Museum / Science Museum Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
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- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors

Museum / Science Museum

Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

4.0

621 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Sakuramachi 178

The Takayama Festival is one of Japan’s three great Hikiyama Festivals and registered a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This hall has a standing exhibit of yatai, the gorgeous floats that are the festival’s main attraction. It’s on the precincts of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, at the center of the festival action. Four of the 11 yatai used in the fall’s Takayama Festival are on display, and they change them annually in March, July, and November. They also maintain a TV room where you can watch a video of the festival, as well as a reference area with festival paraphernalia and documents. It’s a great way to learn about the festival’s history and happenings in detail.

Interesting exhibition of some of the floats used in April and October. Glad we did it but it only takes 20 minutes to view the floats. You are given headphones which enhances the experience.
Fukuoka City Museum

4.0

361 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashisawaraku Momochihama 3-1-1

This public City Museum is near both Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome. On display are historical materials that are closely related to both Fukuoka and Hakata. The King of Na gold seal, a National Treasure of Japan, made from real gold, is continuously on display inside of a case. There are numerous masterpieces on display that were donated by the Kuroda Family, former Lords of Fukuoka Domain, including a famous spear, the Nippon-Go, and numerous legendary swords.

Fukuoka City Museum is located near Fukuoka Tower. If you take Subway, the nearest station is Nishijin. The main attraction of this museum is “gold seal” that was given to a Japanese ruler by Chinese...
Ninja Museum of Igaryu

4.0

353 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Mie Pref. Igashi Uenomarunouchi 117

This ninja museum in Iga Ueno Castle's Ueno Park boasts the best ninja collection in the world. Composed of the Ninja House, Ninja Experience Hall, and Ninja Tradition Hall, they showcase real ninjas with a concept of bringing ninjutsu into the present. The Ninja House itself was built by a local Iga clan, and under the guidance of a kunoichi (female ninja), you can check out its contrivances like trap doors, escape routes, and revolving walls. The Azura ninja group's breathtaking shows and the shuriken throwing program are also popular. So is the shop selling ninja related items.

We went just before golden week and our luck no show on the day were were there. So bit disappointed as you would thus have to use your imagination. It has increased in price for admission over the...
Tokyo National Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 13-9

This is a national museum located within Ueno-onshi-koen Park that was established in 1872. Five buildings including the main building serve as exhibit halls, although it has several other facilities such as archives. With an enormous number of collections, it has accumulated over 116,000 items of Oriental art and ancient relics, mostly from Japan. A great number of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are also included inside. The museum also holds special exhibitions that run three to five times a year.
Museum of the Meiji Restoration

4.0

434 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Kajiyachou 23-1

Satsuma (now western Kagoshima Prefecture) was the birthplace of Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and numerous other heroes of the Meiji Restoration. The Museum of the Meiji Restoration uses a variety of means to present the history of Satsuma and Japan during that momentous time. The centerpiece of the museum is the historic dramas shown in the Meiji Restoration Experience Hall on the basement floor. In the “Road to the Restoration,” life-sized robotic models of figures such as Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi and multiple projection screens are used to present a stunning drama. In the “Satsuma Students, Go West” exhibit, the story of the students sent to study overseas in England in defiance of the national government is presented.

Fantastic museum next to the river You can use headphones to help understand and follow the different displays as most are in Japanese. Do the historic walk next to the river as it is beautifully set...
Mikasa Historic Memorial Warship

4.5

366 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Yokosuka-shi Inaokacho 82-19

This battleship became a flagship of the Combined Fleet in December 1902. It was restored by the Mikasa Preservation Society in 1958 through domestic and international donations and government grants and was opened to the public for viewing. They have both 30 and 60-minute viewing plans available, as well as a plan for groups of 10 or more. Onboard you can learn about the history of the Mikasa and the warfare through a variety of displays that include items like a 36 radiotelegraph, 15-centimeter secondary battery operation room, and documents written in the hand of staff officer Akiyama Saneyuki. You can reach it by taking the Mikasa Junkan Bus from Keiyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station to the Mikasa Koen Stop.

Lots of interesting information and can pretty much access most of the ship. At only ¥600 (£~4) for adults its definitely worth it. Theres also a nice park located to the side.
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

4.0

296 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Chiba Pref. Sambugunshibayamamachi Iwayama 111-3

The Museum of Aeronautical Sciences is the place to learn about the science of aviation and aviation technology. Museum visitors can enjoy the outdoor exhibition plaza, which displays Cessnas, helicopters, and other aircraft. The indoor portion of the museum contains exhibits of aviation-related art and serves as the site for pre-licensing seminars for aspiring aeronautical radio operators. The museum shop sells scale models of aircraft and a large selection of other aviation-related souvenirs and novelties.

