The 150th  Anniversary of The Opening of Yokohama’s Train! Stop by at Train’s Museum or Exhibition Hall in This Spot where Japan’s First Station Opened

It has been 150 years since the train connecting Yokohama city to Shimbashi in Tokyo had launched. Lots of people may think most of Japanese things were created or started in Tokyo, but Japan’s first train station opened at the location of JR Sakuragicho Station in Yokohama city in 1872. Therefore, there are some spots allowing visitors to learn about trains while having fun. This time, we picked up 3 spots which are great for even those who have children.

“Hara Railway Model Museum” exhibits valuable collections of model trains collected by a famous model builder over 80 years

The Hara Model Railroad Museum is in Yokohama, where Japanese railroads started. That museum exhibits many international model-train collections by the world-famous collector “Shintaro Hara” over 8 decades. You can see about 1,500 railroad models from all over the world. The main feature is a massive diorama with steam, electric, and trolley trains. In addition to its large scale, those trains are elaborately made, and even the running sound is reproduced realistically. So you can enjoy an atmosphere as if real trains were running. Everyone will be fascinated by the scenery of those trains. Enjoy the railroads’ world in Yokohama, the birthplace of Japanese railroads.

Hours	10:00AM – 5:00PM（Last Admission 4:30PM） Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and New Year’s holidays
Admission Fee	Adults 1,000 yen, Junior High and High School Students 700 yen, Children (4 years and older) 500 yen (Pre-reservation is required through the website )
Address	Yokohama Mitsui Building 2F, 1-1-2 Takashima, Nishi-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access	A 5-minute walk from Yokohama Station, 2 stops from Sakuragicho Station on the Negishi Line
URL	https://www.hara-mrm.com/

“Keikyu Museum” is where visitors can enjoy historic car exhibits and train experiences based on the concept of “seeing, touching, and enjoying real trains”

The Keikyu Museum opened to commemorate the 120th-anniversary celebration of the Keikyu Corporation. That museum exhibits some historic cars, “Keikyu Deha 230, Deha 236,” and the Keikyu Line diorama. Visitors can also enjoy the actual train experience at the driving car corner and the train craft area. Maintenance of exhibits was implemented by the efforts of many Keikyu employees and retirees. Many railroad enthusiasts are involved, allowing them to share railroads’ attractions with many people. Several cube-shaped chairs featuring Keikyu trains are placed as a connecting exhibit from the inside to the outside. It is a place where everyone can feel free to visit.

Hours	11:00AM – 4:00PM (Final Closing at 4:30PM), Closed on Tuesdays
Admission Fee	Free of charge (Pre-reservation is required through the website )
Address	Keikyu Group Headquarters 1F, 1-2-8 Takashima, Nishi-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access	A 7-minute walk from Yokohama Station, 2 stops from Sakuragicho Station on the Negishi Line
URL	https://www.keikyu.co.jp/museum/

“Old Yokohama Railroad History Display” is opened as a symbol of the first railroad station in Japan

JR Sakuragicho Station was the first railroad station in Japan in 1872. Near the historic station, the “110 class steam locomotive,” a railroad monument, is displayed as a symbol of the station. Visitors can see historical exhibits that were actually used in the early days of the railroad. In addition to the locomotives, you can see a replica of a distant signal and double-head rails imported from England during the railroad’s early days. Thus, this exhibit area will be a pleasant place for railroad fans. Moreover, a food hall is on the first floor and a café on the second floor. Enjoy a relaxing moment with delicious food and coffee.

Hours	7:00AM – 11:00PM
Admission Fee	Free of charge
Address	1-1 Sakuragicho, Naka-Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access	A 1-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station
URL	https://www.cial.co.jp/sakuragicho/floorguide/detail.php?store_id=53