Highlights and access methods of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park (Aichi Prefecture)

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The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, operated by JR Central, is a railway museum located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Inside the museum, a wide range of vehicles are on display, from steam locomotives to actual conventional and Shinkansen vehicles, and even the superconducting maglev. Additionally, visitors can experience train driving simulators and view railway dioramas.

In this article, we will explain the attractions of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Aichi Prefecture and how to access it for those who are traveling to Japan from overseas.

(Last modified: 2024-02-20)

(Prefecture : Aichi , Category : Museums and Science Museums)

Highlights of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

We will introduce the highlights of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park opening hours, closing days, admission fees, coin lockers

The opening hours, closing days, and admission fees for the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park are as follows.

・Opening Hours 10:00~17:30 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
・Closed every Tuesday (or the next day if it is a public holiday) and Dec 28th - Jan 1st
・Admission fee is 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for school child, and 200 yen for child (age 3 and over)

Admission tickets can be purchased at the reception desk immediately after entering the entrance, from automatic ticket vending machines, or can be purchased in advance online.

If you use other simulators, there will be a charge. The Shinkansen simulator "N700" costs 500 yen, the conventional train simulator "Conductor" costs 500 yen, and the conventional train simulator "Driving" costs 100 yen.

After purchasing your admission ticket, please enter through the entrance gate on the left.

There is a coin locker to the right of the automatic ticket vending machine. If you need one, please use it before entering the entrance gate.

Symbolic Rolling Stock Exhibit

The first area you encounter upon entering is the 'Symbolic Rolling Stock Exhibit' area. Here, three vehicles are displayed as symbols of high-speed railway technology: the 'C62 class', the '955 type Shinkansen test train (300X)', and the 'superconducting maglev MLX01-1'.

The C62 class was used as a passenger steam locomotive, and the No. 17 locomotive on display set a world speed record for steam locomotives at the time, reaching 129 km/h in 1954.

The 955 type Shinkansen test train (nicknamed '300X') was built for testing, not for commercial operation, and set a world record for electric multiple units at the time by reaching 443 km/h in 1996.

MLX01-1 is a vehicle for superconducting maglev technology, and it established a world record for railways at the time by reaching 581 km/h in 2003.

The Symbolic Rolling Stock Exhibit area can also be viewed from the second floor.

Great Rolling Stock Hall

In the central massive space of the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, there is a 'Great Rolling Stock Hall' area. Numerous conventional and Shinkansen railway vehicles that were actually used in the Tokai region and throughout Japan are displayed here. They can be viewed from both the first and second floors.

For all vehicles on display in the vehicle display area, please see 「Complete guide to the Vehicles Exhibited at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park」.

Behind the Great Rolling Stock Hall area is the Relic Train area, which houses vehicles of historical value or technological significance.

Outdoor Train Exhibit

Exiting through a door next to the Great Rolling Stock Hall area leads to an Outdoor Train Exhibit area. In the Outdoor Train Exhibit area, the 'Class Ke 90 steam locomotive' and 'Series N700 Shinkansen' are displayed.

The Class Ke 90 steam locomotive was used by the Tono Railway in 1918. It was operated on light railways with narrower track gauges than usual.

The Series N700 Shinkansen is based on the 700 series, with enhanced speed and comfort. Three cars are on display, in the order of 'Class 783', 'Class 786', and 'Class 775' from the front.

As I will explain later, you can eat the bento you brought with you inside the Series N700 Shinkansen car displayed outdoors.

Superconducting Maglev Room

In the Superconducting Maglev Room, you can see panels explaining the mechanism of the Superconducting Maglev and a model of the Superconducting Maglev actually floating and running.

At the Superconducting Maglev Theater, you can sit in life-size seats and experience what the surrounding scenery looks like when the train reaches speeds of up to 500km/h.

Conventional Train Driving Simulator & Train Crew Simulator

At the conventional line simulator, you can experience "driving" and "Train Crew" a conventional line train. For "driving", please purchase a ticket from the automatic ticket vending machine next to the entrance. Please purchase a ticket for "Train Crew" from the general information. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The conventional line simulator "driving" features simulators for the 211 series and the 313 series. The 211 series uses a two-handle system with separate master controllers and brakes, while the 313 series uses a one-handle system where the master controller and brake are integrated.

