Exploring Japan’s Fascinating Railway and Police Museums: A Perfect Experience for Families

Japan is a dream destination for families traveling with children, offering a unique blend of history, technology, and interactive experiences. If you’re visiting Japan with kids who love trains or enjoy learning about law enforcement, there are three museums you shouldn’t miss: The Railway Museum in Omiya, the Subway Museum in Tokyo, and the Police Museum in central Tokyo. Each of these attractions offers hands-on exhibits and engaging displays, making them perfect for families looking to combine fun with education.

The Railway Museum (Omiya, Saitama)

If your children love trains, The Railway Museum in Omiya is a must-visit. Opened in 2007 and operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), this museum showcases Japan’s impressive railway history, from steam locomotives to the latest Shinkansen bullet trains.

One of the highlights is the full-scale train simulators, where visitors can experience what it’s like to operate different types of trains. For kids, this is an exciting and educational opportunity to learn how trains work. There is also a massive diorama that displays a miniature city with moving trains, showing how Japan’s railway system functions in real life.

Another family-friendly feature is the hands-on exhibits where children can interact with train models, press buttons, and explore railway engineering concepts in a fun way. For younger kids, there is a play area with small trains they can ride. The museum also has an observation deck where visitors can watch real Shinkansen trains passing by. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a great place to spend a half-day learning about Japan’s railway innovations.

The Subway Museum (Kasai, Tokyo)

Tokyo’s subway system is one of the most complex and efficient in the world, and the Subway Museum in Kasai is the perfect place to discover its secrets. Located near Kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, this museum is operated by the Tokyo Metro company and provides a fascinating insight into the development of the underground transportation network.

One of the highlights is the realistic subway simulators, which allow visitors to try driving a subway train. The simulators are designed to replicate the actual experience of operating a train, complete with buttons, levers, and realistic screen projections.

Kids will also enjoy exploring the real train cars on display, including old subway models that they can enter and explore. They can see how the design of subway cars has evolved over time and even sit in the driver’s seat. The interactive displays explain the complex systems behind subway operations, including how train schedules are managed and how tunnels are built.

Another fun feature is the section that explains how safety measures work in subway stations, including how automatic ticket gates function and how train signals are controlled. The museum is relatively small but packed with engaging activities that make learning about subway systems an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

The Police Museum (Ginza, Tokyo)

For children who are interested in police work and crime prevention, the Police Museum in central Tokyo is an exciting and educational destination. Located in the Ginza area, this museum is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and showcases the history and duties of Japan’s police force.

One of the main attractions is the opportunity for children to dress up in police uniforms and take photos. Kids can wear different police outfits, including those worn by traffic officers, riot police, and even police dog trainers. This makes for a fun and memorable experience.

The museum also features historical exhibits displaying old police uniforms, equipment, and vehicles, including real police motorcycles and patrol cars. Visitors can learn about the evolution of law enforcement in Japan, from the Edo period’s samurai-based policing system to today’s modern police force.

For children who enjoy interactive exhibits, there are simulation games where they can try directing traffic or solving simple crime scenarios. These hands-on activities provide an engaging way to understand the role of the police in maintaining public safety.

Another fascinating section covers Japan’s crime prevention strategies, including how the police respond to emergencies and how technology is used to keep cities safe. Parents will also appreciate the practical safety tips provided by the museum, which offer useful advice on staying safe while traveling in Japan.

Why These Museums Are Perfect for Foreign Visitors with Kids

All three museums offer a mix of education and entertainment, making them ideal for families visiting Japan. They provide English explanations on many exhibits, and even if some details are in Japanese, the visual and interactive nature of the displays ensures that visitors can still enjoy and learn from the experience.

These museums also give a deeper cultural understanding of Japan. The Railway Museum highlights the country’s engineering prowess and commitment to public transportation, the Subway Museum showcases the efficiency of Tokyo’s urban infrastructure, and the Police Museum provides insight into Japan’s approach to public safety.

Practical Information

• The Railway Museum (Omiya)
  • Location: Omiya, Saitama (about 30 minutes from Tokyo by train)
  • Admission: ¥1,330 for adults, ¥620 for elementary and junior high school students, ¥310 for preschoolers
  • Website: https://www.railway-museum.jp/en/
• The Subway Museum (Kasai, Tokyo)
  • Location: Kasai, Tokyo (near Kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
  • Admission: ¥220 for adults, ¥100 for children
  • Website: https://www.chikahaku.jp/en/
• The Police Museum (Ginza, Tokyo)
  • Location: Near Kyobashi Station and Ginza Station, Tokyo
  • Admission: Free
  • Website: https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/about_mpd/welcome/museum/

Conclusion

For families traveling to Japan, visiting The Railway Museum, The Subway Museum, and The Police Museum is a fantastic way to explore Japanese history, technology, and public services in an engaging way. These museums offer interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational, making them excellent destinations for children and parents alike. Whether your kids love trains, are fascinated by underground transportation, or dream of becoming a police officer, these museums provide an unforgettable experience that will make your trip to Japan even more special.