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Discover 4.6 billion years of Earth's history and the full sweep of Japanese nature, science, and technology at the National Museum of Nature and Science — one of Japan's largest and most comprehensive science museums, housed in two spectacular buildings in Ueno Park. From dinosaur skeletons and the preserved remains of the famous loyal dog Hachiko to real Japanese rockets and space satellites, meteorites from outer space, and an extraordinary 360-degree spherical cinema, this is one of the most rewarding and family-friendly cultural experiences available in Tokyo.

Key Highlights

  • Explore over 25,000 exhibits across two gallery buildings — the Japan Gallery tracing the natural history and ecosystems of the Japanese archipelago, and the Global Gallery covering Earth science, space exploration, and the evolution of life
  • Come face to face with an extraordinary collection of dinosaur skeletons — one of the most impressive dinosaur displays of any museum in Japan, including species rarely seen outside the country
  • See the preserved remains of Hachiko — Japan's most beloved dog, whose extraordinary loyalty story captured the hearts of the entire nation — displayed in the Japan Gallery alongside two famous pandas
  • Discover real Japanese rockets and satellites in the space exploration section alongside fragments of the Nantan meteorite — one of the largest meteorite fragments on public display in Asia
  • Experience Theater 36O — a spectacular 360-degree spherical cinema showing monthly science documentary features in a uniquely immersive format

About National Museum of Nature and Science Ticket

The National Museum of Nature and Science (Kahaku) is one of the most extraordinary and extensive science museums in Asia — a national institution in Ueno Park dedicated to the relationship between human beings and nature, housing over 25,000 authentic specimens, artefacts, and interactive exhibits across two interconnected buildings with six floors of galleries covering the full range of natural history, ecology, space science, physics, and Japan's unique biodiversity.

The museum is divided into two main gallery buildings. The Japan Gallery (Nihonkan) traces the natural history of the Japanese archipelago from its volcanic origins to the present day — covering Japan's distinctive ecosystems from deep-sea trenches and alpine meadows to dense temperate forests, detailing the extraordinary biodiversity that Japan's varied geography and island isolation have produced. Highlights include the preserved Hachiko — the Akita dog who famously continued returning to Shibuya Station for nearly 10 years after his owner's death, now preserved and displayed here with extraordinary reverence — and the remains of two famous pandas, specimens of rare endemic Japanese species, and ancient artefacts from Japan's earliest human settlements. The Global Gallery (Chikyu-kan) is the more spectacular building — a curved white structure covering space exploration, the geology of Earth, the evolution of all life on the planet, the dinosaur hall, meteorite collections, and the extraordinary story of how science and technology developed across human history. The space section features real rockets and satellites from Japan's space programme, creating one of the most genuinely impressive science displays available anywhere in Japan.

Theater 36O — the 360-degree spherical cinema — screens monthly feature science documentary films in a completely immersive dome experience that is as entertaining as it is educational, and an English-language audio headset rental service is available throughout the gallery for visitors who want commentary on the exhibits in English. Book your National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo ticket now on Thrillark.

Inclusions

  • Full admission to the National Museum of Nature and Science
  • Access to all permanent exhibitions across all floors of both buildings
  • Access to Theater 36O
  • Access to all interactive exhibits and specimen displays

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages 
  • Personal expenses 
  • Transport

Insiders' Tips

The Global Gallery's dinosaur hall and space section are the most popular areas and busiest at midday — visit these first when the museum opens at 9:00 AM for the most relaxed experience. An English-language audio headset is available to rent inside and is highly recommended for international visitors — it transforms the exhibit experience significantly. The second building (Global Gallery) is at the back of the museum grounds and is sometimes missed by visitors — do not leave without exploring it.

