Tobu Museum: A Railway Enthusiast's Delight
Explore the history of Tobu Railway at this interactive museum with train exhibits, simulators, and a unique track-side viewing promenade.
The Tobu Museum is a railway museum in Sumida, Tokyo, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Tobu Railway, which began its services in 1899. Opened in May 1989 to commemorate the railway's 90th anniversary, the museum offers a captivating experience for train enthusiasts of all ages. The museum's collection includes a variety of full-size vehicles, such as steam locomotives, electric locomotives, and various railcars, some of which visitors can board. Highlights include the meticulously restored Steam Engine No. 5, which dates back to the founding of Tobu Railway, and a user-operated diorama that recreates a scale model of the Sumida area. Interactive exhibits, including train and bus simulators, provide engaging, hands-on experiences. A unique feature is the "Watching Promenade," which allows visitors to observe passing trains at close range from underneath the Higashi-Mukojima Station platform. The Tobu Museum not only exhibits railway vehicles but also features a reproduction of a station office, complete with ticket gates, vending machines, and other railway artifacts. The museum also hosts special events and shows, such as the "SL Show," where the wheels of a steam engine turn and its whistle blows.
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially if you want to try the train simulators.
- Check the schedule for the "SL Show" and "Panorama Show" to catch these popular attractions.
- Take advantage of the "Watching Promenade" for a close-up view of trains in action.
- The museum shop offers a variety of original items and souvenirs, perfect for train enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Tobu Museum
- 4 Chome-28-16 Higashimukojima, Sumida City, 4 Chome Higashimukojima, Tokyo, 131-0032, JP
- +813-3614-8811
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Tobu Museum is directly accessible via the Tobu Skytree Line. Take the train to Higashi-Mukojima Station. The museum is located right next to the station. A single fare from Tokyo Skytree Station to Higashi-Mukojima Station is approximately ¥160. From the ticket gate, follow Hakubutsukanmae Street to the right.
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Walking
From Tokyo Skytree, it's approximately a 25-minute walk to the Tobu Museum. Head east along the main road, then turn north towards Higashi-Mukojima. The museum is located next to Higashi-Mukojima Station.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Sumida City. A short taxi ride from Tokyo Skytree to the Tobu Museum will cost approximately ¥2,900-¥3,500 and take about 5 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also use the Uber app to request a taxi.
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Driving
If driving, take National Route 6 and turn onto Hakubutsukanmae Street at Mukojima-shobosho-mae. The museum has a small free parking lot for up to 12 vehicles, located about 100 meters from Higashi-Mukojima Station. Parking is under the overpass in the direction of Kanegafuchi Station.
Attractions Nearby to Tobu Museum
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Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens
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Shirahige Bridge
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Hashiba Fudoson
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Sakurabashi Bridge
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Imado Shrine
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Tamahime Inari Shrine
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Shioiri Park
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Atsuta Shrine
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Donguri Republic (Ghibli Store in Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi)
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Sanyabori Park
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Matsuchiyama Shoden
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Solamachi Dining Skytree View
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Park
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Tokyo Sky Tree East Tower
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Asakusa amezaiku Ameshin Tokyo Sky Tree Town Soramachi shop
Landmarks nearby to Tobu Museum
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Oshinari Bridge
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Sumidagawa Boat Memorial Monument
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2-chōme-34-5 Minamisenju
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Asakusa Shrine
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Mr. and Mrs. Yonetaro Otani Statues
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Sensō-ji
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Senso-ji Hozomon Gate
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Hōzōmon Gate
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Five-Storied Pagoda
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hotel MONday Asakusa
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50 Senjuhashidochō
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Nippon-Daemon
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Akaboshi Juzaburo Statue
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1-chōme-36-4 Asakusa
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Azumbashi Bridge