Museum / Science Museum Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Culture / Tour

Hikone Castle Museum

4.0

175 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Konkichou 1-1

A museum located in Konki-cho, Hikone City. The museum is located on the site of Hikone Castle’s front palace and operates out of a recreation of that now destroyed structure. The museum contains some 45,000 pieces of valuable works of art, handicrafts, and ancient documents handed down for generations in the Ii clan, who once ruled ancient Hikone domain; as well as over 91,000 items relating to Hikone.

It is a museum of Hikone Castle. When you buy a combination ticket, you can visit the castle, garden and this museum. I strongly recommend you to buy it and visit this museum. There are interesting...
Sapporo Winter Sports Museum

4.0

174 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyanomori 1274 Okurayama jumping stadium

Sapporo Winter Sports Museum is located in the Okurayama Jump Stadium about 30 minutes by car from Sapporo Station. There are exhibits of many valuable materials from the Sapporo Winter Olympics held in 1972 in the museum as well as simulators that allow visitors to experience ski jumping while watching on the big screen. This is a place where you can see, touch and experience the fun of winter sports.

A museum dedicated to the 1972 winter olympics that took place in Sapporo. A short trip, but a bit of fun.
Tobu Museum

4.0

102 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Higashimukoujima 4-28-16

A museum located close to Higashi-Mukojima Station in Higashimukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo. The museum opened in 1989 in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Tobu Railway company. Visitors can learn about the Tobu Railway through displays of steam locomotives and other actual railway vehicles as well as interactive exhibits such as train driving simulators. There's also an area where you can see the Tobu Skytree Line, which travels right over the museum, up close.

This was great especially on a rainy day. We caught the 39 bus which stops two minutes away. It is 200 yen to enter. We were there a couple of hours. There are lots of interactive exhibits. The signs...
Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

4.0

151 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Reisenmachi 6-10

Come learn about the good-old days of life in Hakata at this tourist attraction. The exhibition hall, Machiya Hall, and souvenir shop are all connected, and the Machiya Hall was originally built in the mid-Meiji period (late 1800s) before it was moved and reconstructed in its current location. You can also see a demonstration of how Hakata fabric was traditionally woven. Under the guidance of experienced craftsmen, you can try your hand at painting ceramics (fee required) or Hakata fabric weaving yourself. It's just a five-minute walk from Gion Station.

Two story museum with a small fee that shows the history of the Fukuoka area. There are signs in English and a short film about a festival in the area where local people build floats and race them...
Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections)

4.0

79 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

The Imperial Palace East Gyoen in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 1-1

"Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections) is located within the Imperial Palace East Garden, and is managed by the Imperial Household Agency; it is around five minutes' walk from Exit C13a of Otemachi subway station. The museum was established to preserve and manage paintings, calligraphy, handicrafts and other works of art that have been donated to the nation by successive generations of the Imperial Family, and to put these art-works on display to the general public. There are a total of around 9,800 items in the museum's collections; these important works donated by the Imperial Family include the ""Doshoku Sai-e"" (""Colorful Realm of Living Beings"") hanging scrolls painted by Ito Jakuchu, and Karajishi-zu byobu ""The huge folding screen of the Lions"" created by Kano Eitoku and Kano Tsunenobu."

Tiny one room museum with some very beautiful objects from the Imperial household collection. Worth a few minutes (and no more since it is such a small place). And no photos...
Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum

4.0

113 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gifu Kakamigahara-shi Shimogiricho 5-1

A somewhat out of the way location. With GPS it was found. The aircraft examples inside are remarkable. The information is quite interesting. I found the space section to be very good. I can’t say...
National Museum of Nature and Science

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 7-20

Established in 1877, this is Japan’s largest general science museum. The permanent exhibitions include the Global Gallery, which focuses on the history of life on earth and traces the progress of humankind as well as science and technology, the Japan Gallery, which details Japan’s nature and the history of the Japanese people, and Theater 360, which screens films that can be seen in all directions, 360 degrees around. Special exhibitions are held several times throughout the year, and it is a very popular spot with many people lining up to visit the museum even on holidays.
Tamarokuto Science Center

4.0

85 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Nishitoukyoushi Shibakubochou 5-10-64

This science museum located in the Shibakubocho district of Tokyo’s Nishi Tokyo City opened in 1994. The name of the facility represents the six cities of Kodaira City, Higashi Murayama City, Tanashi City, Hoya City, Kiyose City, and Higashi Kurume City. The main attraction is its projector certified as the world’s “most-advanced planetarium” which can project more than 140 million individual stars. The exhibition rooms are divided up into themes such as “Meet the Science” and “Body & Senses” and are arranged to allow visitors to thoroughly learn about science, living creatures, and nature. It also has a break room that allows guests to bring their own bento lunches.