Big & spacious place to walk around to view the aeroplanes. I did not buy tickets to enter the building. I just hung around outside & walked around to peek into the aeroplanes.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

4.5

370 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukihigashi 99-4

This is a history museum located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It exhibits materials highlighting the history of Izumo around the Izumo Taisha shrine, and the Iwami silver mine. This museum houses the 358 bronze swords, a national treasure, as well as bronze spearheads, and dotaku (a bell-shaped bronze vessel supposed to have been put to some ceremonial use) from the Kojindani ruins and 39 dotaku from the Kamoiwakura Ruins. The Uzu pillar groupings, thought to be from the Izumotaisha inner shrine dating back to mid-13th century and many other treasures are displayed. A miniature replica model of Izumotaisha inner shrine during the Heian period can be seen too. The museum also houses the Shinwa mythology theater, a cafe, and shop.

This museum is packed with artifact and info about the area. You should probably visit this before heading to the shrine. The audio guide was really nice and I enjoyed this museum a lot! Theres a...
Kyushu Railway History Museum

4.0

381 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Kiyotaki 2-3-29

A museum dedicated to railway history located close to JR Mojiko Station. Inside, visitors can climb aboard actual trains used from the Meiji period onward. The museum also has interactive exhibits that give participants a taste of what travel was once like during various periods of railroad history in Japan. The realistic model railroad presenting a panorama of railways in Kyushu and the museum’s simulator, which lets users experience what it is like to drive an 811 series train, are particularly popular. The Train Exhibition Hall displays nine historic trains which operated in Kyushu. Visitors can also try driving a miniature train outside the museum.

Small in size but has a lot to offer for a railway museum. Impressive locomotives and other trains kept in good condition... Building above also has additional items
Osaka Science Museum

4.0

234 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-1

A science museum in Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City, that focuses on Space and Energy. It first opened in 1989. Here both children and adults can explore space and its discoveries, chemistry, science, electricity, energy, and so much more from all angles in exhibits spread out amongst the different floors. The staff will also present science shows in the areas of their expertise. In the underground planetarium with the world's largest 26.5-meter dome screen you can enjoy videos of the cosmos.

They need to update their website to show they are closed for an extended period. Will not reopen until Feb 2022. We wasted an hour getting there and we opted for this instead of the earthquake...
Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru

4.0

402 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yanakawa 1-112-15

A museum located five minutes on foot from Aomori Station. This museum ship houses displays on its service as a railway liner since it began operating in 1908 from when it carried numerous passengers and cargo to Hakodate until it ceased service in 1988. The Hakkodamaru, which served as a ferry for the longest period of time, is preserved almost as if it were still in service. On self-guided tours around the ship visitors can enter the bridge and descend into the engine room.

Historical piece of structure located right beside the A-factory souvenir store. This port was heavily used before Shinkansen between Honshu and Hokkaido was built. From 1908 to 1988, Hakkoda Maru...
Tokyo Fire Department Museum

4.0

267 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Yotsuya 3-10

"The Fire Museum, directly connected to Yotsuya-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, is a 10-story building with one basement floor operated by the Tokyo Fire Department, and some floors are open to the public. The history and activities of the fire department are introduced on each floor, and the firefighting helicopter ""Chidori,"" which was in use until 1982 (Showa 57), is on display at the entrance."

I had this museum high on my list considering my father is a firefighter in Australia. The history levels and the static displays of the fire fighting equipment was fascinating, comparable to the...
Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center

4.0

192 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Yamanashi Pref. Tsurushi Ogatayama 2381

This facility in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture is a place where people can learn first-hand how superconducting magnetic levitation (SCMaglev) railways work. Visitors can also watch tests on the Yamanashi maglev test line or check out models and exhibits that introduce SCMaglev technology and the Chuo Shinkansen. The adjacent Waku-waku Yamanashi-kan features an area with tourist information on Yamanashi Prefecture on its second floor, while its first flour features a shop that offers local products.

Even if you only have a passing interest in trains (or even none at all!) this is well worth calling into if youre on your way to Fuji. The staff were all very helpful - enthusiastic even to help...
Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum

4.0

395 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Abashirishi Tentozan 244-3

Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, which is located on Tentozan in Abashiri City, is a tourist facility based on drift ice and the creatures who live in the Sea of Okhotsk. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum has the biggest projection mapping in Hokkaido and displays the mysterious creatures such as the clione which live in the Sea of Okhotsk. The high-definition five-screen theater which includes a 300-inch screen is also impressive. One very popular experience is freezing a wet towel when touching the ice directly on the drift ice simulation terrace. At the highest observation terrace, 360-degree panoramic views are an amazing sight and have been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty since 1938.