Additional Information

Operating Hours
  • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Closed every Monday
Child Policy
  • Children and students aged 18 and under: free admission
Visitor Guidelines
  • Photography and filming for personal, non-commercial use is permitted throughout the museum — no flash, no tripods, unipods, monopods, or selfie sticks
  • No outside food or drinks permitted inside the museum
  • No group photos in the museum
  • English-language audio headset available to rent inside the museum
  • Present your e-ticket QR code to staff at the entrance gate
Accessibility & Facilities
  • Fully wheelchair accessible 
  • Accessible restrooms available on multiple floors
  • Seating available throughout the galleries

Cancellation Policy

  • No Cancellations and Non-refundable

National Museum of Nature and Science Ticket Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo?
The National Museum of Nature and Science (Kahaku) is one of Japan's largest science museums in Ueno Park — housing over 25,000 exhibits across two gallery buildings covering the natural history of Japan, dinosaurs, space exploration, meteorites, Earth science, and the evolution of life. Children and students aged 18 and under enter completely free of charge.
What are the two gallery buildings at the National Museum of Nature and Science?
The Japan Gallery (Nihonkan) focuses on the natural history and ecosystems of the Japanese archipelago — covering Japan's volcanic origins, distinctive wildlife, endemic species, and human history. The Global Gallery (Chikyu-kan) is the larger and more spectacular building, covering space exploration, dinosaurs, Earth geology, the evolution of all life, and the history of science and technology, with real Japanese rockets and satellites on display.
What can I see at the dinosaur exhibit at the National Museum of Nature and Science?
The dinosaur hall in the Global Gallery houses one of the most impressive and extensive dinosaur skeleton collections in Japan — covering a range of species from different geological periods with full mounted skeletons, fossil specimens, and interpretive displays. The collection is consistently cited by visitors as the most impressive and memorable section of the entire museum.
Who is Hachiko and why is he at the National Museum of Nature and Science?
Hachiko was an Akita dog who became famous across Japan for his extraordinary loyalty — continuing to return to Shibuya Station every day for nearly 10 years after his owner's death in 1925, waiting faithfully for a master who would never arrive. After his own death, Hachiko was preserved and is now displayed in the Japan Gallery of the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the exhibit remains one of the most emotionally affecting moments of any visit to the museum.
What is Theater 36O at the National Museum of Nature and Science?
Theater 36O is a 360-degree spherical cinema inside the museum that screens monthly science documentary feature films in a completely immersive dome format — surrounding the entire audience in a wraparound visual experience that makes it one of the most spectacular ways to experience science storytelling available at any Japanese museum. Check the museum website for the current monthly screening schedule before your visit.
Is the National Museum of Nature and Science suitable for families with children?
Yes — the museum is one of the most family-friendly and engaging cultural institutions in Tokyo, with dinosaur skeletons, space rockets, meteorites, Hachiko, and interactive exhibits across six floors of two connected buildings. Children and students aged 18 and under enter completely free of charge, making it an exceptional value for families and one of the most affordable full-day experiences available in Ueno Park.
Is there an English audio guide at the National Museum of Nature and Science?
An English-language audio headset is available to rent inside the museum and is highly recommended for international visitors — the rental provides comprehensive commentary on the most important exhibits in the Japan and Global Galleries, significantly enhancing the experience for visitors who do not read Japanese. The audio headset is not included in the standard admission ticket and must be hired separately at an additional cost on the day.
Where is the National Museum of Nature and Science and how do I get there?
The museum is located in Ueno Park at 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo — a short walk from Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Hibiya Line. The museum is clearly signposted from the park's main entrance and is surrounded by other major Ueno Park institutions including the Tokyo National Museum and the Ueno Zoo.
Are there free admission days at the National Museum of Nature and Science?
The museum offers free admission on selected special days throughout the year — including Museum Day in May, Respect-for-the-Aged Day in September, and Culture Day in November. Visitors wishing to take advantage of free admission days should check the official museum calendar before visiting as specific dates vary each year.
Do I need to book National Museum of Nature and Science tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during Golden Week (late April to early May), summer school holidays, and weekends when the museum is at its busiest and ticket counter queues can extend to 30 minutes or more. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 16% on the standard rate with instant confirmation and a mobile QR code ready to present at the entrance gate.

Ratings & Reviews

National Museum of Nature and Science Ticket

USD 4.64

Insiders’ Tips

The Global Gallery's dinosaur hall and space section are the most popular areas and busiest at midday — visit these first when the museum opens at 9:00 AM for the most relaxed experience. An English-language audio headset is available to rent inside and is highly recommended for international visitors — it transforms the exhibit experience significantly. The second building (Global Gallery) is at the back of the museum grounds and is sometimes missed by visitors — do not leave without exploring it.

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