Not foreigner friendly. We took our kids here for summer vacation thing to do and got kicked out of the planetarium in 2min of start because of my watch light coming on. Took a 5, 4, and 2yr old in...
Swords Museum

3.5

119 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-12-9

Recently moved to a new building and location. The first floor has a video with a Japanese narrative but understandable via beautiful camera work, along with descriptions in Japanese/English about...
Ishikawa Aviation Plaza

4.0

146 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Ishikawa Pref. Komatsushi Atakashinmachi Hei 92 (Komatsu airport front)

A museum dedicated to aviation located on the north side of Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture. Aircraft such as helicopters, Air Self-Defense Force fighters, and paragliders are on permanent display outside the museum and on the first floor. The cockpits of some of the craft can also be entered and inspected. The museum also has a real YS-11 simulator as well as simplified simulators for an F-15 fighter and Cessna plane (charge: 100-500 yen). In 2012, the museum erected the Bunbun World playground, one of the largest aircraft-themed playlands in the country. Here parents and children can have fun year round and regardless of the weather.

実物の飛行機見学や子供用遊具の使用が全て無料で楽しめます。自衛隊好きには売店もおススメです。小松基地に関するTシャツやカレーなども販売してます。 You can visit the airplanes and use the childrens playground equipment, all free of charge. For Self-Defense Forces...
Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park

4.5

96 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hyougo Pref. Awajishi Ogura 177

This memorial park approximately 20 minutes by car from Awaji Interchange has facilities with exhibitions on the Nojima Fault that caused the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on January 17, 1995. A portion of the fault pushed above ground during the quake, and the Nojima Fault Preservation Museum provides access to this designated Natural Monument. The Kobe Wall that survived the Kobe Air Raids and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake has been relocated there too. Together they tell a frightful story of the horror of disasters natural and man-made. There is also a seminar house where you can listen to talks on the disaster. They have a shop and a restaurant serving local fare too.

What is most impressive about this museum is that it includes some of the actual roads/land affected by the earthquake so you can actually SEE how the land moved, how the road buckled. The simulated...
Mizkan Museum Mim

4.0

115 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Aichi Pref. Handashi Nakamurachou 2-6

A hands on museum where visitors can learn about and enjoy the history of Mizkan vinegar production and food culture. The museum requires an advance reservation to view; a guided tour is provided. The museum is divided into different themes. First, the history of Mizkan vinegar production from the Edo period to modern times is introduced. The museum is full of interesting, interactive exhibits and clever ideas. The tour ends with an area where visitors can experience the wonders of foods with a focus on sushi and nabe hot pot. The museum also has a shop which sells unique original merchandise.

南知多へ行く際に立ち寄りました。事前に予約が必要です。ガイド付きの全館コースがお薦めです。時間は９０分かかります。ミツカンの酢作りの歴史に触れることができます。相当な力の入ったミュージアムです。入館料が３００円必要ですが、設備やスタッフのことを考えると安いものだと思います。
Yakusugi Museum

4.0

89 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kumagegunyakushimachou Ambou 2739-343

This museum located on the east side of Yakushima Island provides information on Yakushima cedars and the ecology of Yakushima. The museum contains numerous hands on exhibits such as the Inochi Branch, a tree branch which broke off of the Jomon Sugi due to the weight of a heavy snow, and a cross section from a 1,660 year old Yakushima cedar tree. The exhibit which lets visitors shave off Yakushima wood to smell the distinctive perfume and a cedar wood grain puzzle are particularly popular with children. Normally requires around 45 minutes to see the whole museum.

This museum is small, but very nice. You have to take off your shoes and the floor is made of Yakusugi wood, which is moving, something that is great in my opinion. The surroundings of the museum...
Ibaraki Nature Museum

4.5

74 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Ibaraki Pref. Bandoushi Osaki 700

Ibaraki Natural Museum, opened in 1994, is a new type of natural science museum. In addition to the normal exhibitions of natural history materials there are also outdoor facilities in the area covering 15.8 hectares, including trampolines, and water parks to keep children happily amused. The mini aquarium displaying creatures from Ibaraki’s rivers and sea is also popular.

