The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation explores science and technology as they relate to humans, space, innovation, and information. All of the exhibits are produced by scientists, engineers, and experts in their fields. There are also many hands-on exhibits that are especially appealing to older kids. Visitors can combine a couple hours (or more) at the museum with stops at other high-tech attractions and museums on Odaiba Island.
Almost all the museum’s exhibits have both English and Japanese signage.
Allow at least two hours for a visit.
There are separate entry fees for the permanent exhibits and the screenings in the Dome Theater, though to purchase a ticket to the theater you must also purchase general admission.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Miraikan is located on Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It’s easy to reach by train, and the closest stations are the Fune-no Kagakukan (Tokyo International Cruise Terminal) Station and Telecom Center Station, both on the Yurikamome Line. Both are a short walk from the museum. A free shuttle bus service, the Tokyo Bay Shuttle, connects Odaiba’s many attractions.
The museum is open Wednesday–Monday (and on Tuesdays that are public holidays) from mid-morning until late afternoon. Tokyo’s museums tend to be very busy on the weekends, but mid-week they can also be busy with school groups.
The Odaiba area is full of fun, interesting, and high-tech activities, and the tallest of all is the Palette Town Ferris Wheel (Daikanransha). Each of the wheel’s cabins is a different color, and the whole wheel lights up in a colorful display after dark. The day and nighttime views from the top of the wheel are some of the best in Tokyo.
