaka Station is packed with great sightseeing options. Make a full day of it by combining the event with dinner and some local attractions!

Recommended Spots Near Osaka Station

• Umeda Sky Building: The Floating Garden Observatory offers breathtaking night views — a favorite for couples and families alike
• Grand Front Osaka: A massive complex with shopping, dining, and interactive experiences all under one roof
• Ohatsu Tenjin (Tsuyunoten Shrine): A beloved matchmaking power spot with deep historical connections to the famous story of Sonezaki Shinju

How to Find Out About Upcoming Events

Events at Osaka Station are held irregularly, so staying on top of the latest announcements is key. Here’s how to keep yourself in the loop:

• Follow the official SNS accounts of Osaka Station and JR West
• Check the official websites of puzzle event organizers (such as SCRAP)
• Browse the Osaka Tourism Bureau’s official website for upcoming event listings

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Summary | Don’t Miss the Puzzle-Solving Events at Osaka Station!

Item	Details
Venue	Inside Osaka Station
Event Content	Puzzle solving, stamp rally, AR Railway Museum
Best For	Families, couples, railway fans
Entry Fee	Many events are free or low cost
Important Note	Schedules and content vary — always check in advance

Whether you’re visiting Osaka as a tourist or just passing through, keep an eye out for events at the station. They’re a perfect way to fill any gap in your itinerary — and you might just discover a side of Osaka Station you never knew existed!

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What You’ll Learn in This Article

• Highlights and tips for enjoying the Sendai Tanabata Festival
• How to get from Tokyo to Sendai on the Hayabusa Shinkansen
• Recommended Sendai food (Nodoguro salt-grilled fish & Yonaki Soba)
• Tips for booking accommodation during the Tanabata Festival

Hurry, Hurry! The Sendai Tanabata Festival Only Runs Until Evening

Our Tohoku Summer Trip 2025 begins in Sendai — the City of Trees.

Sendai is home to the Sendai Tanabata Festival, held every August. This year it ran until the evening of Friday, August 8th, so we jumped on Hayabusa No. 63 and headed straight for Sendai!

The Hayabusa covers the distance from Tokyo to Sendai in as little as 1 hour 30 minutes. The speed of the Shinkansen really proves its worth in moments like these.

Sendai Tanabata Festival is held annually from August 6th to 8th and is one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. The spectacular handmade Tanabata decorations adorning the shopping arcades draw visitors from across Japan. The fireworks display on the eve of the festival is another unmissable highlight.

We Made It! Overwhelmed by the Tanabata Decorations

We made it just in time!

The moment we entered the shopping arcade, a dazzling array of colorful Tanabata decorations filled every inch of the space above our heads. Each decoration is handmade by the individual shops lining the arcade, and the creativity and care poured into every single one made us stop in our tracks.

Our eyes naturally drifted upward, and our walking pace slowed to almost nothing (laughs). There were simply too many beautiful spots to photograph — it was impossible to keep moving!

Tips for Enjoying the Tanabata Decorations

• ・Mornings tend to be less crowded — perfect for a relaxed visit
• ・Each shopping arcade has its own unique atmosphere and theme
• ・A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the full spread of decorations
• ・The covered arcades mean you can enjoy the festival even on a rainy day

Writing a Wish on a Tanzaku at the Hotel

The hotel we stayed at had a traditional Tanabata display, complete with bamboo branches and colorful tanzaku (paper wish strips) for guests to write on. It may have been the first time since childhood that I had written a wish on one. What did I wish for? That’s a secret (laughs).

A hotel that incorporates seasonal touches like this really elevates the joy of travel. Accommodation in Sendai fills up fast during the Tanabata Festival period, so early booking is strongly recommended.

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Sendai Evenings: Nodoguro Salt-Grilled Fish at a Local Izakaya

Still buzzing from the Tanabata Festival, we headed to a local izakaya (Japanese pub) for dinner.

And that’s where we discovered the salt-grilled Nodoguro. The rich, fatty white flesh practically melted on the tongue, and the seasoning was absolutely perfect. This is the kind of dish you can only truly enjoy at a local spot where the regulars go — not a tourist trap.

If you’re visiting Sendai, this is a must-try.

Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) is a prized, high-grade fish caught primarily along the Sea of Japan coast. With its exceptionally rich fat content, it is often called the “fatty tuna of white fish.” Simple salt-grilling brings out the very best of its natural flavor and pairs beautifully with sake.

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Back at the Hotel: Yonaki Soba to Finish the Night

Despite already being full, when we returned to the hotel and spotted the Yonaki Soba service, we simply couldn’t resist. A gentle bowl of light Japanese soba noodles was the perfect way to wind down as the Sendai night quietly slipped by.

Yonaki Soba is a free late-night noodle service offered by select hotel chains such as Dormy Inn. A comforting bowl of simple ramen or soba served in the small hours of the night — it’s a wonderful way to soothe travel-weary souls. Worth factoring in when choosing your accommodation!

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Next Up: Heading Further North on the Akita Shinkansen Komachi!

After a thoroughly satisfying night in Sendai, the next day we push even further north — boarding the Akita Shinkansen Komachi toward Akita.

What adventures await? Stay tuned for the next installment of the series!

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Summary | The Sendai Tanabata Festival Is the Perfect Reason for a Summer Tohoku Trip

Item	Details
Access	Hayabusa Shinkansen — approx. 1 hour 30 min from Tokyo
Festival dates	August 6th–8th every year
Highlights	Handmade Tanabata decorations in the shopping arcades
Food	Nodoguro salt-grilled fish & Yonaki Soba
Accommodation tip	Book early — the festival period fills up fast
Next destination	Akita (via Komachi Shinkansen)

The Sendai Tanabata Festival makes for a perfect summer Tohoku itinerary. Book your Shinkansen and hotel together early for the best deals!

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▶ Continue to Tohoku Summer Trip 2025 ② — Heading North on the Akita Shinkansen Komachi! → 【Internal Link】

Redemption at Last — This Year, We Finally Made It!

Last year, a typhoon forced us to reluctantly cancel our plans for the Railway Convention. This year’s theme? “Freight Trains!” There was absolutely no way we were missing it — the Mascots were fired up and ready as we made our way into Tokyo Big Sight.

We grabbed some souvenirs the moment we walked through the door, and got a commemorative photo with Aimee lined up beside us. Mission accomplished before we even reached the exhibits! (laughs)

What is the Railway Convention? A major event bringing together railway models, goods, and exhibitions — a must-attend gathering for railway enthusiasts from across Japan. Held at Tokyo Big Sight, it’s an event by railway fans, for railway fans, with the focus firmly on display and community rather than sales.

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Getting to Tokyo Big Sight

Access to the venue is straightforward and convenient.

By Train

• Yurikamome Line: 3-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimom Station
• Rinkai Line: 7-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station

When Is It Held? The Railway Convention takes place once a year. Keep an eye on the official website and social media for announcements about dates and details.

So Many Types of Railway Fans! Overwhelmed by the Depth of the Hobby

Stepping into the venue, the vast floor of Tokyo Big Sight was packed wall-to-wall with railway-related displays.

What struck us most was the sheer diversity. “Railway fan” turns out to be an umbrella term covering a remarkable range of passions:

• Shinkansen enthusiasts — collecting models and materials on every generation of bullet train
• Steam locomotive devotees — deeply passionate about the mechanics and history of SL trains
• Tram fans — dedicated to the charming tram networks found across Japan
• Freight train followers — exploring the overlooked world of cargo rail
• Station building admirers — visiting and documenting unique station architecture nationwide

Rather than a sales event, the atmosphere was that of an exhibition that goes far beyond the level of a hobby — you could feel the love and dedication radiating from every display. This was a place where the true depth of the railway enthusiast’s world could be felt in person.

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Rediscovering the Appeal of Freight Trains — This Year’s Theme

This year’s theme was “Freight Trains” — a side of railway culture that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. Yet freight trains are the unsung heroes of Japan’s logistics network.

Freight Train Fun Facts

• JR Freight operates cargo services across Japan’s rail network
• Types include container trains, tank wagons, and vehicle transport trains
• Many freight trains run late at night or in the early hours — making them rare and exciting targets for railway photographers

Thanks to this convention, we discovered a whole new dimension to enjoying railways — the world of freight!