恐竜をはじめ子供から大人まで楽しめる博物館です。駐車場は広いですが連休の季節には大変込み合うほど人気があります。建物の周囲は広大な広場で
Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples

4.5

135 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Abashirishi Shiomi 309-1 Tenriyama/Tachi Okhotsk Park

The Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples is the only folk museum dedicated to the peoples of the North in Japan, and one of only a handful of museums of its kind in the world. The Museum displays the results of extensive research on the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of Hokkaido and also of other Northern peoples in other parts of the world. The Museum holds frequent lectures and seminars, and the Museum shop has an impressive range of books about Northern peoples. The Museum is situated around 10–15 minutes’ drive from Abashiri Station. To reach the Museum by bus, take the Kanko Meguri tourist bus service and get off at the “Hoppou Minzoku Hakubutsukan” bus stop.

Good informative museum about northern people and their culture. Lots of informative exhibits. Though i find abit lacking on the ainu portion. Lots of videos showcasing the different regional...
Shirahama Energy Land

3.5

113 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 3083

Come experience this mystery filled theme park centered around ''People and Natural Energy!'' Try a variety challenges to overcome including The Maze, or Solar Town where you can learn all about renewable energy. Check out the mysterious pictures that fool your eyes with optical illusions in the Trick Art House. With these and many more there are a lot of ways to have fun while learning!

以前から気にはなってましたので、行程の都合上パンダの前に寄ってみました。中はエンタメに振ってる行政がやってそうな科学館みたいな感じですが、入場料は行政ぽくありません（汗）子供はミステリーハウスではしゃいでました。小学生くらいの家族連れは結構見ましたが、子供はみんな楽しそうでした。大人はめまいする…とか言ってる人もいました。うちの子供は360°立体シアターの方を気に入って2種類見てました。ロ...
Ikaho Toy, Doll & Car Museum

4.0

90 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gunma Pref. Kitagunmagunyoshiokamachi Kaminoda 2145

This private theme park in Yoshioka Town, Kita Gunma County, Gunma Prefecture features an old-fashioned candy store street. There are also a variety of other areas like an antique toy and doll museum, a classic car museum, a teddy bear museum, and a squirrel park. Visitors pour in from around the country. From children to seniors, there’s something for everyone.

As a car enthusiast and fan of Initial D, I have known about the Ikaho Toy, Doll, and Car Museum for quite some time. However, besides the sizeable Initial D presence from both the exhibit and the...
Otaki Castle Museum

3.5

99 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Chiba Pref. Isumigunotakimachi Otaki 481

This history museum’s permanent exhibition focuses on Boso’s castle and its castle town, both in the medieval era and in recent times. The museum exhibits artifacts related to it, like armor, antique equipment, and ancient documents, as well as materials on life in samurai society and the castle town. Since Honda Tadakatsu was once the castle’s lord, it was built on the famous Otaki ruins of the Kazusa clan’s inner citadel (Tadakatsu was one of the four generals that served Tokugawa Ieyasu).

Ootaki is an old castle town that was ruled by Katsuie Honda, a prominent subordinate of Ieyasu Tokugawa in the late 16th century. The township has preserved many of its Edo period merchant houses...
"Azuchi Castle Museum “The House of Nobunaga"""

4.0

103 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Oumihachimanshi Aduchichoukuwanomiji 800

A museum located in Kuwanomiji Azuchi-cho, Omihachiman City. Inside the museum is a life-sized recreation of the tower of Azuchi Castle originally built for Seville Expo ’92 in Spain. The structure includes recreations of the tower’s artistic touches, as well, such as a room partition painting of the powerful samurai lord Oda Nobunaga created by the renowned Japanese painter Kano Eitoku; and the tower exterior itself, which is decorated with 100 thousand sheets of gold leaf.

安土城考古学博物館と同じ敷地の中ですが、棟続きにはなっておらず雨天だったので傘をさしての移動でした。中にある天守の再現は屋外ならもっと巨大に感じたのかもしれません。安土城での徳川家康のための饗宴献立の再現は興味を持って見学しました。
Tokyo Water Science Museum

4.0

78 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Koutou-ku Ariake 3-1-8

A hands-on museum dedicated to water operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks. Entry is free. A variety of facilities can be found in the museum, including a theater room and experiment labs, teaching visitors about water through videos, quizzes, and experiment shows. Closest station: Kokusai-tenjijo-seimon Station on the Yurikamome.

Its a small, free exhibition about drinking water purification in Tokio. The majority is in Japanese, bit there are really cool self explaining experiments and English headers for the most...