Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto Railway Museum is a railway museum that opened in April 2016. Operated by JR West and the Transportation Culture Promotion Foundation, it houses and exhibits 53 railway vehicles, including steam locomotives formerly displayed at the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum. Highlights include the first Series 0 Shinkansen car, the Series 500 Shinkansen that achieved commercial operation at 300 km/h and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the C62 steam locomotive, one of the largest used by Japanese National Railways after World War II. One of the most popular attractions is the "SL Steam" ride, a daily operating experience where visitors can board passenger cars pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. The museum also features restaurants with railway-themed menus overlooking JR Kyoto Station and the tracks, as well as dining-car-style and bento areas offering original meals such as Shinkansen lunch boxes. Located about a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station and near Kyoto Aquarium, the museum is especially popular with families.