Miraikan Museum
National science museum in Tokyo focusing on innovation
Tokyo's national museum of emerging science and innovation on Odaiba, featuring hands‑on exhibits, robotics demonstrations and the large Geo‑Cosmos display; popular with families and tech enthusiasts.
Miraikan at a Glance#
Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan (Odaiba)
Website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (some late-night events occur)
Admission: ¥630 (adult day ticket; special exhibitions may cost extra)
About Miraikan#
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, commonly known as the Miraikan, is a science museum on Tokyo’s Odaiba waterfront that opened in 2001. It focuses on contemporary science, technology and their societal implications.
Exhibits are largely interactive and cover topics such as robotics, space exploration, earth systems and environmental change. The large spherical Geo-Cosmos display visualizes global data and is one of the museum’s most recognizable features.
Established to present contemporary scientific research to the public, the museum hosts a mix of permanent scientific displays and rotating temporary exhibitions and public programs. It collaborates with research institutions and industry for many exhibits.
Set on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay, the museum is accessible by public transit from central Tokyo and is commonly visited in combination with other Odaiba attractions.
- Interactive displays: Interactive exhibits emphasize robotics, space, environment and future technologies; many exhibits are hands-on and aimed at general audiences.
- Opening and location: The museum opened in 2001 and is located on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay, making it easy to combine with other Odaiba attractions.
What to See#
- Geo-Cosmos: The Geo-Cosmos spherical display that visualizes planetary data and global imagery in real time and is a focal point of the museum’s permanent exhibition.
- Dome theater: A dome theater used for immersive science and earth-system presentations and special screenings as part of the public program.
How to Get to Miraikan#
From Tokyo Station take the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi, then transfer to the Yurikamome Line to Telecom Center or Daiba Station; Miraikan is a short walk from either Yurikamome stop. Alternatively, take the Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport Station.
Tips for Visiting Miraikan#
- Visit on weekday mornings to see exhibits with fewer families and school groups.
- Don't miss the Geo-Cosmos globe in the adjacent National Museum of Emerging Science (when on display) and the robot demonstrations in the atrium.
- Book tickets online for popular weekends or special exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit Miraikan#
Miraikan is busiest on weekends and school holidays; weekdays (especially mornings) offer a calmer, more contemplative visit.
Weather & Climate near Miraikan#
Miraikan's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1431 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 2° - 9° | 3° | 41 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Good | 2° - 9° | 3° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 125 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 14° - 22° | 18° | 131 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.9h |
| June | Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 174 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.4h |
| July | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 148 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 20° - 26° | 23° | 199 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 14° - 21° | 18° | 172 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 37 mm | some cloud | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
