Hamasen Railway Museum: A Railway Enthusiast's Reflections

There are places that pull you in quietly—no grand entrance, no dramatic reveal—just a soft call that says, “Come explore.” That’s how my day at Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway and Pier-2 began. With no strict itinerary, only the excitement of a railway enthusiast ready to follow the tracks wherever they would lead. This blog is a continuation of my Taiwan, Two, Three… (2025 Series).

📅 Travel Dates: November 14–18, 2025

Journey from Aozihdi to Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway

From MRT Aozihdi Station, I transferred to the LRT Circular (Green) Line and got off at Hamasen Station. The moment I stepped out, I felt like I had entered a little pocket of history. I explored the rest of the Takao Railway Museum—roaming freely, happily, and with childlike excitement.

A collage of vintage locomotives and train cars displayed outdoors at Hamasen Railway Museum in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, including colorful engines and black freight cars on grassy tracks — At Hamasen Railway Museum, engines rested in color—iron frames and painted steel carrying echoes of journeys past.

The museum featured retired locomotives from the Japanese era, each one carrying its own story. The Hamasen LRT Station stood right beside Hamasen MRT Station. Timeless steel giants met the sleek modern lines of the LRT there.

A modern Kaohsiung Light Rail tram passing by a vintage red and yellow diesel locomotive at Hamasen Railway Museum — The new meets the old: Kaohsiung’s sleek light rail gliding past the giants of the past.

At one moment, the old locomotives and the new LRT appeared in one frame. I swear, it felt like watching history shake hands with the present. Some of the old trains were even turned into ice cream shops. So adorable, so unexpected, and so Taiwan.

Entrance to the Takao Railway Museum in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with a glass roof, signage in Chinese and English, and a weathered building facade. — Entrance to the Takao Railway Museum in Kaohsiung, preserving Taiwan’s railway heritage.

Pier‑2: Art, Railways, and Memories

After soaking up everything at the Takao Railway Museum, I wandered toward the Pier-2 Art Center. The old warehouses had been transformed into cute cafés, quirky shops, and creative spaces.

Then I stumbled upon the Hamasen Railway Museum of Taiwan.

Colorful cartoon cat display and seating area inside the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway in Kaohsiung — The playful and modern side of Taiwan’s transit history—where even the museum displays invite you to take a seat and enjoy the ride.

I bought my ticket, walked in, and instantly felt like I was stepping into a living timeline. My railway-enthusiast heart was more than delighted.

Hamasen Railway Museum: Taiwan’s Railway Heritage

I spent extra time inside the Hamasen Railway Museum. It felt like stepping into a preserved heartbeat of Kaohsiung’s past. The moment I entered, the atmosphere shifted. It became quiet and nostalgic. It was almost as if the place wanted visitors to slow down and pay attention. The museum wasn’t just displaying artifacts; it was telling a story.

Modern yellow and grey signage for the Hamasen Pier 2 Line on an aged brick wall in Kaohsiung — The industrial textures of Kaohsiung meet modern design—a perfect symbol of how the city has transformed its railway roots into a creative hub.

As I browsed through the exhibits, the displays of railway memorabilia instantly pulled me in. I was captivated by the different hats worn by railway staff. The neatly arranged uniforms also caught my attention. There were old Taiwan railway maps as well. Even collectible stamps that travelers once used as souvenirs were on display. Each item carried a piece of history.

Hand holding a blue admission ticket in front of a large black vintage steam locomotive inside the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway — A ticket to travel through time—standing face-to-face with the massive steel engines that once powered Taiwan’s industry.

I loved discovering that each hat and uniform symbolized a different role—station staff, marshals, conductors. It made me appreciate how organized Taiwan’s railway culture is. It is deeply rooted, especially with the strong influence from the Japanese era.

Collage showing vintage railway artifacts, including conductor uniforms, historic paper tickets, old maps of Taiwan, and a 'Takao Station' sign at the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway. — From historic tickets to the uniforms of the past, these small details are the heartbeat of Taiwan’s railway story.

One of my favorite corners of the museum was the miniature area. I saw Kaohsiung from above. Actual trains ran along the tracks below. It was mesmerizing—like watching the city’s heartbeat in motion. Watching the trains glide along the rails was enchanting. The city moved around them while they glided. This made the history in the museum feel alive. It felt present and connected to today.

Detailed miniature diorama of the historic Takao port and railway yard at the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway. — A miniature coastal city at Kaohsiung’s railway museum—ships docked in the harbor, trains lined on the tracks, and a hillside town brought to life in intricate detail.

