Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (commonly known as Miraikan, or English name: Miraikan / The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), is a national museum located in Aomi (Odaiba area) in Koto Ward, Tokyo, with themes of cutting-edge science, technology, and future society. Since its opening in 2001, it has gained popularity for its exhibits and programs that allow visitors to experience cutting-edge research results and technology in an easy-to-understand way.
The museum's signature exhibit is the "Geo-Cosmos," a spherical display approximately six meters in diameter that captures the attention of visitors with its powerful images of the Earth and data visualizations. The museum also features permanent exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops covering a wide range of fields, including robots (humanoid and conversational robots), life sciences, the space and global environment, and information and communications, making it an appealing space that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Highlights
- Geo-Cosmos: A huge spherical display dynamically displays the Earth's weather and environmental data, as well as images of space. It is the symbol of the museum.
- Permanent Exhibition (Earth, Life, Space, Information, Robotics): The latest research results and technologies are introduced through actual exhibits and interactive exhibits that allow you to learn by touching them. Researchers sometimes give explanations and demonstrations.
- Robot Corner: Exhibits and demonstrations of humanoids, communication robots, remote-controlled robots, etc. There are also events where you can touch and operate the robots (see the official website for the demonstration schedule).
- Special and planned exhibitionsThemed exhibitions are held regularly, allowing visitors to gain in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge research and social issues.
- Workshop Science Show:There are plenty of participatory programs, such as experiential programs for children and talk events with researchers.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (Odaiba area)
- Nearest station:
- Approximately 3-5 minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line (closest access)
- Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot from Yurikamome "Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station" or "Tokyo International Cruise Terminal/Telecom Center Station" (varies depending on the station)
- Bus/Water Bus: You can also access Odaiba from various parts of Tokyo by bus, or by water bus from Hinode Pier. Choose the most convenient route depending on your destination and departure point.
- By car: There are parking lots and commercial parking lots around the museum, but they can get crowded on weekends and during events, so we recommend using public transportation.
- Note: Please be sure to check the official website for the latest access information, temporary traffic restrictions, and temporary closing days.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: 1 to 1.5 hours (if viewing only the main exhibits and the Geo-Cosmos video)
- Typical visit: 2-3 hours (including a thorough look at the permanent exhibition, workshops and short science shows)
- Enjoy at your leisure: Half a day (if you plan to participate in special exhibitions or multiple demonstrations and hands-on programs)
Nearby spots
- Aqua City Odaiba, DECKS, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Gundam Statue) — Shopping, Dining, and Photo Spots
- Odaiba Seaside Park (Stroll, seaside views, Rainbow Bridge views)
- Fuji Television Headquarters Building (Observation Deck/Events)
- Parks and event spaces around Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and Tokyo Big Sight (International Exhibition Center) — visits can be timed to coincide with exhibitions and festivals
- teamLab Planets (Toyosu, a little far away) and various commercial facilities - Convenient for combining with sightseeing in Odaiba and the surrounding area
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It tends to get crowded on weekends, public holidays, school holidays, and when special exhibitions are held. Advance reservations are required for exhibition experiences and workshops, so be sure to check the official website for schedules and ticket information.
- Demonstrations and program changes: Robot demonstrations and talk events may be changed or canceled without notice. In particular, demonstrations of ASIMO and other robots have been held in the past, but they may not always be held. Please refer to official announcements for the latest information.
- Photography and bringing in: Photography is permitted in most exhibits, but there are areas where photography is prohibited and exhibits where flash photography is prohibited. Please follow the signs and instructions of the staff in the museum.
- Bringing children: There are many interactive exhibits that are popular with children, but you may have to wait in line when it is crowded. Please make sure that parents keep an eye on small children.
- Climate and Clothing: Odaiba is by the sea, so there are windy days, and the temperature feels cold, especially in winter. If you plan to be outdoors a lot, it's a good idea to bring a jacket.
- Access: On days when exhibitions and surrounding events are held, public transport and roads in the area will be congested, so please allow yourself plenty of time when traveling.
For detailed information on opening hours, admission fees, the exhibition schedule for the day, and workshop reservations, we recommend checking the latest information on the official Miraikan website before visiting.
