Tobu Museum: Echoes of Railway History
When we arrived at the Tobu Museum in Tokyo's Sumida City, we originally thought we would just look at model trains and take pictures of old trains. But once we entered the exhibits, it felt like stepping, little by little, into a corridor through the history of Japanese railway development. Through actual railway cars and historical materials, the Tobu Museum traces the development of Tobu Railway from its founding to the present day.
What caught our attention most were the rows of carefully preserved old trains. From early coal-burning, steam-powered locomotives to the electric trains that followed as the railway was gradually electrified, each era has its own appearance and stories. The dark brown vintage electric train was especially charming in the modern exhibition space, with its wooden body, retro windows, and pantograph on the roof. Meanwhile, the vintage train preserved outdoors looked even more like a scene transcending time beneath the blue sky. The museum also preserves Tobu Railway's early No. 5 steam locomotive and a wooden electric train used during the early days of electrification in 1924, making the evolution of railway technology more tangible.
Interestingly, the boy didn't seem particularly excited about the model trains along the way. But when we came face-to-face with locomotives that had actually once raced along the tracks, we all slowed down without realizing it. Looking at the massive machinery, wheels, connecting rods, and driver's controls, we realized that trains are more than just transportation. They also carry the story of how people in an era traveled, lived, and journeyed far from home.
We didn't rush through this visit. Instead, it made us stop and take our time. From coal and steam to electrification and modern railways, trains changed more than just speed; they also changed the distance between people and cities. As we left the museum and looked back at the rows of old trains, it felt as though we could still hear whistles echoing from deep within the years.
Tobu World Square | Review by 陳泰任
Other Reviews by 陳泰任
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Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
The “Hakodate Ropeway” boasts a 125-seat giant gondola built with domestic and international technology and craftsmanship. It connects the base and summit of Mt. Hakodate at a speed of 7m/s, only a 3 minute ride to the summit. The current gondola is in its 5th generation. Originally it seated 30 seats, but became the way it is now after various refurbishments.
Mt. Hakodate on a Rainy Night, a Different Kind of Romance
What I looked forward to most on this trip to Hakodate, Hokkaido, was going up Mt. Hakodate to admire its famous night view. Mt. Hakodate is 334 meters above sea level, and the city is embraced by Hakodate Bay and the Tsugaru Strait. After nightfall, countless lights spread along the coastline, creating a distinctive fan-shaped display of light.
Unfortunately, a light rain was falling that evening, and clouds and mist shrouded the mountaintop. The city nightscape, which should have been clear and dazzling, took on a hazy quality. As the ropeway slowly ascended, the lights outside the window flickered in and out through the rain and mist. After arriving at the observation deck, we looked out through the glass. Downtown Hakodate was still brightly lit, while the sea was immersed in the deep blue of the night.
Although we didn't get the clearest view of Hakodate at night, we unexpectedly experienced the unique tranquility and romance of a rainy evening. Perhaps a wonderful trip doesn't always require perfect weather. Sometimes a light rain and a veil of mist make the memory even more profound. Hakodate was a little less clear that night, but a little more poetic. -
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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse features 4 warehouses and is a landmark of the Hakodate Bay Area. It is a romantic, and scenic spot featuring an array of red brick warehouses. It is popular among locals, tourists, and couples.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse・A Distant View of Mt. Hakodate
While strolling through Hakodate's Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, the setting sun quietly broke through the clouds, bathing the old brick walls in a warm golden glow. Looking along the canal, the red brick buildings and the sightseeing boats resting peacefully on the water complemented each other, creating a strong sense of this port city's character.
Looking up toward Mt. Hakodate in the distance, the radio towers at the summit appeared and disappeared in the twilight, while the mountains were outlined softly by the evening glow. Tall evergreen trees resembling Christmas trees stood among them, adding an extra touch of tranquility and romance.
At that moment, there was no rush to get to the next destination. I just wanted to stand quietly beside the red brick warehouses, watching the sunset, Mt. Hakodate, and the city slowly dress itself in nightfall. This sense of leisure is what made Hakodate such a captivating travel memory. -
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Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
The aquarium is centered around "Nixe Castle," which was built on the actual "Egeskov Castle" model in Denmark. About 400 species and 20,000 living things are on display. The entire interior of the beautiful brick castle is used as an aquarium.
Travel Notes from Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe in Hokkaido, Japan
Our Hokkaido trip brought us to Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, a marine world that looks like a fairy-tale castle. Upon entering the park, the first thing that caught our eye was the magnificent red-brick castle. It stood out against the deep blue sky and became an unforgettable sight on our journey.
As we strolled through the park, we enjoyed the European-style streetscape and Ferris wheel, but the rich variety of marine life inside was even more impressive. Schools of tropical fish swam through enormous tanks, while colorful coral and reefs created a vivid underwater world. Walking through the transparent underwater tunnel, with fish swimming overhead, was also a fascinating experience.
We took photos in front of the aquarium, capturing the joy and emotion of this trip. Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is more than just a place to see marine life. It feels like a journey combining castles, nature, and fairy tales, adding romance and surprise to our Hokkaido trip and leaving us with wonderful memories to look back on. -
