Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo, offers an accessible journey into the realms of science and technology, featuring interactive exhibits and facilities for diverse needs.
General Information
Miraikan, located on Odaiba in Tokyo, serves as a hub for exploring advancements in science and technology. This institution is dedicated to showcasing the latest in robotics, space exploration, and environmental science, making it an essential destination for tourists with an interest in the future of scientific innovation.
The museum’s exhibits are highly interactive, featuring humanoid robots, a replica of a module from the International Space Station, and the Tsunagari project, which displays real-time global environmental data on a giant globe. These exhibits aim to foster a deeper understanding of our world and the potential of technology to shape our future.
Miraikan is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including families and children. The building itself is structured to facilitate exploration, with each level focusing on different scientific themes.
Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holiday period from December 28 to January 1. Admission fees for permanent exhibitions are 630 yen for adults and 210 yen for children up to age 18. For groups of 8 or more, discounted rates apply. Preschool children enter for free. Tickets that include access to the Dome Theater are 940 yen for adults and 310 yen for children and 100 yen for preschool children. A disability discount is available for visitors with a Japanese issued disability certificate.
The museum also features a shop offering a range of products designed to stimulate curiosity and extend the educational experience beyond the visit as well as a restaurant.
Getting There
To reach Miraikan, take the Yurikamome Line to “Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station” (5-minute walk) or “Telecom Center Station” (4-minute walk). Alternatively, use the Rinkai Line and exit at “Tokyo Teleport Station,” which is a 15-minute walk away. All stations are wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility
Miraikan provides a range of facilities to accommodate visitors with various needs. The museum offers parking spaces designated for wheelchair users, along with wheelchair rental services, and has accessible toilets available outside the main exhibition areas and the Dome Theatre. The elevators within the building are sized to accommodate wheelchairs, facilitating easy movement throughout the museum. There are plenty of places to sit and rest if needed.
For the hearing impaired, Miraikan provides subtitles for the videos (In Japanese) in its permanent exhibitions, although not all videos currently have this feature. Visitors with visual impairments can benefit from Braille guides and tactile exhibits, with the caveat that Braille is only available in Japanese.
Restroom facilities at Miraikan are inclusive, with specific accommodations for ostomates and urinals equipped with handrails. Adult-sized changing tables are also provided. The toilet on the first floor is a large separate unisex toilet, whereas the toilets on other areas can be located inside the men’s or women’s toilet.
Miraikan allows entry to visitors with guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing assistance dogs. Additionally, the museum offers a multi-purpose room and multi-faith prayer rooms, which can be used as calm-down spaces.
Families with infants have access to stroller rental services, nursing rooms equipped with essential amenities, and changing tables, ensuring a comfortable visit. The museum also caters to international visitors through multi-language labels, guides, subtitles, and audio guides available in several languages.
In an effort to make science accessible to all, Miraikan is exploring innovative methods such as clear displays for real-time captioning, 3D-printed models for tactile interaction, and an autonomous, wheeled guiding system to aid navigation within the museum. These initiatives underscore Miraikan’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