The conventional line simulator "Train Crew" reproduces the crew cabin of the 313 series. You can experience actual tasks such as opening and closing doors after safety checks and making in-train announcements.

Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator

The Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator reproduces the driver's cab of the N700 series Shinkansen. You can experience the simulator while viewing the impressive images projected on a large screen. To use it, please purchase a ticket at the general information desk. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The general reception for purchasing tickets needed for the Shinkansen simulator and the conventional line simulator "Train Crew" is located near the passage leading to the 1st-floor exit.

Great Railway Diorama

In the Great Railway Diorama, you can see how the scenery along the Tokaido Shinkansen changes from day to evening, and then to night, based on the theme of 24 hours in the railway. You can observe how it transforms over time.

Kids Playroom

The Kids Playroom is an area designed for small children. They can look at the displayed Plarail (toy trains) or actually try playing with Plarail themselves.

Note that to alleviate crowding, the Kids Playroom requires reservations for each time slot. Reservations are made at the entrance to the Kids Corner. Each session can accommodate up to 10 groups and lasts for about one hour. There is no charge for using this area.

Gov. Railways' 1st Bus

On the second floor, near the area above the Symbolic Rolling Stock Exhibit, the Gov. Railways' 1st Bus is on display. It is the oldest existing bus in the country and was used in 1930 when the Ministry of Railways first started its own route bus transportation.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park dining area and bento purchase

At the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, bringing your own lunch is allowed. There are also five simple dining spaces available, and on the second floor, there is a DELICA STATION where various types of lunch boxes can be purchased.

For more details about the locations of dining spaces in the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park and the types of lunch boxes available at the DELICA STATION, please see 「Regarding Bringing Your Own Lunch and Eating Places at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park」.

Souvenirs from the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

After passing the exit gate of the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, there is a "Museum Shop" where you can purchase souvenirs.

There are many railway-themed sweets and goods for sale.

List of photos related to SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Please see below for a list of photos related to SCMAGLEV and Railway Park.

Address and access method of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Address of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

The address of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is "3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture".

Access method of SCMAGLEV and Railway Parkn

I will explain how to access SCMAGLEV and Railway Park from Nagoya Station.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park parking lot

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park does not have an official parking lot, but the "Kinjo Futo Parking Lot" and the Furniture Dome parking lot are located nearby. For information on the location and access methods for each parking lot, please visit the 「Complete Guide to Parking at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park」.

Attractions near SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Several notable attractions are located near SCMAGLEV and Railway Park:

LEGOLAND Japan
LEGOLAND Japan is a LEGO brick-themed amusement park located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. The rides and attractions within the park are designed to resemble structures made out of LEGO bricks. Additionally, numerous objects created from LEGO bricks are installed throughout the park. Adjacent to the park are SEA LIFE Nagoya, an aquarium facility, and the LEGOLAND Japan Hotel, which offers accommodation.

Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a striking historical landmark in Nagoya, Japan, known for its iconic architecture and stunning golden shachi ornaments adorning the rooftop. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive grounds, lush gardens, and informative museum, which provides a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich feudal history. The beautifully reconstructed castle serves as a testament to Japan's architectural prowess and offers a memorable experience for history and culture enthusiasts.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a municipal zoo and botanical garden located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. It opened in 1937. Within the grounds, there are not only a zoo and botanical garden but also an amusement park, a natural animal museum, a world medaka museum, an petting zoo, and an observation deck called the Higashiyama Sky Tower. In addition to its convenient location just a few minutes' walk from the subway station, admission is free for junior high school students and younger, making it a popular spot for families.

Osu Shopping District
Osu Shopping Street is a large shopping street located south of the Sakae area in the center of Nagoya, stretching from Osu Station to Kamimaezu Station. Approximately 1,200 stores of various kinds line the street, and stores where you can eat and drink are very popular. Osu Kannon and Osu Engeijo, where performers from East and West gather, are also nearby. Various annual events, especially the Osu Summer Festival in summer and the Osu Odou Machijin Festival in October, are enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike.

Other information about SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Official site about SCMAGLEV and Railway Park :

https://museum.jr-central.co.jp/

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