If you’re visiting Tokyo with young kids and looking for a fun, hands-on, and uniquely Japanese experience, Keio Rail-Land is a must-visit. Located in Hino City, just a short ride from central Tokyo, this train-themed amusement spot offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment for families.
What is Keio Rail-Land?
Keio Rail-Land is a small but charming railway museum operated by the Keio Electric Railway, a private rail company in Tokyo. It’s designed especially for children, making it a perfect half-day trip for families with toddlers and young kids. The museum introduces the history and technology of Japanese trains in an interactive way, with real retired train cars, driving simulators, and miniature train rides.
Highlights for Kids (and Parents!):
- 🚆 Train Simulators: Try driving a real Keio train in a realistic simulator! It’s a big hit with kids who dream of being train conductors.
- 🛤️ Real Train Cars: Step inside actual train cars from different eras. Kids can explore the driver’s cabin and see how trains have changed over time.
- 🚋 Miniature Train Rides: Outside, children can hop on small trains that run on a track – fun, safe, and perfect for photo ops.
- 🧩 Play Area: There’s an indoor play zone with toy trains, tracks, and other railway-themed activities.
- 🏫 Interactive Exhibits: Learn how trains work through hands-on displays, buttons to push, and levers to pull.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Affordable: Admission is only 400 yen for adults and children over one year old.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: There’s a small snack area and clean restrooms.
- Quick Trip: You can easily visit in 2–3 hours, making it a good fit between other sightseeing spots. My 4yo son loves staying there, so we usually visit from the opening hour until around 1 or 2pm.
- On-Site Dining: Inside HUGHUG Forest, an indoor athletic park next to Rail Land, you’ll also find a casual dining area where families can enjoy lunch or a quick snack. It’s a stress-free option for parents traveling with small children.
Keio Rail-Land: Don’t Miss the Popular Play Areas!
Keio Rail-Land isn’t just a train museum—it’s a dream come true for kids who love trains. Two of the most popular attractions inside are the Asu-Rail Chic corner, a fun ball pit area for preschoolers, and the Plarail play area, where children can freely play with toy trains.
Both of these areas require free reservation tickets, which are distributed after you enter the facility. Tickets are handed out at the information desk, and each time slot has a limited capacity. Once a slot is full, you’ll need to get a ticket for the next available time.
Here’s what to know:
- Asu-Rail Chic is for preschoolers only, and each child needs their own ticket.
- The Plarail corner allows two children per ticket.
- You must use your current ticket before you can get another one.
- Tickets run out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so be sure to get yours early!
These zones are a highlight of the visit, especially for younger kids—so plan ahead and grab your spot as soon as you arrive.
There are many more other activities to enjoy
You can control the trains on a large model railway (diorama) for just 100 yen per 5 minutes. Need change? No problem—there’s a change machine nearby.
There’s also a special creative activity where kids can paint and assemble their very own Plarail train. It costs 1,100 yen per train, and it’s a popular souvenir—my son recently picked up his second one! To join in, purchase a ticket at the ticket machine across from the 1st-floor Information Center.
Another favorite is the Keio Bus ride, where children can “drive” the bus for 2 minutes per turn. Tickets are required, and kids should line up and wait their turn. Once seated, press the start button on the timer—when it beeps, time’s up!
For aspiring train conductors, there are also train driving simulators. There are two types:
- A realistic simulator that requires a reservation
- A casual version that’s available on a first-come, first-served basis by waiting in line
The realistic one is quite advanced, so it may be challenging for children under age 6 to use on their own.
With so many things to try, Keio Rail-Land is a paradise for young train fans and a great place to spend a few hours learning and playing.
Perfect Family Day Trip:
Start your morning at Keio Rail-Land, have lunch at the HUGHUG Forest café, then head to Tama Zoo for an afternoon of wildlife adventures. Since both are located at Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station, you won’t need to travel far between them.
With trains, animals, playgrounds, and food all in one place, this area is a dream destination for families traveling with young children – and a peaceful break from the busy Tokyo city center.
🌲 HUGHUG Forest: This is a large indoor playground inside the Rail-Land complex, featuring climbing areas, slides, and soft play zones – perfect for toddlers to burn off energy no matter the weather.
Family-Friendly Facilities at Keio Rail-Land
Keio Rail-Land is not only fun but also very family-friendly—perfect for parents with young children.
The restrooms are exceptionally clean and equipped with diaper-changing tables, making it easy to take care of little ones. There are plenty of benches for resting, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic inside.
You’ll also find vending machines selling drinks and snacks, and the information counter sells lunch boxes (bento)—some even come in limited-edition Keio-themed containers. These special bento boxes are very popular and often sell out quickly, so try to get one early in the day.
Please note: strollers are not allowed inside the exhibit areas, but there is a designated stroller parking area near the entrance.
Whether you’re staying for an hour or an afternoon, Keio Rail-Land offers a comfortable and convenient experience for families with young train lovers.
How to buy tickets for Keio Rail-Land
You can purchase tickets to Keio Rail-Land in two ways:
- Online in advance via Asoview, and show the QR code at the entrance.
- Directly at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Booking online is a good idea if you want to secure your spot ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.
How to Get There
Keio Rail-Land is located next to Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station, served by the Keio Line and Tama Monorail. From Shinjuku Station, it takes about 40 minutes.
Extend the Fun: Visit Tama Zoo Next Door
Right next to Keio Rail-Land is another fantastic destination for families: Tama Zoological Park, commonly known as Tama Zoo. If you’re already in the area, combining both spots makes for a full day of outdoor fun and learning for kids.
Tama Zoo is one of Tokyo’s largest and most spacious zoos, covering over 50 hectares of forested hills. Unlike traditional city zoos, it offers wide, naturalistic enclosures that give animals room to roam and visitors a more immersive experience. It’s al
Travel Tip: You can combine your visit with a trip to Tama Zoo, which is right next door. It makes for a full day of fun and learning for kids.
Whether your child is a little train enthusiast or you’re just looking for a unique, relaxing outing away from the crowds, Keio Rail-Land offers an authentic local experience that will delight the whole family.
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