Live like an Astronaut at Koriyama Science Center’s Space Park


2018.03.08

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

  • Educational fun for adults and children alike are in abundance at Koriyama City’s Furei Science Center “Space Park”. Located at the top of the Big I department store, the park provides an outer space focused exhibit zone, learning center, a free observation lobby and planetarium. Tickets are affordable at 400 yen for adults and 300 yen for high school students and younger. The park is only located a few minutes away from Koriyama Station, making this the perfect rainy day outing for families and space aficionados.

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    The theme of the museum is “from earthlings to aliens”, and the 21st floor exhibition room lets visitors become those aliens in space. Visitors learn about astronaut life and experience it firsthand through the zero gravity based simulations. Walk, or jump, on the moon with the Moon Jump, where visitors experience how astronauts float on the moon.

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    The Triple Spin is based on an astronaut’s training for a zero gravity atmosphere. Adults and children alike can strap into a chair and swivel around the solar system. Fly a rocket into the galaxies with the Simulated Space Exploration. This attraction lets groups fly their own rocket into the stars and see the science behind the launch.

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    The exhibition room also provides science shows and workshops. Visitors can watch and participate with the scientists performing experiments. Each show is 20 minutes long.

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    The view from the 22nd floor free observatory should not be overshadowed by the scientific wonder of the Space Park. The observatory provides a history of Koriyama through dioramas, from the Meiji Era to the Early Showa Era and finally through the present day. Visitors are welcome to power up the steam locomotive simulator. Modeled after the trains in the diorama, the conductor learns how to drive the train that was popular in Koriyama’s past.

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Science Center houses the tallest planetarium in the world, at 104.25 meters above ground. Located on the 23rd and 24th floor, the 238 seat planetarium shows up to six screenings every day. The programs change bimonthly and have separate screenings for young children. The Kid’s Hour is ideal for the primary school and younger crowd. These screenings are orchestrated with fun music and play an animated space themed short film. The general programs revolve around science and its role within astronomy and space and are commentated by three different specialists. Every Friday the theater pays a special program in the evening. Currently, the program is playing a live broadcast of Alaska’s Aurora Lights.

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Koriyama’s Science Park

    Entrance to the permanent exhibition costs 400 yen for adults, 300 yen for university and high school students, 200 yen for junior high and elementary students and is free for preschool children or senior citizens (65 and older).

    The space theater is the same price with an additional 100 yen for preschool and senior citizens. Please consult the website for the specific timetable for screenings and closing hours. The whole Science Center opens at 10 am and closing times vary depending on the exhibit and attraction. The center is closed every Monday.

    The Science Center is only a one minute walk away from the West Exit of JR Koriyama Station. Koriyama Station is accessible via Tohoku Shinkansen, Tohoku Main Line and Tohoku Expressway.

    Koriyama(Fukushima)
    place
    Fukushima Pref
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    Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae

    1-6-10 Ekimae, Koriyama Fukushima

    Agoda
    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae
    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae
    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae
    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae
    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae
    Koriyama City Fureai Science Center (Space park)
    place
    Fukushima Koriyama-shi Ekimae 2-11-1
    phone
    0249360201
    opening-hour
    10:00-17:45[Observatory Lobb…
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