Amazing place to learn more about the drift ice. We just arrived here from shiretoko where we saw all the drift ice coming in a few days ago. Its very informative to learn about this. The...
Science Museum

4.0

177 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Kitanomarukouen 2-1

The Science Museum Science Hall is a full-fledged theater-style hall able to accommodate 410 people. This facility is perfect for hosting lectures, seminars, symposiums, and presentations of all kinds.

While there is not a lot of English here, we still had a great time and felt it was a wonderful way to spend a few hours with our boys, (10 & 12) They have 5 floors of science, all very hands on...
Lake Biwa Museum

4.5

157 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Kusatsushi Oroshimochou 1091

Focusing on Lake Biwa, this museum explores the relationship between people and the lake. The museum’s aquarium exhibit, displaying the freshwater animals in general and particularly those found in Lake Biwa, is one of the largest in Japan. Some of the museum’s numerous points of note include an exhibit of endemic species such as the Lake Biwa catfish and a 10-meter-long tunnel aquarium which allows visitors to walk under the water and enjoy freshwater fish from around the world. There are also dioramas presenting the history of Lake Biwa and exhibits presenting items once used by people living in the areas. The museum restaurant’s black bass dishes are popular with visitors. Take the bus from JR Kusatsu Station and get off at Biwako Hakubutsukan-mae.

We started with the aquarium, which is one of the best Ive seen (and Ive seen a lot of them). Really great exhibits --we spent about 2 hours there. The restaurant was also good and the other areas...
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments

4.0

288 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shizuoka Pref. Hamamatsushi Chuo-ku Chuou 3-9-1

A museum of musical instruments in 3 Chome Chuo, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City. The four exhibition rooms have almost 1,500 instruments from around the world including Asia, Oceania, Africa, America, and Europe, as well as keyboards and domestic western style instruments and electric instruments. They hold a variety of music salons including lecture concerts about singular instruments or pieces of music and more casual evening concerts.

Ill be honest, we only came here because it was a rainy day, but we really enjoyed it. Loved the instruments from all over. The neat thing was you could listen to the sound most of them made either...
Takayama Museum of History and Art

4.0

160 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Kamichinomachi 75

The Takayama Museum of History and Art in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture has a collection of around 75,000 items relating to folk traditions, of which 900 are on permanent display. There are 14 display rooms with exhibits focusing on how the castle town developed and the unique culture of its residents; topics covered by the displays include the Takayama Festival, “machiya” (traditional wooden townhouses), the creation of the castle town, famous writers and artists that had a connection to the Takayama area, and the famous monk and Buddhist statue carver Enku, who also had a close connection with the Hida area. The buildings in which the Museum is located were originally warehouses, built from Japanese Cypress wood, belonging to the Nagata family of merchants; they are highly atmospheric. There is no charge for entry to the Museum.

One of the few attractons open for Covid. I didnt expect much but was greatly surprised at how long I stayed here. I highly recommend. Quite a bit of English.
Tachineputa no Yakata (Tachineputa Museum)

4.5

246 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Aomori Pref. Goshogawarashi Omachi 506-10

The Tachineputa Museum which stores and exhibits Tachineputa (standing floats) that are used in the Tachineputa Matsuri festival is also a place where visitors can see the creation process of the floats and have a go at traditional local Tsugaru crafts. Visitors can enjoy dining in the observation lounge, Harunire, overlooking the Tsugaru Basin, and enjoy taking a break at the open cafe, Plum. Various events such as the Goshogawara Nebuta music practice also take place here. The museum is located approximately 15 minutes from Goshowara Interchange on the Tsugaru Expressway.

We came from Aomori to Goshogawara for the Stove Train and Tachineputa Museum. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 mins (varies between train schedules). The museum is 10-15mins easy and straight walk...
Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

3.5

348 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Ehime Pref. Matsuyamashi Ichibanchou 3-20

“Saka no Ue no Kumo” (Clouds above the Hill) is a novel by Ryotaro Shiba, depicting the modernization of Japan through the life stories of brothers Yoshifuru and Saneyuki Akiyama, and poet Masaoka Shiki. Many materials related to the novel as well as the three main characters are exhibited in the museum. The four-story building with a basement was designed by Tadao Ando, and is made as a space expressing “clouds above the hill”.

The story behind the museum lends itself to understanding a little in forming of modern Japan and specifically around 3 individuals enlighten approaches at that time. The museum is housed within a...