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The Exhibit We Loved Most: The Real “Ozashiki Train”!

Among all the displays, the one that captured the Mascots’ hearts completely was this one.

A “tatami room train” — a miniature layout built on a traditional Japanese tatami mat, with freight trains and limited express vehicles running across it.

There’s something wonderfully heartwarming about watching tiny trains glide across a tatami floor. You could almost picture the joy of the person who put it together — every detail spoke of genuine affection for the hobby.

It was a moment that reminded us: there are no rules when it comes to enjoying model trains. Intricate dioramas, humorous displays — the freedom of expression is exactly what makes this world so endlessly fascinating.

“Ozashiki Train” traditionally refers to a tourist train with a Japanese-style tatami interior. But this display offered a wonderfully playful reinterpretation — running models on top of a tatami mat. Pure creative genius!

The Beautiful Diversity of “Loving Something”

The most lasting impression from this year’s convention wasn’t any single exhibit — it was the remarkable diversity of the people who love railways.

People meticulously crafting intricate models. People whose joy comes purely from watching trains run. Photographers. Collectors. Historians. All united by a shared love of railways, yet each finding their own completely unique way to express it.

With freight trains as the theme, we also gained a new appreciation for a corner of railway culture that rarely gets its moment in the sun. Broadening your gaze beyond the trains you ride to include the ones that keep Japan moving — it opens up a whole new world of railway enjoyment.

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Thinking About Starting Model Trains?

After walking through the convention, it’s hard not to feel inspired to try model railways yourself! For beginners, N gauge is the recommended starting point.

Why N Gauge?

• Compact size — doesn’t take up much space
• Wide price range — accessible for beginners
• Huge variety of vehicles available
• Highly expandable — you can grow your layout gradually

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Summary | The Railway Convention Is a Must for Every Railway Fan

Item	Details
Event Name	Railway Convention 2025
Venue	Tokyo Big Sight
This Year’s Theme	Freight Trains
Access	3-min walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimom Station (Yurikamome)
Highlights	Displays that go far beyond hobby level
Top Exhibit	The tatami-mat train layout
Recommended For	Railway fans, model enthusiasts, families

This year’s convention — our long-awaited redemption visit — exceeded every expectation. The depth of passion in the railway community, and the sheer joy of people sharing what they love, made for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see what theme next year’s convention will bring!

When planning your visit, consider combining it with a broader Tokyo sightseeing trip for the most rewarding experience.

Why Take the Thunderbird to Kyoto When the Local Train Works Just Fine?

You can get from Osaka to Kyoto in under an hour on a regular local train. But this time, we deliberately chose the Limited Express Thunderbird instead!

The Mascots were absolutely insistent — “We want to ride THIS one!” (laughs). Boarding a Tsuruga-bound limited express just to get off at Kyoto might seem a little extravagant, but we noticed plenty of foreign tourists doing exactly the same thing — proof that the Thunderbird’s appeal is truly universal!

Limited Express Thunderbird is operated by JR West, running between Osaka and Tsuruga. Even after the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2024, it remains a hugely popular train. The Osaka–Kyoto leg takes just about 15 minutes — over before you know it!

Arrived in Kyoto in the Blink of an Eye! Straight to the Kyoto Railway Museum

We had barely settled into our seats before we were pulling into Kyoto Station (laughs). From there, we headed straight to the Kyoto Railway Museum.

The museum is accessible on foot in about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station, or by city bus.

The Kyoto Railway Museum is operated by JR West and is one of Japan’s largest railway museums, displaying 53 real vehicles ranging from steam locomotives to Shinkansen trains. Located adjacent to Umekoji Park, it’s a hugely popular destination for families and railway fans alike. Golden Week is a great time to visit as the museum is open throughout the holiday period! Official website: https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/guide/

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So Much to See Inside — Highlights of the Kyoto Railway Museum

The museum is packed with exhibits that railway fans and casual visitors alike will thoroughly enjoy.

Main Highlights:

• Real vehicle displays — 53 vehicles including steam locomotives, Shinkansen, and local trains
• Train driving simulator experience
• SL Steam train ride
• Railway diorama demonstrations

The museum gets particularly crowded during public holidays, so purchasing your entry ticket in advance is strongly recommended.

