National Museum of Nature and Science
4.5
(27.8k)This sprawling national museum in Ueno Park offers a wide variety of exhibits on natural history and science, from dinosaur fossils and animal specimens to displays on space, technology, and Japanese history. It's housed in a Neo-Renaissance style building, originally completed in 1931, that was designed to withstand major earthquakes.
Address
7-20 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8718, Japan
Website
Opening Hours
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Thu)
Phone
+81 50-5541-8600
Worth it?
Worth it for an engaging and educational experience for all ages, especially if you have a few hours to dedicate
Skip if you're looking for a quick in-and-out museum visit
Location
7-20 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8718, Japan
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Highlights
The Dinosaur Hall on B1F features huge life-sized skeletons and moving models that are a guaranteed favorite for kids.
The museum includes a 360-degree theater that offers an immersive 10-minute experience, which kids particularly enjoy.
You can find exhibitions specific to Japan, covering its unique natural history and scientific advancements.
Head to the top floor to access the rooftop garden for a bird's-eye view of Ueno.
Outside the museum, you can see a life-size blue whale model and a steam locomotive on display.
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Who it's for
Families with kids will find plenty to keep them engaged, especially with the interactive exhibits and dinosaur hall. Anyone interested in science, natural history, or Japanese scientific heritage will enjoy a visit.
Know before you go
The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Consider starting at the bottom (B2) and working your way up, as the lower and upper floors tend to be less crowded than the middle levels, which often host school groups.
Check the show schedule for Theater 360° upon arrival, and if lines are short, consider doing it before the Dinosaur Hall.
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Reviews
4.5
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors consistently praise the museum for its vast array of exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, animal specimens, and displays on space and Japanese history. They appreciate its impressive size, the engaging and educational experience for all ages, and the affordable admission. The interactive exhibits and the 360-degree theater are also frequently mentioned as highlights.
Fun facts
The museum first opened in 1877 and has operated under several names before becoming the National Museum of Nature and Science in 2007.
The main building, designed by Kenzo Akitani, is considered an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The museum's collection holds over 5 million items, with approximately 14,000 on permanent display.
The museum hosted a traveling Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition in 2022.
