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Miraikan: Connecting you to the Future

After marveling at the towering Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba, your journey through this futuristic wonderland continues to another must-see attraction: Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Just a short walk from the Gundam statue, Miraikan offers a deep dive into the cutting-edge world of science and technology. As you leave behind the awe-inspiring sight of the Gundam, prepare to immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and fascinating displays that explore the future of our world.

Since opening its doors in 2001, Miraikan has served as a platform connecting people with science and technology. It inspires curiosity to build a better future through innovation. Its slogan, "Mirai can ___! The future is ours to fulfill," encourages visitors to think critically and learn from the past and present. As a result, it shapes dreams that will one day become reality, achieving diverse futures. Operated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Miraikan is divided into three zones overflowing with interactive exhibits and displays, along with a dome theater that offers an immersive experience of various science and space films.

Geo-Cosmos

As you enter the first floor, you'll be struck by the high ceiling and expansive space before you. To your left is a passageway to a hall that opens to the Symbol Zone's "Discover your Earth." In the center of the room, called the “symbol zone,” hangs the “Geo-Cosmos,” a spectacular earth-shaped display made of liquid crystal panels, six meters in diameter. The cloud imagery over the past 90 days data supplied daily by weather satellites, giving you the sensation of viewing Earth from space. In my opinion, it is undoubtedly the most iconic symbol of Miraikan's exhibits.

Standing before the Geo-Cosmos, I was overwhelmed by its sheer scale and the stunning detail of our planet displayed in real time. The vastness of the exhibit space only added to the feeling of awe, making me feel as if I were a tiny speck in the universe. As I walked on the Oval Bridge walkway that encircles the Geo-Cosmos and links the third and fifth floors, I could observe it from every angle. It continued to draw my attention and spark thoughts about our planet's beauty and fragility. I also discovered a monitor on the walkway called Geo-Prism that displays ocean currents and global tweet timelines. It was especially amusing to see how people tweeted common phrases such as "Good morning." and "Thank you." on a particular day. It's not often that you see such human interactions reflected in scientific data.

Three educational programs are shown throughout the day at varying times: "Digging the Future," which explores how humans impact the planet with a fun rap music twist; "World Processor SOCIAL," which lets you see how people worldwide interact in politics, economics, and social issues; and "Into the Diverse World," which uses satellite data to highlight Earth's environmental and cultural diversity. You can lie on lounge chairs on the first floor or gaze at it from the third floor or the Oval Bridge. The mesmerizing display of Earth on the Geo-Cosmos is a relaxing yet educational experience for the whole family.

Create your Future (3F)

Once you reach the third floor, it feels like stepping into a world where robots and humans coexist in harmony. The exhibits in this zone allow you to explore the latest advancements in science and technology and understand how they shape our lives. Think of it as a window into the Future, where you can learn through play and imagine yourself as a scientist or an inventor, solving problems and coming up with new ideas for the Future. Check out areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence. Let's explore some of its highlights together!

Digitally Natural – Naturally Digital

The first exhibit, "Digitally Natural – Naturally Digital," shows how computers are becoming part of our lives and nature. As I explored this exhibit, I was fascinated by how artificial intelligence blurs the boundaries between what is real and what is not. The attractive device stimulated my perception, both visual and tactile. Interactive features allowed me to making it feel like I was blending the virtual and physical worlds. The sensory experience was exhilarating, and I left with a deeper appreciation for the innovative ways technology can enhance our understanding of reality.

A Hands-On Model of the Internet

Another exhibit that everyone can relate to is "The Internet." Visualizing how the internet works is pretty tricky, isn’t it? However, this hands-on model makes it easy to understand how information travels through the World Wide Web and eventually reaches our screens using just black and white balls. As I interacted with the exhibit, I was amazed at how it broke down the complex processes into simple, visual steps. Watching the balls move through various pathways and understanding the roles of servers and routers was both exciting and enlightening. It’s incredible how something so intricate can be explained in a way that even kids can easily grasp. This exhibit truly demystified the internet, turning a complicated concept into an engaging and educational experience.

