National Museum of Nature and Science
savetrip ideasFrom the whale model outside to the dinosaurs downstairs, size does the explaining.
Two buildings in Ueno make up Japan's national science museum, with a full-size blue whale model outside. A steam locomotive and the launch frame for the country's first satellite stand alongside it. The Global Gallery has dinosaur skeletons, a hall of 115 preserved animals, and 'Compass,' a room children and grown-ups enjoy together. The Japan Gallery is a 1931 landmark shaped like an airplane seen from above.
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details & sources (8)
- Official: Stroller friendly, Stroller rental, Nursing space
- Official: English support, Child switch (rider swap)
- Official: Elevator
- Official: main site
| Stroller friendly | Yes | 2 loaner strollers at the entrance information counter (no reservations — available when not in use) | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroller rental | Yes (2) | At the entrance information counter; no reservations — available when not in use | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| Nursing space | Yes (2) | Japan Gallery B1F (back of the lounge) and Global Gallery 3F (escalator side); hot water not stated online | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| Diaper changing table | Yes | Accessible restrooms on every floor except Global Gallery B1F, plus Japan Gallery B1F/1F/2F and inside the B1F nursing room | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| Family restroom | Yes | Multipurpose (accessible) restrooms across both buildings; some with adult-size changing beds | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| English support | 英語メニュー・表示 | Audio guide & 'Kahaku Navi' tablet in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese + a kids' Japanese version (¥320, cash only; photo ID needed for the tablet). Free smartphone 'Kahaku HANDY GUIDE' in English, Chinese & Korean (no audio) | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| Child switch (rider swap) | Yes | The audio guide / 'Kahaku Navi' tablet comes in a kids' Japanese version (paid: ¥320, cash only) | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| Elevator | Yes | Wheelchair-accessible elevators listed on the official floor map (per-floor locations on the map) | Web-checked | checked Aug ’26 | kahaku.go.jp |
| Indoor / outdoor | – | – | |||
| Kids' toilet seat & step stool | – | – | |||
| Diaper disposal bin | – | – | |||
| Outside food allowed | – | – | |||
| Steps & slope caution | – | – |
Map
National Museum of Nature and Science · Links & reads ▾
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Basics
- Fee：¥630 (general & university students) · elementary through high school free · under-18s (through the first March 31 after turning 18) and 65+ free with ID showing age■
- Hours：9:00-17:00 (last entry 30 min before closing); closed Mon (Tue if Sun or Mon is a holiday) & Dec 28-Jan 1; open daily in August. Times can change during special exhibitions — check the official calendar■
- Time needed：150 min
- Booking：E-tickets available via the external 'Asoview!' site■Official booking site ↗
- Note: the parent-and-child exploration room 'Compass' (Global Gallery 3F, aimed mainly at ages 4-6) requires a timed reservation for everyone, including babies■