Kyushu Railway History Museum
Explore vintage locomotives and interactive exhibits detailing Kyushu's rich railway history. A must-visit for families and train lovers!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more simulator time
Kyushu Railway History Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more simulator time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vintage locomotives and interactive exhibits detailing Kyushu's rich railway history. A must-visit for families and train lovers!
"A must visit place when you're in mojiko, here you'll learn the history of kyushu trains then and now."
🎟️ Simulator Reservations
Book your train simulator slot early, especially on weekends! It's a small fee but highly sought after.
🚶♀️ Explore Mojiko Retro
The museum is adjacent to Mojiko Station and the historic Mojiko Retro area. Combine your visit!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Train Carriages
Outdoor display
Step inside beautifully preserved steam locomotives and early electric trains, some dating back to the early 20th century.
Train Simulator Experience
Indoor exhibit
Feel the thrill of being a train captain! This popular interactive exhibit lets you control a train through scenic routes.
Model Train Play Area
Indoor exhibit
A fun, hands-on area where kids (and adults!) can play with intricate model train sets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Simulator Time in Advance
Combine with Mojiko Retro Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Simulator Reservations
Book your train simulator slot early, especially on weekends! It's a small fee but highly sought after.
🚶♀️ Explore Mojiko Retro
The museum is adjacent to Mojiko Station and the historic Mojiko Retro area. Combine your visit!
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is very reasonable, making it a great value for train enthusiasts of all ages.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of great spots for photos, especially with the vintage trains and the surrounding retro architecture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Simulator Reservations
Book your train simulator slot early, especially on weekends! It's a small fee but highly sought after.
🚶♀️ Explore Mojiko Retro
The museum is adjacent to Mojiko Station and the historic Mojiko Retro area. Combine your visit!
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is very reasonable, making it a great value for train enthusiasts of all ages.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of great spots for photos, especially with the vintage trains and the surrounding retro architecture.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
A hit with children who love trains, offering interactive exhibits and mini-train rides.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
A charming and affordable museum that offers a delightful look into Kyushu's railway history. Visitors praise the well-preserved vintage trains and interactive exhibits, especially the train simulator, though some wish for more English translations. It's a highly recommended stop for families and train enthusiasts, especially when combined with the nearby Mojiko Retro area.
"Kyushu railway history museum is a nice museum to understand more about trains, although not a very big one. You can try the train simulator and play with the model train for ¥100. You can even take the mini train ride to become a train captain for ¥300 but could be close due to bad weather."
Randy Ngatimin
"A must visit place when you're in mojiko, here you'll learn the history of kyushu trains then and now.
As a JR pass user I always wonder why there are old trains and newer trains and all these are explained here.
Some interesting exhibits are old tickets, old trains that re removed, tracks types"
Willie Lorenzo
"my sons love trains so when they know there is a train museum in kyushu, they keep nagging to go here. quite nice, not too big like the one we went on another city but they still like it. there are several old trains on the train garage with each of their history. we can also go inside the museum which shows many old things related to trains. kids also can play train simulator by paying 100 yen only, but you need to get ticket reservation because most children would like to play this."
lenny lenny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station. If you're arriving by Shinkansen, you'll likely transfer at Kokura Station to reach Mojiko.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the proximity to Mojiko Station suggests public transport is the easiest way to access the museum. Consider local parking options if driving.
Yes, you can reach the museum from Fukuoka. It's a journey that typically involves taking the Shinkansen to Kokura Station and then transferring to the local JR line to Mojiko Station.
Kitakyushu is accessible by Shinkansen to Kokura Station. From there, you can take local trains to reach areas like Mojiko.
Absolutely! The museum is part of the charming Mojiko Retro district, featuring historic red brick buildings, the Blue Wing Moji, and waterfront views. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable. Adults typically pay around ¥300, and children around ¥150. Children under 4 often get in for free.
The museum is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry usually at 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes.
While general admission doesn't usually require advance booking, popular interactive exhibits like the train simulator might benefit from early reservation due to high demand.
While not explicitly stated, being a JR museum, it's worth inquiring about any potential benefits for JR Pass holders upon arrival.
Yes, the museum is highly recommended for families and train enthusiasts of all ages, with interactive exhibits for children and historical displays for adults.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can explore a collection of vintage steam locomotives and early electric trains, step inside some carriages, view railway artifacts, and try interactive exhibits like the train simulator and model trains.
Many visitors find the train simulator to be a highlight, offering a realistic experience of driving a train. It's a small fee and highly recommended, but book ahead!
Yes, there's a mini train ride where you can feel like a train captain for a small fee. It's a fun experience, especially for younger visitors.
Some visitors have noted that translations into languages other than Japanese can be limited, which might be a challenge for non-Japanese speakers.
The museum features a variety of historical trains, including steam locomotives like the C59 series and early electric trains, showcasing the evolution of Kyushu's railway system.
📸 📸 Photography
Definitely! The vintage trains, especially when displayed outdoors, offer fantastic photo opportunities. The surrounding Mojiko Retro area also provides picturesque backdrops.
Yes, you can enter and photograph the interiors of several of the preserved vintage train carriages on display.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. The museum's proximity to the sea also means you might catch nice sunset views.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. It's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For those interested in capturing the details of the trains, a lens that can handle both wide shots and close-ups would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Admission is very affordable, making it a budget-friendly outing. The museum's proximity to Mojiko Station and the surrounding Mojiko Retro area also means you can easily plan a full day of family-friendly activities without extensive travel. Remember to book simulator time in advance to ensure everyone gets a chance to try it out.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
The museum effectively showcases the engineering advancements and the societal impact of railways in the region. While some exhibits might have limited English translations, the visual nature of the displays and the sheer impressiveness of the historical trains make it a rewarding visit for anyone passionate about locomotives and railway history.
📸 Photographers
+1Beyond the trains themselves, the Mojiko Retro district provides a wealth of photographic subjects, from the iconic red brick buildings to the waterfront views. Consider visiting during the golden hours of late afternoon for softer light, and don't forget to capture the details of the trains, like the intricate machinery and signage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Kyushu's Rail History
Beyond the impressive rolling stock, the museum delves into the broader history of railways through displays of old tickets, station signs, and historical photographs. An upstairs exhibition room further details railway artifacts and the impact of trains on society. For those interested in the technical aspects, the museum also features information on different track types and the operational side of railways. This comprehensive approach ensures that visitors gain a well-rounded understanding of the significance of rail travel in Kyushu's history.
One of the most engaging aspects for many visitors, particularly families, is the interactive element. The museum offers a popular train simulator where you can experience driving a train, and a model train play area for hands-on fun. These activities transform a historical learning experience into an entertaining adventure, making it a memorable visit for all ages.
Experiencing the Museum: Tips from Visitors
The museum's location is another significant plus. Situated right next to Mojiko Station, it's an integral part of the picturesque Mojiko Retro district. This means you can easily combine your museum visit with exploring the charming red brick buildings, waterfront, and other historical sites in the area, creating a full day of exploration.
+1While the museum is praised for its content and affordability, some visitors have noted that exhibits may not be extensively translated into English. This is something to keep in mind if you rely heavily on detailed textual information. Despite this, the visual displays and the hands-on nature of many exhibits make it an enjoyable experience for international visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit