Japan Trip: SCMAGLEV and Railway Park fun for kids to adults, Nagoya
[007] aichi SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
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SCMAGLEV and Railway Park was opened in 2011. It is the railway museum of Central Japan Railways (JR Central). The museum intends to allow visitors to learn on the advances in Japan’s high speed rail and features a number of actual trains on display ranging from historic steam locomotives, world record setting experimental bullet train (shinkansen) to the latest magnetic levitating trains (maglev).
A collection of 39 retired train cars are on display in the museum. Many of these train cars can be entered or viewed from underneath, and a host of exhibits to explain the different parts of the trains and all aspects of their operation and maintenance. Another section of the museum is to introduce maglev trains and present JR Central’s plans to construct a maglev high speed link between Tokyo and Osaka. The second floor of the museum also offers lots of learning experiences, which are specifically geared toward young children.
Some of the most interesting attractions are the train simulators including driving simulators for conventional and shinkansen trains, and a train crew simulator which allows you to experience the duties of a train conductor in charge of opening and closing the doors. The simulators require an additional fee (either 100 or 500 yen) and reservations must be made in advance at the museum information desk. Reservations are decided by a lottery system which occurs four times per day. Entries must be submitted at least 45 minutes in advance.
The museum also contains one of Japan’s largest train dioramas, with miniature trains running through unbelievably meticulous recreations of Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. Another collection exhibits historical artifacts from the early days of Japanese railways. An excellent English audio guide is available for rent for 500 yen, which gives detailed explanations on all of the museum exhibits.
Access information
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a few steps from Kinjofuto Station, the terminal stop on the Aonami Line. It takes about 25 minutes between Nagoya and Kinjofuto stations and costs 350 yen for one way trip, which is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Trains depart about every 15 minutes.
Hours: 10:00 to 17:30 (entry ends at 17:00)
Closed: Tuesdays and December 28 to January 1
Admission: 1000 yen (An additional 100 or 500 yen fee required for simulators.)
English: Good
AloJapan.com