Things to do: Visit the Saitama railway museum

The history of Japanese railroads goes back as far as 1872, when a railroad was opened between Yokohama and Tokyo (just in time for Isabella Bird to use it in 1875). The network was quickly expanded, but the highlight of the modern Japanese railway system is the Shinkansen, a network of high-speed trains with a remarkable track record of punctuality and safety. The Saitama railway museum tells the history of all public transport in Japan; the Shinkansen exhibits are an important part of the museum. Many types of Shinkansen are on display, and you can even drive your own trains in the simulators of the museum.

See also the official website, and the JNTO page about the museum.

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