Japan, and maybe more specifically Tokyo, is a combination of the past and the future. When we think of Japan we think of technology, robots and computers. Brands such as Honda, Fujitsu, Toyota and more. What better way to learn about Japan and perhaps the future ahead of us than a visit to the Miraikan Science Museum, in Odaiba, Tokyo. It’s just a short train ride over the well known Rainbow Bridge and we exited the railway just a 5 minute walk from the Mirakain Science Museum.
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Tickets are available on site, and a short line up allowed us to purchase ridiculously cheap tickets. It worked out to be something like $5 per person to attend, representing excellent family value. Surrounding the area is also restaurants, shopping and entertainment. It’s a great spot to add to any Japan itinerary. Here is a look at how we put our trip together.
The Miraikan Science Museum has a great app you can download for use both onsite at the museum, and also away from the museum at home. It allows notes, investigations, evidence gathering and more. We took along some devices and the boys took one of the 8 or so different quests you can select for our time at the museum. We chose Robots and automation, taking us on a path through the museum to learn all about how Robots could help us now and into the future.
Of course you don’t have to stick to your quest and we spent time at each of the additional exhibits.
All of the exhibits are interactive and allow those using them to learn by doing. Jed performed keyhole surgery, Alex created his own binary code that was transmitted over a marble run internet and Harry really enjoyed trying to interact with the robots on display. A number of inventors and scientists have donated their current and past works to the museum for everyone to share. English is available throughout the museum, so if like us you can’t yet read Japanese, don’t worry!
The Miraikan Science Museum is set over a number of different levels. There are also special exhibitions on for an additional fee, but with so much to do we skipped the Japanese Anime one on at the time of our visit. There is also a practical learning and play area onsite where kids can visit for 45 minutes at a time to build, interact and learn with limited guidance. Our boys really enjoyed their time in this area. It would be a great area for younger kids, babies or toddlers, themselves getting to get involved in science in their own way.
We would recommend allowing up to a day to visit the museum, but on our visit we spent half a day. It really comes down to your own style of investigation, plus the time limits available to you (especially if you have children with you!). There is also a café on site.
We hope you might check out the Miraikan Science Museum on your next visit to Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan.