National Museum of Nature and Science

The basics

The main exhibition space at the museum is split into two halves; the Global Gallery, and the Japan Gallery. The Japan Gallery looks at the biodiversity and cultural history of the Japanese Archipelago, including the first tribes to settle in Japan. The Global Gallery has a large collection of taxidermy animals from around the world and a hands-on physics gallery with scientific games and challenges that kids will love, and the ever-popular dinosaur bones.

Make sure you leave time for the Theater 360; a spherical movie theater that shows specially designed films in an immersive 360-degree environment. No matter what else you’ve got planned in Tokyo—a foodie experience or a historic walking tour—this museum will be an interesting addition to your itinerary.

Things to know before you go

• Entrance to the museum is via paid ticket—children can enter for free.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
• If you’re traveling with kids, consider a specially designed kid-friendly tour to get the most out of Tokyo.

How to get there

The National Museum of Nature and Science is located in Tokyo’s ‘museum quarter’ in Ueno Park. The closest station is JR Ueno, a short walk away. There’s also public parking at Ueno station.

When to get there

The museum is open throughout the year but may be closed on Mondays and select holidays, so check opening hours before you visit. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. The museum is busiest on the weekend, so visit on a weekday if you can for a quieter experience.

Visit Hama Rikyu Gardens

These former duck-hunting grounds—once popular with Tokyo’s nobility—are now serene landscaped gardens with many beautiful trees, pools spanned with bridges, and a teahouse where you can take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Lined by the skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, Hama Rikyu is often compared to Central Park.