Exploring the Wonders of Tomorrow at Miraikan
At the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, affectionately known as the Miraikan, we find ourselves in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling amusement district, Odaiba. This family-friendly museum stands as a tribute to the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, capturing our collective fascination with science and innovation. Our journey begins with an awe-inspiring entrance, dominated by the 6.5-meter Geo-Cosmos globe. Made up of 10,362 OLED panels, it displays dynamic images of Earth’s weather patterns, cities, populations, and migration movements.
The Miraikan has an official YouTube channel.
Our adventure at the Miraikan unfolds across three themed permanent exhibits: Explore The Frontiers, Discover Your Earth, and Create Your Future. In Explore The Frontiers, I’m teleported into the realm of space exploration, where I can step inside a model of the International Space Station, autographed by legendary astronauts like Buzz Aldrin. The Discover Your Earth section captivates us with a large LED-paneled Earth sculpture, offering a unique view of our planet. The robotics-heavy Create Your Future exhibit showcases the incredible Honda’s ASIMO robot, which can run, kick a soccer ball, and even has opposable thumbs.
Interaction and engagement lie at the heart of our experience at the Miraikan. The museum is renowned for its interactive robots and AI, including the lifelike android Otonaroid, and the celebrated ASIMO robot, which performed alongside President Obama in 2014. We are also invited to immerse ourselves in the living quarters of the International Space Station and learn about the Internet through a hands-on mechanical model in the space and astronomy corner.
To take a break from learning all the high-tech stuff, we visited the Dome Theater ‘Gaia.’ It is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the universe unfold in 3D, all based on the latest scientific data. They also have these incredible shows at the planetarium that make you think about the universe and our place in it.
Despite its allure, visitor opinions on Miraikan vary. While many find themselves enthralled, likening their experience to a child’s wonder, others feel the exhibits cater more to children, with some critiques pointing towards basic informational content. The ASIMO demonstration, a highlight for many, has received mixed reviews regarding its modernity and engagement level. However, families consistently report that children find immense joy in the interactive displays
Miraikan’s operation hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday. Conveniently located in Odaiba, it is easily accessible from the Fune-no Kagakukan and the Telecom Center metro stations. The admission fees are modest, with special free entry for youth under 18 on Saturdays.
Beyond the Miraikan, Odaiba offers a plethora of attractions. Visitors can extend their day by exploring nearby hotspots like the indoor arcade and theme park Joypolis, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, and the picturesque Rainbow Bridge, making for a perfect blend of science, fun, and scenic beauty across Tokyo Bay. It is also located only a 13-minute taxi ride from the teamLab Planets Tokyo in Toyosu.