HYPER LOCAL NAGOYA
If you’re wondering what to do in Nagoya with kids and your family, allow us to introduce you to a hidden gem – the Retro Train Museum called ‘Nagoya City Tram & Subway Museum’ in nearby Nisshin City. This hidden treasure is one of those off-the-beaten-path things to do in Nagoya, and the best part is, it won’t cost you a single yen – that’s right, it’s free!
Taking a whimsical trip back to the Showa era!
Step inside to a time when trams ruled Nagoya’s streets, and the subway was but a twinkle in the city planner’s eye. At this museum, it’s not just about looking at old tram cars; you can actually hop aboard these vintage tram cars, play pretend in the driver’s seat, and even tinker with the controls.
It’s like a time machine back to the Showa era, a time when trams were the cool kids in town. Who knows, maybe back then, the city was safer, the streets were prettier, and life in Nagoya was all about the ‘ding-ding’ of tram bells. You’ll feel nostalgic and sentimental all at once.
For families visiting with kids, it’s a chance to not only learn about the history of trams but also to touch, feel, and hear the rumbles unique to these surface-running wonders. Trams were more than just a means of transportation; they were part of the city’s culture.
The ‘Yellow Subways of Nagoya’!
One can’t help but wonder, ‘Why didn’t Nagoya keep this going?’ – a complex question best pondered while gazing at the bright yellow Nagoya subway cars on display!
Speaking of which, the Retro Tram Museum also proudly showcases the original 100-series subway cars that once shuttled between Nagoya and what was then Sakae. Fondly nicknamed the ‘Yellow Train,’ these cars symbolized Nagoya’s subway system from 1957 to 2000.
The Higashiyama Line, running from east to west across Nagoya, passing through the bustling downtown of Sakae and connecting the city’s eastern regions, was the first subway line to grace Nagoya. It served as the lifeline of city transit.
So, if you’re on the lookout for things to do in Nagoya, especially with kids, why not give the Retro Tram Museum a visit? This hidden gem isn’t your typical tourist destination. It’s far from the central attractions, and you might not find much English here. However, that’s precisely what makes it a unique and truly local experience. It’s not just a journey through history; it’s a hands-on adventure that’ll make you appreciate the ever-evolving cityscape of Nagoya while feeling the heartbeat of the past like a true local.
Nagoya City Tram & Subway Museum
（名古屋レトロ電車館）
Nagoya City Transportation Bureau Nisshin Factory, 30 Kasahara, Asada-cho, Nisshin
