Shinkansen, robot servers, and ridiculously high-tech toilets — Japan has a reputation for being at the cutting edge of science. No surprise, then, that the science museums in Tokyo can be pretty mindblowing. Here are six of our favorites.
1. National Museum of Nature and Science: Animals, atoms, and adventure
¥630 for adults, free for childrenBuy tickets online
Ueno
This Tokyo science museum is an animal lover’s dream, and one of our most family-friendly choices. Spread out over two multi-floor galleries, the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo explores the background behind Japan’s diverse wildlife.
The Japan gallery focuses on the history of Japan’s flora and fauna, while the global gallery covers the scientific aspects. There are true-to-size displays of everything from whales to beetles, and plenty of information in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.
This museum is perfect for little hands, with interactive displays and staff-led activities to take part in. The staff usually speak at least some English, and instructions are written in the same four languages. Also, there’s an exploration/play area for the tots on the third floor, full of simple books and animal toys.
Tickets for National Museum of Nature and Science are ¥630 for adults, and you can buy them online.
2. Miraikan: Step into tomorrow
¥630 for adults, ¥210 for childrenOdaiba
Japan’s futuristic tech will have caught your eye by now, and there’s nowhere better to get a feel for it than the Miraikan in Tokyo. Also known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, the Miraikan has exhibitions around space, robotics, and human advancement.
A major theme throughout the displays is how science has evolved in the last several decades, making it a great spot for people interested in the tech advances waiting around the corner.
Split across three floors of permanent exhibitions, along with limited-time exhibitions on the ground, there’s plenty of interactive fun to be had. Exhibits on space and the advances in science let you get involved — you’ll find yourself navigating through space, exploring the basics of robots, and more. Displays have Japanese and English text, but you can also join a guided tour on weekends and holidays.
Children: ¥210
3. Earthquake Science Museum: Understand the reality of an earthquake
FreeNishigahara
For an immersive — and frankly terrifying — experience, head to the Earthquake Science Museum in northern Tokyo. Here, rather than just reading about the natural disasters that have been part of Japanese life for so long, you’ll be in the middle of one. Step into their earthquake simulator, and you’ll be able to experience a range of seismic strengths, even up to the strength of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.
As part museum, part memorial, the Earthquake Science Museum also offers advice on disaster preparedness, and simulations of other emergencies such as smoke, fires, and medical issues. As a relatively small, ward-funded museum, it lacks the trimmings of some larger museums on this list, but the gravity of the subject makes it worth a detour. Also check out the Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center.
4. TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery: AI, holograms, and other futures
Free, but online reservations requiredGaienmae
If you love getting stuck in, TEPIA is the museum for you. Focusing on futuristic tech innovations, TEPIA shows how virtual reality, holograms, and AI will be a part of our future. It showcases ideas from young pioneers on how they’ll be used in homes, hospitals, and other key facets of life. You’ll be able to explore a home controlled entirely through holographic remotes in one display. Turn around, and you’ll experience your face and voice transform under the guidance of AI.
What sets TEPIA apart from other museums is the level of engagement. TEPIA isn’t a museum where you watch, you participate. Book in advance and check the schedule to join their workshops. For their robotics exhibition, you’ll be programming commands into robots. The workshop is easy to follow and intuitive — ideal for families and little ones. If you’re more artistic, head to the creative lab and book a session there. You’ll learn the basics of 3D printing, and create an original memento.
5. Museum of Marine Science: Explore the Japanese seas
FreeShinagawa
Our next museum is one for the ocean lovers. If you’re in Shinagawa, stop by the Museum of Marine Science for a glimpse beneath the waves. This small university museum has specimens from the seas surrounding Japan and beyond. Spread over two floors, you can explore great expeditions to far-flung corners of the world, such as Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and even the Arctic Circle.
But the real attraction of this museum is the animal specimens. Their centerpiece is a 20-meter long European gray whale skeleton, alongside a second, smaller whale. You can also see enormous spider crabs, other shellfish and crustaceans, as well as local and regional fish from all across Japan.
It’s a great spot for fishing enthusiasts to learn about the best catches in Japan, or just to find out a little more about the Japanese seas. Most of the exhibits are only in Japanese, but the free literature by the door has plenty of information in English.
6. Tokyo Gas Science Museum: The most fun you’ll have learning about energy
FreeToyosu
Learn about the basics of energy and modern fuels at this bright, interactive museum. Located in Toyosu, near teamLab Planets, this museum offers plenty of hands-on activities for the whole family to learn more about energy. You can learn about the fuel that powers Tokyo’s beautiful skyline, what to do in case of a natural disaster, and the science behind global warming.
It isn’t all reading and watching, though. Feel like you’ve learnt enough? Head to the quiz hall to test your knowledge in a game-show style battle of wits. Or head to the 2F Kitchen Kitchen (no, that’s not a typo), for a cooking class or a science lesson with common household items. If that sounds like too much excitement, you can also unwind on the Rooftop Plaza, a relaxed, gently sloping garden area — which mimics the curvature of the earth.
Frequently asked questions
How much do science museums in Tokyo charge for admission?
There’s some variance in how much Tokyo science museums charge for entry. Larger ones tend to have an entry fee of around ¥600. Smaller museums are often free, but lack some of the more exciting features and displays of paid museums. If you’re looking to balance both your budget and your experiences at science museums in the city, check out our guides to the Grutto Pass and the Tokyo Pass discount passes.
Will Tokyo science museums have English tour guides/translations?
This depends on the museums. Almost all of the museums we visited had some English information, even if it was a pamphlet or the Japanese staff trying their best with limited English. Generally, the larger the Tokyo science museum, the more English support it will have. The National Museum of Nature and Science, for instance, has all of its displays and media shown with English translations. However, smaller museums like the Museum of Marine Science and the Earthquake Science Museum are more likely to rely on written literature.
Are Tokyo science museums good places for children?
Many of the museums on this list have activities and exhibitions aimed at children. TEPIA, for example, has child-friendly workshops on programming and 3D printing. Overall, any of these museums would be a good day out for your child, but it’s worth checking out their exhibits and workshops to see if there’s an activity they might enjoy more.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
