SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a railway museum set up by Central Japan Railways (JR Central). Opened on March 14, 2011, this museum is highlighted by Tōkaidō Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka, and displays 39 trains, ranging from steam trains, electrical trains, early Shinkansen trains to the latest magnetic levitating trains (maglev), including Class C62 Steam Locomotive and Class 955 Experimental Shinkansen (300X). There are also railway miniature models, through which you can enjoy the scenery within 20 minutes that takes 24 hours in real life; and train driving simulators, through which you can have the real experience of being a train driver.  

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Best Exhibitions in SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park adopts various display methods such as real train displaying, videos, images, miniature models, and virtual simulators to introduce the development and progress of Japan’s railway and related technology from different perspectives. Except for a small number, visitors can touch and experience driving all other trains. Thanks to this unique and rare experience, this place can be called a paradise for railway enthusiasts and train fans. 

39 Trains from Different Periods

There display a great number of trains like steam trains and maglev trains. The Symbolic Rolling Stock Hall displays three trains that set the world’s fastest record at that time, Class C62 Steam Locomotive, Class 955 Experimental Shinkansen (300X), and MLX01-1 Superconducting Maglev. In Great Rolling Stock Hall, the display of Shinkansen trains from Series 0 to Series N700 throughout history should not be missed, allowing visitors to learn about the development history of Shinkansen. And visiting the interior of retro trains like Class Hoji 6005 Steam Passenger Car is also a great pleasure. In addition, the Rare Train Zone displays trains like Class Suni 30 Baggage Car and Class Oya 31 Structure Gauging Train. 

Railway Miniature Model

Except for trains, tourists can also admire the huge railway miniature model that reproduces the scenery along the Tōkaidō Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. Through this miniature model, you can enjoy the scenery within 20 minutes that takes 24 hours if really traveling by that Shinkansen.

Train Driving Simulators

Another highlight of SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is driving simulators, which include two types:

Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator

In the Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator, visitors can drive on the console of life-size Series N700 of the Tokaido Shinkansen and enjoy the scenery on the way through CG (computer imaging) technology inside the driver’s cab. It is especially exciting to drive on a train stimulator at a high speed of 500km/h (310 mph). Children also have an opportunity of drawing lots to experience being a train driver, and the whole family can participate together.

The Conventional Train Driving Simulators

The traditional train driving simulators are based on the Series 211 and the Series 313. In the Train Crew Simulator, users can view the screen on the large monitor, and open and close the station doors after confirming safety and issuing train announcements between stations.   

In addition, you can bring your own food or buy a bento in the museum to eat in the Series N700 trains of Tokaido Shinkansen displayed outdoors, which will definitely become a special memory. There is also a children’s area with toy trains, railways and slides where children and parents can play together.

Tips

1. Each visitor can experience the train driving simulator for once. And first come first serve. If you want a chance to try Shinkansen train driving simulators and conventional train driving simulators, or play the role of train driver, it is recommended to go there early or during non-Japanese holidays, and be sure to drop your numbered tickets inside the pamphlet you are given into the lottery boxes after entering the museum. The first drawing is at 10:25 and second is 11:50. They drew four winners for each of the two simulators. The winning numbers are put up on a screen. If your number is drawn, you can pay the fee and go to have a try.

2. English guided tours are provided for free.   

3. It is also advisable to rent an audio recording guide tour device that costs 500 yen.

4. There are coin-operated lockers that can store your luggage. If your luggage is relatively large, it’s recommended to store in the storage room.

5. There is also a small café on the second floor and a rest area, which are very popular with family’s visitors.

6. As the museum is located near the sea in Nagoya, it’s windy and the temperature here is a little lower than that of urban area, so you may need an extra warmer coat. 

How to Get to SCMAGLEV and Railway Park 

If departing from Nagoya Station, you can take Aonami Line and get off at Kinjofuto Station, which is two minutes’ walk from SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. It takes about 26 minutes.

If departing from Chubu Centrair International Airport, you can take Meitetsu-Limited Express and then transfer to Chuo Line at Kanayama station. Next you can transfer to Aonami Line at Kinjofuto Station, which is just a few steps from there.

Opening Hours

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park:
Opening time: 10:00-17:30, last entry at17:00
It is closed from December 28th to January 1st and on Tuesdays, or the next day if that Tuesday is a public holiday.

Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator: 10:30 to 17:30

Admission

1,000 yen
Children aged 3-7: 200 yen
Children below 3: free

Shinkansen Train Driving Simulator and Conventional Train Crew Simulator: 500 yen for 15 minutes.
Conventional Train Driving Simulator: 100 yen for 10 minutes a time. 

Nearby Attractions

Legoland Japan Resort is a theme park with 17,000,000 Lego bricks and 10,000 Lego models where children aged 2 to 12 and their families can enjoy playing all day. You can walk 7 minutes to get there from the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park.