Takao Railway Museum Hamasen
Explore Taiwan's railway past at the historic Takao Railway Museum, featuring vintage trains and a stunning miniature diorama.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Takao Railway Museum Hamasen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Taiwan's railway past at the historic Takao Railway Museum, featuring vintage trains and a stunning miniature diorama.
"A beautiful museum capturing the historical evolution of railway in Kaohsiung and Taiwan."
🚂 Ride the Mini Train
Don't miss the miniature train ride! It's longer than you might expect and offers a fun perspective.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It can get very hot, especially during summer. Visit early or late, and stay hydrated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Train Collection
Outdoor Exhibition Area
Admire a colorful array of classic trains, each with its own unique charm and history.
Taiwan Railway Diorama
Indoor Exhibition Hall
Explore a stunning, expansive miniature model of Taiwan's railway system, complete with day-night cycles.
Miniature Train Ride
Outdoor Area
Enjoy a surprisingly long and scenic ride on a charming miniature train around the museum grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Embrace the Nostalgia
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Ride the Mini Train
Don't miss the miniature train ride! It's longer than you might expect and offers a fun perspective.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It can get very hot, especially during summer. Visit early or late, and stay hydrated.
📸 Train Spotting Fun
The colorful vintage trains are perfect for photos. Try to match your outfit for a fun shot! 
🕰️ History Buffs Rejoice
The museum details Taiwan's railway evolution, crucial for understanding the island's modernization.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Ride the Mini Train
Don't miss the miniature train ride! It's longer than you might expect and offers a fun perspective.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It can get very hot, especially during summer. Visit early or late, and stay hydrated.
📸 Train Spotting Fun
The colorful vintage trains are perfect for photos. Try to match your outfit for a fun shot!
🕰️ History Buffs Rejoice
The museum details Taiwan's railway evolution, crucial for understanding the island's modernization.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Takao Railway Museum for its historical significance and charming vintage trains, with the detailed miniature diorama being a particular highlight. It's considered a fun and educational stop for families and train enthusiasts alike. However, some feel the miniature land could be more engaging with additional moving parts.
"Too hot to sit the mini train during the day. The miniature land needs more moving parts, the trains are too few and the tracks too boring."
Janus Kiong
"Beautiful museum in the heart of port city Kaohsiung, capturing the historical evolution of railway in the city and Taiwan. The museum has many cool stuff, one of them being current railway system of whole Taiwan build in a miniature model. One third floor there’s hallway showing the timeline how railway played a vital role in modernization of the city, as well as iconic events in Taiwan’s history. Finally there’s a miniature train ride outside that goes around the outdoor area. Surprisingly it’s a long ride, lasting more than 5 minutes.
We had a great time at the museum, very fun place for kids. Easily takes couple of hours if you explore the museum in detail."
Nehal Ahmed
"The museum itself really doesn’t have much to see, but if you’re a scale model enthusiast, you’re going to love coming here! This was the highlight of the visit for me. The expansive room changes from night to day and the trains illuminate too. Beautiful dioramas depicting famous or main place in all of Taiwan are on display. Definitely make a stop, fun for kids and adults who love trains and dioramas."
Eiríkr L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at the former Kaohsiung Harbour Train Station. You can reach it via public transport, including buses and the Kaohsiung MRT. It's a central location within the city, making it accessible for most visitors.
While specific parking details can vary, the museum is in a central area of Kaohsiung. It's often recommended to use public transportation to avoid parking hassles. Consider nearby public parking lots if driving.
Depending on your starting point, it might be walkable. It's relatively close to the Pier-2 Art Center, making it a good combination for a day out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or local listings before your visit. Generally, museums in Taiwan operate during standard daytime hours.
Admission fees are typically very reasonable, especially considering the value offered. It's a budget-friendly option for exploring Kaohsiung's history.
Advance booking is usually not required for this museum. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for special events, it's always wise to check.
Absolutely! The miniature train ride and the detailed models are a big hit with kids. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
📸 📸 Photography
The vintage trains themselves are highly photogenic, especially the colorful ones. The miniature diorama hall also offers unique photographic opportunities, particularly with its lighting changes.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the museum, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions, especially for flash photography in certain areas.
Beyond the museum, Kaohsiung has a rich railway heritage. While the museum focuses on history, exploring the modern Kaohsiung Railway Station or nearby areas might offer contemporary train-related shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for about 1-2 hours here, especially if your kids love trains. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing in Kaohsiung and offers a unique glimpse into Taiwan's transportation history in an accessible format. Remember to visit during cooler parts of the day to ensure everyone's comfort.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
This museum offers a deep dive into the evolution of rail travel in Kaohsiung and beyond. It's a place to appreciate the engineering, the history, and the cultural significance of trains in shaping the island. Allow ample time to absorb the details, especially in the diorama hall.
📸 Photography Lovers
+1 The miniature diorama hall also presents a unique challenge and reward for photographers, especially when the lights change from day to night. Consider visiting during the golden hour for softer light on the outdoor trains. The historical architecture of the former Kaohsiung Harbour Train Station also provides a picturesque backdrop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Taiwan's Railway History
Inside, you'll find a wealth of exhibits that bring the past to life. A standout feature is the expansive miniature model of Taiwan's entire railway network. This detailed diorama, which transitions from day to night, showcases the interconnectedness of the island's transportation system and is a marvel for both train enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Beyond the models, the museum offers insights into iconic historical events and the societal impact of railways. The outdoor exhibition area displays a collection of vintage trains, each painted in distinct colors, offering a tangible connection to bygone eras. These locomotives are not just static displays; they represent the backbone of Taiwan's industrial and economic growth.
+1Family Fun and Miniature Worlds
The detailed miniature models inside the museum are also a major draw for children. They can spend time spotting familiar landmarks or imagining stories within these tiny landscapes. The museum's focus on trains and transportation is inherently captivating for many children, making it an ideal spot for a family outing that is both fun and informative.
While the museum is great for kids, it's important to note that the miniature land could benefit from more moving parts and a greater variety of trains to keep younger attention spans fully engaged. However, the overall experience remains positive, offering a good balance of activities for a few hours of exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit