Opened in 1871, the National Museum of Nature and Science is located in the northeastern part of Tokyo’s Ueno Park. Opened in 1871, this museum is a part of the Tokyo Science Museum and is shaped like an aeroplane.
Built in the Neo-Renaissance style, this museum was designed by Keno Akitani. Apart from all the exhibits, the museum also features a big dome for astronomical observation. The museum takes pride in hosting different types of museums that resemble travel exhibitions. The National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo offers fascinating exhibits, a must-see in many Tokyo packages for tourists.
Moreover, in 2021, it even organised a Pokemon Fossil Museum by collaborating with the Pokemon Company. Although the museum continues to have virtual tour options, there is nothing like opting for an in-person tour. The museum continues to house a lot of natural history and interactive scientific exhibits.
Highlights
• Explore the permanent exhibits and learn about the natural life at the National Museum of Nature and Science.
• Attend the study programs to learn more about the discoveries and research projects of in-house museum experts.
• Attend the Theatre 360 show and be amazed by the immersive and visually appealing shows.
• Buy souvenirs in the in-house souvenir stores to carry home something to commemorate your visit to the museum.
• Sip a nice hot cup of coffee in the cafe in the museum and unwind after a long walk in the museum.
How To Reach
1. By Car: The National Museum of Nature and Science is approximately 24 kilometres away from the heart of Tokyo. Therefore, if you're driving, the 407 Metropolitan Expressway route will get you to the National Museum of Nature and Science in 43 minutes. Do remember that this route has tolls.
2. By Train: The National Museum of Nature and Science is around 450 metres away from the Ueno station. If you're taking the train, use the Keihin Tohoku line and the overall travel time can vary based on where you are in the city.
Best Time To Visit
The National Museum of Nature and Science is open on all days of the year and comes with all types of experiences and activities.
1. Best Day of the Week: You can visit the National Museum of Nature and Science on any day of the week as it is open throughout the year. However, we recommend visiting the National Museum of Nature and Science during the weekdays as the chances of crowding is less and you can explore comfortably.
2. Best Time of the Day: Travel to the National Museum of Nature and Science at any time of the day, preferably between morning to afternoon. At this time, you can explore the museum patiently and explore all that it offers.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
1. Book your passes well in advance for a guaranteed entry into the museum.
2. Buy an English audio guide for a hassle-free visit.
3. Check out the gift shop near the museum premises for souvenirs worth buying.
4. If you are hungry, you can visit the cafe located in the museum for a quick bite or a cup of coffee.
5. The museum is wheelchair-friendly, however, wheelchair users will have to use a much longer route.
6. If you are planning your visit in advance, do check out the special museums and their dates.
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Explore the Temporary Exhibitions
The museum hosts a lot of permanent exhibits, the temporary exhibitions continue to attract a larger crowd. Many of these temporary exhibitions are theme-based, including Pokemon-themed. To know more about the temporary exhibitions in the museum, we recommend planning your visit to the museum well in advance. All of these exhibitions are theme-based and last for up to 5 to 7 months. Some of the themes include dinosaurs, underwater life, and even mummies of ancient Egypt. Most of these exhibits are kid-friendly so you can plan a visit to this place with your kids too.
Attend Theatre 360 show
As the name suggests, the Theater 360 is shaped like a sphere and surrounds on all sides. This was conceptualised after the Aichi Expo 2005 when it was featured for the first time in the Japan Pavilion. This feature was later added as a part of the museum. When in the theatre, the visitors stand in the middle of the sphere on a bridge and watch a movie in all directions. There is a three-dimensional realism which is also the first of its kind in the world. The 360 show also takes pride in screening a lot of original films and is worth attending.
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