The museum structure was designed by architect Toyo Ito, incorporating a distinct glass-curtain exterior that evokes a nautical aesthetic.
The building's unique shape earned it the nickname 'The Glass Ship'.
The permanent model railway exhibit includes over 3,000 individual train and vehicle models.
The museum serves as the terminal facility for the Astram Line, Hiroshima's automated guideway transit system.
The onsite 'Future City' diorama undergoes regular updates to reflect changing concepts in urban transportation technology.
The Numaji Transportation Museum, also known as the Hiroshima City Transportation Museum, is built on a site designed to resemble a giant glass ship. The museum features an expansive floor-to-ceiling model of a futuristic city, serving as a centerpiece for its displays on the evolution of land, sea, and air travel. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to operate vehicle simulators and learn about the mechanics of trains, ships, and aircraft. The museum houses a significant collection of scale models, including miniature replicas of Hiroshima’s historic streetcars and urban planning concepts. Educational workshops and seasonal hands-on events are frequently held for visitors interested in engineering and transit history. The facility sits adjacent to the Astram Line, which functions as an outdoor exhibit as it passes by the museum grounds.
The elevated observation deck providing a panoramic view of the internal model city.
Prioritize the vehicle simulators, which often have wait times during weekends and school holidays.
Visit the outdoor area to see the full-sized vintage streetcars and transit vehicles preserved on the grounds.
Check the museum's official calendar for special craft workshops if you are traveling with children.
Do not attempt to walk to the museum from downtown Hiroshima, as it is located in the suburban Asaminami district far from the city center.
Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) and during the year-end/new-year period.
Refrain from touching fragile scale models behind glass; use designated simulators for hands-on interaction.