Park of Aging

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to grow old like your grandparents? At the "Park of Aging" exhibit, you can experience just that. Stepping into this exhibit made me feel like stepping into the shoes of an older person. I started by wearing weights on my ankles to simulate the physical challenges of aging. Walking to the simulated supermarket became surprisingly tricky, making me appreciate the strength and effort required for daily activities that I usually take for granted.

Next, I participated in a shopping memory game, where I had to remember a list of items and find them in the store. This activity highlighted the cognitive challenges of aging, and I found myself struggling to recall all the items even when I used mnemonics. It was a humbling experience that made me think twice about my own health and deeply appreciate the resilience of the older generation.

Overall, the "Park of Aging" exhibit was eye-opening. It provided a powerful and immersive understanding of aging, fostering empathy and respect for our elders.

Nanairo Quest—The Stories of the Future of Living with Robots

The next stop is " Nanairo Quest—The Stories of the Future of Living with Robots," where you enter a digital simulation of a futuristic city where robots are part of everyday life. The moment I entered, I was captivated by the vibrant, colorful displays and the buzz of activity at the interactive stations. It felt like stepping into a living video game. I particularly enjoyed looking for the missing data scattered in the city alongside virtual robot companions, which made it feel like an adventure. The immersive experience of "Nanairo Quest" left me both entertained and enlightened, showing just how exciting the future of science and technology can be.

Hello! Robots

Another fascinating exhibit is "Hello! Robots," where you can interact with robots of various shapes and sizes. As I wandered through the exhibit, I was amazed by the diversity of robots on display. Some robots reacted to touch, responding with purring movements like a cat and sounds that made them feel almost alive. I found the Therapy Robot especially cute because its eyes moved as I patted it. Others reacted to voice commands or visual cues, demonstrating advanced levels of artificial intelligence. The hands-on interactions were not only fun but also provided a glimpse into the potential future of human-robot relationships. The "Hello! Robots" exhibit left me with a sense of wonder and excitement about the possibilities of robotics.

From friendly robots to different sensory and immersive experiences, each exhibit offers a unique perspective on the applications of science and technology. These are just some of the incredible things you can discover on Miraikan's third floor! There's still the fifth floor, "Explore the Frontiers," where you can learn about the universe, the earth, living with disasters, neuroscience and cells, and elementary particles.Plus, there's a dome theatre on the sixth floor where we recommend watching some of Miraikan's exclusive science films. Miraikan's hands-on activities and educational programs make complex concepts easy and fun for visitors of all ages.

Curiosity Field

For the youngest visitors, who might find the interactive exhibits in the permanent exhibitions too challenging, don't worry! There's the Curiosity Field, an interactive play area for parents and their little ones to explore scientific concepts together. This area is full of hands-on exhibits and activities that spark children's curiosity and imagination, encouraging them to ask questions like "Why?" or "How?" things happen. It's the perfect place to bond with your kids while sharing a fun learning experience. The sessions run on a 45-minute rotation system with specific entry times. Access is free, but during busy periods, numbered tickets are distributed. We recommend getting your ticket first once you arrive at the museum, then exploring other floors while waiting your turn.

Other Facilities

Miraikan offers various kid-friendly facilities such as nursing rooms and diaper changing stations. They also offer stroller rentals so you can explore the exhibits with ease and provide sterile water for formula milk. Just ask one of the friendly staff members and they'll accommodate you straight away. If you're worried about not understanding Japanese, almost all the exhibits have English translations, and some even have an audio guide, like the Geo-Cosmos and dome theater screenings.

On the seventh floor is Miraikan Kitchen, a dining lounge with casual dining options to choose from. There's also a viewing deck with panoramic views of Odaiba's cityscape. Feel free to bring your own food and enjoy the calm atmosphere while spending time with your family.

Part 1 Sail with a Manga-Inspired Ship and Marvel at a Life-Sized Gundam
Part 3 Robots and Rainbows: Exploring Kawasaki Robostage and the Majestic Rainbow Bridge