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The Transportation Museum in Tokyo is a museum, which provides one with a complete insight into the history of railways in Japan. Besides this, the museum also houses a rich collection of marine as well as air transport of the country. The museum was set up in the year 1921 by the railway government existing at that time. The original name of the museum was Railway Museum. The Transportation Museum was originally situated on the northern side of Tokyo Station. However, in the year 1936, the museum was shifted near the Akihabara Station. After the Second World War, the name of this museum was changed form 'Railway Museum' to 'Transportation Museum'. At present, the museum is operated by the East Japan Railway Company. The Transportation Museum in Tokyo is a museum dedicated to surface, air and water transport of Japan. One can find huge models of cars, railway engines, planes and other modes of transportation over here. Apart from these models, visitors can check out the historical documents, paraphernalia, charts and other displays to get a complete idea about the history of railways, ships, automobiles and airplanes of this country. You can learn about the mechanism of these vehicles and also get a brief insight into the future of the different modes of transport. The entire museum is three-storied building. The first floor of the museum deals with trains. Here one can get to see real life models of trains and engines used in the olden as well as in the present day. The biggest attraction of this floor is the model of the first steam locomotive of Japan, dating back to 1872. One can also check out the model of the Emperor Meiji's Imperial carriage. Visitors can also take a look at the model of the bullet train in this museum. The museum also has a train simulator where the visitors can experience the thrill of being a train driver. The second floor of the museum deals with sea transport. One can get to see models of ancient ships dating back to the 18 century. You can check out the models of the modern day colossal tanks in this place. One of the biggest attractions of this place is the "Sengokubune", a merchant vessel dating back to the 18th century. On the third floor one get to see models of airplanes. One can take a look at the first airplane of Japan dating back to 1910 displayed on this floor. You can see parts of jet engines, nuts and bolts and others parts of an aircraft. The numerous models of surface transport are displayed in both the second and third floor of the museum. You can see the first set of automatic set traffic signal of Japan as well as the 1946 Mazda three-wheeler. You can also check out the first bus used by the Railway government. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and is closed on Mondays. Visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is not free. You can come to this museum by talking a train along the JR Sobu local line and come to Akihabara Station. From here, one has to come out of the 'Electric Town' exit and then see the relevant signs that will guide one to the museum. The museum is basically located on the right side of the railway bridge that goes above the Chuo Dori Avenue. The Transportation Museum in Tokyo is a great place to spend you day taking a look at the different models of surface, air and water transport. It is one of the most popular tourist spots meant for all age groups.
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