Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum
Japan · 下京區 · Landmarks
Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.
Overview
The Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum was a railway museum themed around steam trains, located in the Umekoji area of Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, adjacent to the current Kyoto Railway Museum and Umekoji Park. The museum opened in 1972 and was closed on August 30, 2015, after which it was integrated and expanded as part of the Kyoto Railway Museum. Currently, the display and experience functions of steam trains are handled by the Kyoto Railway Museum.
Getting There
To reach the original site of the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, you can take the JR West San'in Main Line (Sagano Line) to 'Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station', and it is about a 2 to 5-minute walk to the Kyoto Railway Museum and the old museum area. You can also walk about 15 to 20 minutes from the central exit of JR 'Kyoto Station', or take a city bus to 'Umekoji Park · Kyoto Railway Museum Mae' and walk a few minutes to arrive.
Highlights
The biggest feature of the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum is its extensive preservation and display of steam locomotives from various periods in Japan, including the 'Umekoji Roundhouse' completed in 1914 and the central turntable, which are highly representative facilities in the history of Japanese railways. The museum once housed 19 steam locomotives, most of which were maintained in operational condition, and arranged for the 'SL Steam Train Experience Train' to run on the museum's branch line, allowing visitors to personally experience the power and whistle of steam trains. The information exhibition hall at the entrance was originally the wooden station building of the old Nijo Station built in 1904, which has both railway and modern architectural value, forming a complete steam railway preservation area along with the roundhouse.
What to See
Roundhouse and Turntable: The Umekoji Roundhouse, built in 1914, is a reinforced concrete structure that houses many steam locomotives arranged in a fan shape, with a large turntable in the center used for dispatching and turning vehicles. It was designated as an important cultural property of Japan in 2004. Steam Locomotive Collection: The museum preserves about 19 steam locomotives from different eras and types, of which about 7 are maintained in operational condition and can be started regularly. Some were even used as locomotives for trains carrying the Emperor, adorned with the chrysanthemum emblem symbolizing the imperial family. SL Steam Train Experience Train: The museum previously arranged three short experience runs daily, lasting about 10 minutes, running back and forth along a branch line next to the JR railway. Although the exterior of the carriages resembles a park train, the actual pulling vehicle is an authentic steam locomotive, which is very popular among families and railway enthusiasts. Information Exhibition Hall (Old Nijo Station Building): The entrance building is a wooden station building completed in 1904, originally the old Nijo Station, relocated here for use as an information exhibition hall. It displays steam locomotive parts, models, documents, and videos, showcasing the development of Japanese railway technology and the history of the steam era. Surroundings of Umekoji Park: One side of the museum area is the lush Umekoji Park, where visitors can take a stroll, have a picnic, or let children play after visiting the steam locomotives. It is a rare large family-friendly green space in downtown Kyoto.
Hours & Admission
The Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum officially closed on August 30, 2015, and the previous ticketing and opening hours information is only of historical reference value. In the past, the museum operated on a ticket system, with adult tickets priced at about 410 yen and children over four years old at about 100 yen. Additionally, riding the SL steam train experience required an extra ticket (adult about 200 yen, children about 100 yen), with opening hours from 10:00 to 17:30 (last admission at 17:00), closed on Wednesdays and during the year-end and New Year holidays. Currently, the steam locomotive displays and experience trains are incorporated into the operations of the Kyoto Railway Museum, and the latest ticket and opening information should be based on the official announcements from the Kyoto Railway Museum.
Address
Japan 〒600-8835 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Shimogyo Ward, Kanki Temple Town (original site of the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, now part of the Kyoto Railway Museum and Umekoji Park area)
Travel Tips
Since the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum has been integrated into the Kyoto Railway Museum, if you wish to visit steam locomotives and the roundhouse, it is recommended to directly plan a visit to the Kyoto Railway Museum, where you can also enjoy steam locomotives, Shinkansen, and various electric trains from different eras, with content richer than during the old museum period. It is advisable to reserve at least half a day, and families can combine visits to Umekoji Park and the Kyoto Aquarium for a complete family leisure route. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, so if you want to leisurely photograph the roundhouse and vehicles, you can avoid peak holiday periods like Japan's consecutive holidays and Golden Week. The climate is more comfortable in spring and autumn, making it suitable for outdoor photography and activities in the park; during summer, strong sunlight is prevalent, so it is recommended to bring sun protection and stay hydrated, while in winter, be mindful of keeping warm. You can use an IC card to take the JR or city bus, and pay attention to the regular closing days of the Kyoto Railway Museum (mostly Wednesdays) and any temporary closure announcements.
Nearby Dining
There are several cafes and light meal shops around Umekoji Park and the Kyoto Railway Museum, and there is also a dining area within the museum offering simple meals, children's meals, and desserts, suitable for families and groups to rest and dine. If walking from Kyoto Station, you can dine at nearby shopping malls or the underground shopping street, with a wide variety of options including ramen, snacks, cafes, and Japanese restaurants, making it suitable to arrange a meal before or after your visit. There are also grassy areas near Umekoji Park suitable for picnics, where travelers can buy bento and drinks from Kyoto Station or supermarkets to enjoy in the park, paired with the steam locomotives and railway scenery for a unique experience.
FAQ
Q: Is the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum still in operation? A: The Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum closed on August 30, 2015, and has now been integrated and expanded as part of the Kyoto Railway Museum, with most of the original exhibits and facilities transferred to the new museum for continued display and operation. If you wish to see steam locomotives, the roundhouse, and the turntable, you need to go to the Kyoto Railway Museum to experience steam locomotive culture and various railway exhibits within its grounds. Q: Can I still see the Umekoji roundhouse and steam trains? A: You can still see the original Umekoji roundhouse, turntable, and several well-preserved steam locomotives within the Kyoto Railway Museum grounds. Some vehicles are still maintained in operational condition. The museum arranges steam locomotive experience trains to run, continuing the features of the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum era, allowing visitors to continue experiencing the charm of steam trains in the new museum environment. Q: How do I get from Kyoto Station to the original Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum (now the Kyoto Railway Museum)? A: From JR Kyoto Station, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk to the Kyoto Railway Museum and the area where the original Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum is located, with the route mostly heading towards Umekoji Park. You can also take the JR San'in Main Line (Sagano Line) one stop to 'Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station', then walk about 2 to 5 minutes, or take a city bus to 'Umekoji Park · Kyoto Railway Museum Mae' and walk a few minutes to arrive. Q: Is the ticket information for the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum still applicable? A: The ticket and opening hours information for the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum is no longer applicable and is only for historical reference. The current operations are managed by the Kyoto Railway Museum. If you want to plan your itinerary and budget, you need to refer to the latest ticket prices, business hours, and special exhibition information announced by the Kyoto Railway Museum, which can be found on their official website. Q: What attractions do you recommend for taking children to see steam trains in this area? A: It is recommended to focus on the Kyoto Railway Museum, allowing children to observe steam locomotives, Shinkansen, and various trains up close, with some areas offering driving simulations and other interactive experiences. Afterward, you can also visit the nearby Umekoji Park and Kyoto Aquarium, forming a day or half-day family route that balances education and outdoor activities while minimizing transportation time.