And, of course, the highlight of my visit was trying the “rail bikes.” I’m not sure if that’s the exact term. It felt like I was biking along the rail tracks themselves. I couldn’t help but laugh. In that moment, I felt like the train conductor. I was in charge of my own little railway adventure! It was simple, fun, and unexpectedly thrilling—exactly the memory that sticks with you.

CJ Oliva smiling while sitting on a manual rail bike next to a large black steam locomotive at the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway. — Who knew railway history could be this much fun? Getting hands-on (and feet-on!) with the vintage rail equipment at Hamasen.

The museum is not massive. Yet, every corner felt intentional. It seemed like it wanted visitors to understand the heart behind Taiwan’s railway history, not just the hardware. When I finally stepped outside, it felt like I had walked through a living memory. This memory was saved for travelers like me to discover.

I wrapped up my entire railway museum afternoon with a full and happy heart.

Close-up of a modern Kaohsiung Light Rail tram with colorful commercial advertisements at a station platform during sunset — Sleek, modern, and vibrant—Kaohsiung’s light rail isn’t just a way to get around; it’s a moving canvas of the city’s energy.

Milk Tea and Sunset Moments

I continued strolling around Pier-2. I was still catching glimpses of the LRT Circular Line gliding by. It was like it was part of the art. As I walked toward Dayi Pier Station, I treated myself to milk tea. I saw my first-ever sunset in Taiwan, right here in Kaohsiung.

Hand holding a tall purple and blue cup of iced tea from a local street vendor at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung during the golden hour — A refreshing end to a day of exploration—nothing beats a cold tea while soaking in the golden hour at Pier-2.

Golden. Serene. Soft. Beautiful. Unforgettable.
A moment that made me pause and just breathe.

Silhouetted palm trees and a modern cable-stayed bridge over the water during a vibrant orange sunset in Kaohsiung — Ending the day where the city meets the sea—a breathtaking sunset over the harbor to wrap up my railway journey.

Sunsets will never feel the same again. And that’s when I made a quiet promise to myself: I will return to this lovely port city. Maybe soon. Hopefully soon.

Street art mural of a child at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan — This little guy brings big laughs at Pier-2! 😂

And that little boy urinating mural? It was one of those little surprises Pier-2 is known for. It was art that made me pause, smile, and laugh out loud (who cares). I let my phone’s camera do its job 😂.

Leaving Hamasen with a Lighter Heart

I promised myself I would return to this lovely port city someday. I don’t know when, but I know I’ll be back—hopefully sooner rather than later.

Modern yellow Kaohsiung Light Rail tram turning a corner past a station platform — A splash of yellow against the city skyline—Kaohsiung’s modern transit in motion.

I ended my day walking along the waterfront with a light heart and a peaceful mind. No rush, no worries—just the calm joy of being exactly where I needed to be. Kaohsiung has that effect on me. It captured my mind, heart, and soul… and as I left, I already knew: this wouldn’t be the last time.

The geometric honeycomb architecture of the Kaohsiung Music Center glowing during the sunset golden hour in Taiwan — The future of Kaohsiung’s skyline: the Kaohsiung Music Center glowing like a golden hive in the setting sun.

It was the moment I always longed for—worry-free and calm, carried by the quiet magic of solo travel.

More photos here: 👇

Where modern transit meets street art—catching the light rail as it glides past the iconic murals of the Pier-2 Art Center.
Finding a familiar friend in a new city—the playful Snoopy installation at Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center.
Where history meets the avant-garde—this refurbished warehouse at Pier-2 is a beautiful reminder of Kaohsiung’s industrial roots.
All aboard! The adorable miniature train navigating the historic narrow-gauge tracks between the old warehouses.
A gateway between eras: this traditional arch stands as a colorful sentinel amidst the modern bustle of the city.
Taking a moment to appreciate the beautiful branding—nothing beats a refreshing tea break while exploring the city.
Finding a moment of stillness as the sun dips below the horizon at the Port of Kaohsiung.
Watching the industrial heart of Kaohsiung pulse against a golden sky. 🌅
Xiao long bao for dinner at Liuhe Night Market—dumpling heaven! 🥟
Entering one of the world’s most beautiful subway stations under the glow of its architectural canopy.
Catching the smooth glide of the Kaohsiung Light Rail as the city begins to glow in the late afternoon sun. 🚆
Watching the sky catch fire behind the industrial silhouettes of the harbor.
A personal street view in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, showing tiled sidewalks, a patterned manhole cover, and urban infrastructure details. 👟