Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is a world-renowned science museum in the Odaiba district of Tokyo. It was opened in 2001 and has since been a popular destination for science enthusiasts and families alike. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in science and technology and offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays.
Visitors to Miraikan can explore science-related topics such as the global environment, space exploration, and life science. The museum has a vast collection of exhibits, including robots, interactive displays, and simulations that allow visitors to participate in scientific experiments. Miraikan is frequently used by Japanese big companies as a window for their latest technologies and innovations.
Whether you’re interested in space exploration, robotics, or cutting-edge technologies, Miraikan will certainly interest you.
The museum’s exhibits and interactive displays provide visitors with a unique and engaging learning experience that is both informative and entertaining. So, if you’re heading to Tokyo, be sure to add Miraikan to your list of destinations.
Exhibitions
The museum has both permanent and special exhibitions that cater to visitors of all ages.
The permanent exhibitions are on the 5th and 3rd floors. The 5th-floor exhibition, Explore the frontiers, is designed to encourage visitors to ponder the mysteries of the universe. The exhibition lets you explore space, the solar system, the Earth, and all life on a wide variety of scales. The 3rd-floor exhibition, Create your future, is dedicated to showcasing how humans can apply and evolve sustainable prosperity.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, Miraikan also hosts special exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge technology and scientific discoveries. The special exhibitions change regularly, so you can always expect to see something new and exciting each time they visit. You can check the museum’s website to see what special exhibitions are currently on display.
Events and Programs
Some of the events and programs include:
- Special Exhibitions: Miraikan hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries and technological innovations. These exhibitions are designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing visitors to learn through hands-on experiences.
- Talk Sessions: Miraikan regularly hosts talk sessions featuring experts in various scientific fields. These sessions provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and ask questions directly to the experts.
- Experiment Classes: For those who want to dive deeper into a specific topic, Miraikan offers experiment classes that allow visitors to conduct their own scientific experiments under the guidance of trained instructors.
- Planetarium Shows: Miraikan’s planetarium offers shows throughout the year, including shows that explore the latest discoveries in astronomy and space exploration.
- Workshops: Miraikan offers workshops that allow visitors to learn about various scientific topics through hands-on activities. These workshops are designed those of all ages and are a great way to learn about science in a fun and interactive way.
In addition to these events and programs, Miraikan also offers educational resources for teachers and students. These resources include lesson plans, educational videos, and other materials designed to help educators teach science in an engaging and effective way.
History
Miraikan, was opened in July 2001 by Japan’s Science and Technology Agency. The museum was built on the idea of creating a space where people could come together to discuss and consider the role of science and technology in society, and its future potential. It has been a popular destination since its opening.
The Miraikan quickly became known for showcasing the latest cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements. ithas been home to several groundbreaking exhibits over the years, including the world’s first humanoid robot, ASIMO, developed by Honda. It has also been home to exhibits on space exploration, robotics, and advanced technologies.
Over the years, the Miraikan has built a wide variety of connections through its 20-year history. The museum has collaborated with many organizations, including universities and research institutions, to bring the latest scientific discoveries to the public.
Research and Development
Miraikan is not just a museum, but also a hub for research and development in various fields. The museum’s researchers conduct demonstration experiments and studies in fields such as robotics, human-factors engineering, and information technology. The research conducted at Miraikan is necessary for advancing their research and development work.
The Research activities range from fundamental research to applied research, and they collaborate with various universities, research institutions, and companies. The research themes include artificial intelligence, robotics, space exploration, and sustainability. Miraikan also hosts international conferences and symposiums to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas among researchers from around the world.
One of the notable research projects at Miraikan is the ASIMO project, which aims to develop a humanoid robot that can walk, run, climb stairs, and interact with humans. ASIMO is a result of Honda’s research and development efforts, and Miraikan has been showcasing ASIMO since 2000. Miraikan also has a robotics lab where you can learn about the latest developments in robotics and try their hand at controlling robots.
Another research project at Miraikan is the Geo-Cosmos project, which is a giant spherical display that shows real-time data of the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land. The display is made up of over 10 million pixels and is one of the largest spherical displays in the world. The Geo-Cosmos project aims to increase public awareness of environmental issues and to promote sustainable development.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The museum has also established numerous collaborations and partnerships with various organizations to promote science and technology education, research, and innovation. Some of the notable collaborations and partnerships are:
- Collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to showcase space-related exhibits and activities, such as the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) and astronaut training simulator.
- Partnership with the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Thailand to establish a science museum in Bangkok.
- Collaboration with the University of Tokyo to organize public lectures and workshops on cutting-edge research topics, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and nanotechnology.
- Partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to develop educational programs and materials for schools and teachers.
These collaborations and partnerships have enabled Miraikan to expand its reach and impact beyond Japan and to leverage the expertise and resources of other organizations.
Visitor Information
If you’re planning a visit to Miraikan, here’s what you need to know:
Hours and Admission
Miraikan is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for Tuesdays (unless it’s a national holiday) and the New Year holidays (December 28 to January 1). The admission fee for adults is ¥620, while students and children can enter for a discounted price of ¥210.
Location and Directions
Miraikan is on Odaiba’s artificial island in Tokyo. It’s just a 5-minute walk from “Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station.” If you’re coming from central Tokyo, you can take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station and transfer to the Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport Station. From there, it’s a short walk to Miraikan.
Facilities
There’s a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat, a museum shop where you can buy souvenirs, and a curiosity field where you can try out some of the exhibits for yourself. The museum also offers free Wi-Fi, making it easy to share your experience with friends and family.
Accessibility
The museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators, and there are wheelchairs available for use free of charge. For visitors with hearing impairments, the museum has sign language interpretation available for some exhibits. If you have any specific accessibility needs, you can contact the museum in advance to make arrangements.
Group Visits
If you’re planning a visit with a group of 15 people or more, Miraikan offers discounted group rates. You’ll need to make a reservation at least 7 days in advance to take advantage of this offer. The museum also offers guided tours for groups, which can be a great way to get a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
Floor Plan
Miraikan has a large number of exhibits spread across several floors. To make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to take a look at the museum’s floor plan in advance. You can find the floor plan on the museum’s website, or pick up a copy at the information desk when you arrive.
The Sum Up
Miraikan is a science museum in Tokyo’s Odaiba district, focusing on emerging science and technology. The museum offers interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations to make science accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. It is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Tuesdays. Adult admission is 630 JPY, while visitors 18 years old and under pay 210 JPY. Children under 7 years old can enter for free. The museum’s website is available in English.
Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) |
| Name (Japanese) | 未来館 (日本科学未来館) |
| Address | 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan |
| Ticket Cost | Adults: 630 JPY, 18 years old and under: 210 JPY, Free for children under 7 |
| Times | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays) |
| Website | English |
| Nearby Luxury Hotels | 1. Hilton Tokyo Odaiba (1.2 km) |
| 2. Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (1.4 km) | |
| Nearby Mid-range Hotels | 1. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Ariake (1.1 km) |
| 2. Tokyu Stay Monzen-Nakacho (3.8 km) | |
| Nearby Budget Hotels | 1. Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel (1.1 km) |
| 2. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Toyocho (3.5 km) |