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Basic Information

Item	Details
Opening Hours	10:00–17:30 (Last entry 17:00)
Closed	Wednesdays (following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)
Admission	Adults ¥1,500 / University & High School Students ¥1,300 / Junior & Elementary School Students ¥500 / Toddlers (3 years and over) ¥200

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The Perfect Finishing Touch — Baumkuchen from the Museum Shop!

After soaking up everything the museum had to offer, we stopped by the museum shop for souvenirs. Our pick? The Kyoto Railway Museum original Baumkuchen!

The adorably railway-themed packaging was almost too cute to open — but we managed (laughs). And it was absolutely delicious. The museum shop isn’t just about railway goods — the range of sweets and food souvenirs is one of the hidden highlights of a visit!

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Suggested Day Trip Itinerary for a Holiday

Time	Activity
Morning	Take the Thunderbird from Osaka to Kyoto (approx. 15 min)
Morning–Afternoon	Explore the Kyoto Railway Museum (approx. 2–3 hours)
Afternoon	Browse the museum shop for souvenirs
Evening	Dinner near Kyoto Station → Return to Osaka

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Summary | Taking the Thunderbird to Kyoto — That’s the Joy of Railway Travel!

Item	Details
Transport	Limited Express Thunderbird (Osaka–Kyoto, approx. 15 min)
Destination	Kyoto Railway Museum
Why We Recommend It	Perfect for a holiday day trip!
Souvenir	The original Baumkuchen is a must-buy!

Taking the limited express to a destination you could easily reach by local train — that’s the real pleasure of railway travel. Add this to your holiday plans and give it a try!

Only a True Fan Would Know This Place!

Here’s a little quiz for you — do you know where this is?

A place where Gachapin and Mukku are waving hello… and for some reason, a giant turnip makes an appearance. “Wait — a turnip?!” We had to do a double-take (laughs).

A Space Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Look a little closer and you’ll find fairy tale worlds tucked away throughout the space:

• Snow White
• Moon-viewing (Otsukimi)
• The Three Little Pigs
• The Crab and the Monkey (Saru Kani Gassen)

This wonderfully quirky world is absolutely irresistible, isn’t it? It’s the kind of place that keeps drawing you back for more.

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The Answer Is… The Linear Railway Museum!

That’s right — this is the Linear Railway Museum (リニア・鉄道館) in Nagoya! A must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts, where you can experience the history and future of the Shinkansen and maglev technology all in one place.

As the name suggests, the Linear Motor Car exhibit is an absolute must-see at the Linear Railway Museum. When our mascots laid eyes on it for the first time, their immediate reaction was, “Why is its nose so long?” And honestly, that elongated, futuristic shape really does make quite an impression when you see it up close. We found ourselves staring at it for quite a while, captivated by its sleek design — so different from the Shinkansen. There’s also a section explaining how the superconducting maglev technology works, and that’s actually where you’ll find the answer to “why the nose is so long.” We can’t wait for the day this train starts running for real!

The Linear Railway Museum is a railway museum operated by JR Central. It features an impressive collection of real vehicles including the superconducting maglev and generations of Shinkansen trains, making railway history both fun and fascinating to explore. Conveniently accessible from central Nagoya.

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Doctor Yellow Is Coming Soon!?

And here’s some exciting news — Doctor Yellow is set to make its appearance at the Linear Railway Museum!

Doctor Yellow retired from regular service in 2024, and has long been cherished by railway fans as a mythical Shinkansen said to “bring happiness to anyone who sees it.” The chance to see the real thing on display is absolutely not to be missed!

Linear Railway Museum — Basic Information

Item	Details
Address	3-2-2 Kinjo-futo, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Access	2-minute walk from Kinjo-futo Station (Aonami Line)
Opening Hours	10:00–17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission	Adults ¥1,000 / Elementary–High School Students ¥500 / Preschoolers Free

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Summary | Fairy Tales Meet Railways — The Linear Railway Museum Is Perfect for Families Too!

The Linear Railway Museum is a joy not just for railway enthusiasts, but for families with children as well. Once the Doctor Yellow exhibit opens, crowds are expected to surge — so we strongly recommend booking nearby hotels sooner rather than later!