Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center — Attraction in Tsuru

Alrighty - Full English guide for it:

Worth a visit! But only on test days, otherwise the train is not running between the stations. You will find the test days on the website. On the day I was there, itkept running between the stations every 5-10minutes, you will be able to photograph it from both directions very frequently.

You will NOT be able to ride the train, this is not happening here and only possible as japanese citizen plus months or years of waiting in advance (and I think it is a lottery).

A bit annoying to get to, either you get off at Kasei station when coming from Mt Fuji, or Tanokura station when coming from Tokyo. From both it is around 20min walking, while from Kasei station with additional steep walk! Rely on Google Maps, that works fine - although there are no signs pointing the way. Couldnt find any bus connection directly to the centre. You could also walk from the JR station from Otsuki, but this will take 1hr, however you would be able to reach the centre with the JR Pass, as the stations beyond Otsuki are not operated by JR and therefore you need to pay (and it’s comparatively expensive). Bring a Suica or Pasmo Card, as the ticket machine at Tanokura is not working!

If you have a car - easy going, free parking lot.

The Maglev exhibition centre is between the two ends, so you will be able to experience the roughly 500km/h outside on a terrace or inside from the observatory for 420 yen. There is also a free observatory about 50m further.

The exhibition is well made, and there will be a big explanation about the used tecnique, however most will be in japanese. Nice little shop, total of 3 floors, free coin locker available (100yen deposit).

Overall 5 stars (on test days), minus half for accessibility by...

If you are in any way interested in trains, this is a must-see. The world's fastest train, Maglev (known as Linear Shinkansen in Japanese), performing test runs back and forward on the test track. The thunder-like roar and rumble as the white bullet effortlessly screams past you at over 500km/h is unmatched by anything on rails today and is awe-inspiring. Be sure to visit on a testing day (calendar is available online), and you will see multiple passes during your visit. Screens display the test unit's location and speed, and there's plenty of warning to get to one of the multiple viewing locations to see it pass. Within the exhibition centre itself is a previous test unit, along with many displays on how the technology works and the plans for the first commercial deployment between Tokyo and Osaka, of which the test track will become a part.

The only downside is the site is a bit of a faff to get to by public transport. Note that while Otsuki is on the Chuo line, the vast majority of trains from Tokyo do not go there, instead requiring a change at Takao. From Otsuki there is a rather infrequent bus, or it's about ¥2500 by taxi. There is another bus service from the centre which operates to Tsuru University, which runs by Kasei station from which you can connect. This bus is also infrequent and does not appear on Google maps but does accept Suica. A little sign at the bus stop shows times for this service and buses...

A wonderful place to visit! If you are fortunate enough, the trains may be tested on the day you visit! This center is to promote and educate about the Maglev Train that will be used in the Chuo Linear Line.

Inside the center, there is a mock version of the train/train car that you can enter. There is also a timeline of the maglev train system and its testing, along with some small-scale models of the previous and current maglev trains. There are videos about the train, its history, and the technology used.

On the next floor, there are interactive activities and a small maglev train ride to show how the technology works.

On the third floor, there is a diorama of a part of Yamanashi Prefecture. There is also a theatre with a 10-15 minute video on the Maglev train and its likely effect on Japan.

I am excited to see where this technology will be used, and to know that many people are coming to this place to learn more...