Nagahama Railway Square

Overview

The Nagahama Railway Square is a museum where you can experience the history of Nagahama's station buildings and railways. Designated as a Railway Monument, the former Nagahama Station building, the oldest extant station building in Japan, was completed in 1882 (Meiji 15). At that time, Nagahama played an important role as the starting point of the Hokuriku Main Line and as a station for the railway ferry between Nagahama and Otsu. The interior of the retro station building reproduces the atmosphere of that era, showcasing documents and photographs related to the railways of the time. You can explore the stationmaster's office and waiting room as they were then, and see fare tables and timetables from the railway ferry to imagine what Meiji-era railways were like. The Nagahama Railway Culture Museum exhibits the history of the Hokuriku Line and model trains. Initially, when the Hokuriku Main Line opened, passengers and cargo were transported by boat across Lake Biwa from Nagahama to Otsu. The museum displays documents, photographs, and models related to the railway ferries of that time, allowing visitors to glimpse the bustling railway scene of the Meiji era. The HO gauge model train running through a diorama depicting the current Nagahama Station is particularly impressive. The Hokuriku Line Electrification Memorial Hall displays actual steam and electric locomotives used in the past. The section of the Hokuriku Main Line between Maibara and Fukui once traversed difficult mountainous terrain, with numerous steep inclines and tunnels. Trains pulled by steam locomotives resulted in passengers suffering from smoke, and the speed and capacity of trains were limited. Therefore, a plan was developed to create new long tunnels and to electrify and double-track the line to increase transportation capacity. This memorial hall allows you to see these precious vehicles from that time. From the observation deck, you can see Hokuriku Line trains rushing past, a truly unforgettable experience for rail fans. Beyond the deck, you can also observe the current Nagahama Station layout and trains passing through the crossing. The Nagahama Railway Square is a precious spot where you can touch upon the history and culture of railways and feel the evolution of railways. It's a place that can be enjoyed by railway enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, so please visit!