The Asahikawa Science Museum (旭川市科学館 サイパル) is one of Hokkaido’s most engaging indoor attractions for kids, where curiosity turns into hands-on adventure through play and discovery. Located in Asahikawa, the science museum, also known as SciPal, invites families to explore interactive exhibits, experiment with physics, and gaze at the stars inside its mesmerizing planetarium. With a small entry fee and family-friendly tickets, the Asahikawa Science Museum offers hours of wonder, from wind-creating bikes and air rockets to glowing light tunnels that make science come alive for children of all ages.
As you plan your trip to Asahikawa, Furano or Biei, this guide is a great place to start! Begin with our Best Things to Do in Asahikawa, Furano & Biei with Kids guide for family-friendly fun along the canal, local museums, sweet shops, and seaside walks. You can also explore our Sapporo with Kids Hub to find more Hokkaido ideas, day trips, and family adventures across the region. For even more inspiration across Japan, browse our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for theme parks, cultural highlights, nature escapes, and hands-on experiences.
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Why Asahikawa Science Museum is Great for Families with Kids
- Families love the interactive fun for all ages, where kids can create snow crystals, test avalanches, and pedal bikes to make wind, experiments that bring Hokkaido’s nature to life indoors.
- Inside the planetarium, constellations and digital shows make the night sky feel close enough to touch, sparking early curiosity about the stars.
- The museum’s themed zones, from the Earth Corner to the Space and Illusions Corners, let children travel from the deep sea to outer space all in one day.
- For parents, the safe, open layout and child-focused design mean little scientists can explore freely while adults enjoy a slower, relaxed pace.
- With its indoor, all-weather setting, Sci-Pal is a perfect retreat for snowy or rainy Hokkaido days, turning science play into a warm family memory no matter the season.
Parent Insight: The Asahikawa Science Museum reminds us that curiosity knows no borders. Whether you’re in Japan, Europe, or your hometown, letting kids experiment freely, without worrying about “getting it right”, transforms simple science exhibits into lifelong lessons in wonder and resilience.
Best Things to Do at Asahikawa Science Museum with Kids
- Explore the Northern Country Corner: Try snow and ice experiments, peek at Hokkaido wildlife displays, and watch the avalanche simulator show how snow flows like a liquid, a perfect way to learn why Asahikawa winters are so unique.
- Tinker in the Earth Corner: Feel the earthquake simulator, build a volcano, make clouds in a chamber, step inside a giant bubble, play light soccer with mirrors and prisms, pedal to make wind, and race marbles on the ball coaster to see energy in motion.
- Blast off in the Space Corner: Take a Moon Jump to feel lower gravity, try the astronaut training gyroscope, and “become an astronaut” in a multi-user space mission while learning about planets and orbits.
- Stargaze in the Planetarium: Relax under an 18-meter dome while live commentary and digital projections turn night skies and constellations into an easy, awe-filled lesson for kids.
- Catch shows in the Science Theater: On a 250-inch screen, short 2D/3D films and live experiment demos make science click, a great reset between exhibit zones.
- Play with perception in the Illusions Corner: Test optical, auditory, tactile, and full-body illusions, step into a “tilted room,” and see how the brain can be tricked, kids love trying to “outsmart” the exhibits.
- Say hi to the Water Dragon: This 5-meter water screen projects nature scenes and even visitor faces on flowing water, a quick, magical stop for photos before you head out.
Practical Tips for Visiting Asahikawa Science Museum with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – Adults ¥410 (with planetarium ¥520); high school students ¥280 (with planetarium ¥350); free for junior high students and younger.
- Best Age Range: Ages 4–12. Toddlers enjoy sensory exhibits, while older kids engage with physics, light, and space experiments.
- Stroller-Friendly?: Yes, elevators connect all floors, and wide aisles make it easy to navigate with strollers.
- Rest Areas: A dedicated rest corner offers benches, lockers, a baby corner, and a hot-water station for bottles or food.
- Food: No restaurant inside, but vending machines and a small shop with snacks are available.
Best Time to Visit Asahikawa Science Museum with Kids
The best time to visit Asahikawa Science Museum with kids is during the morning or early afternoon, when exhibits are quieter and families have more space to explore the hands-on displays.
Because Asahikawa experiences long winters, the museum is especially popular from November to April as an indoor escape from the cold and snow. Spring and summer visits often coincide with the city’s outdoor attractions, making the museum a great rainy-day backup or cool-down spot between park adventures.
To avoid crowds, plan weekday mornings or arrive soon after opening. Arriving early also gives families plenty of time to enjoy the planetarium and the special exhibits before school groups arrive.
For year-round planning, explore our Japan Seasonal Guides for Families, including detailed resources for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and our full Best Time to Visit Japan with Kids guide.
How Long to Spend at Asahikawa Science Museum with Kids
Plan to spend about 1.5 to 3 hours at the Asahikawa Science Museum with kids, depending on your child’s curiosity level and whether you include a planetarium show.
Families with toddlers and younger kids may enjoy a shorter visit of around 1 hour, focusing on the Earth and Illusions Corners with plenty of sensory exhibits and open space for play. School-age children typically stay longer, exploring multiple zones, testing experiments, and joining live shows or seasonal programs.
If your family enjoys slow-paced exploration, consider visiting in the morning and taking a lunch break in the rest area before continuing. The museum’s compact size and flexible layout make it easy to customize your time without rushing.
How to Get to Asahikawa Science Museum with Kids
- By Foot: From Asahikawa Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the museum
- By Car: The museum offers free on-site parking, with designated spaces for families and accessibility needs. It’s about a 5 to 10-minute drive from central Asahikawa.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Don’t rush straight to the exhibits, stop at the giant “Water Dragon” near the entrance first! It’s like a magic waterfall that shows moving images on real water, and kids love trying to spot their own reflections.
If your trip includes bullet trains, don’t miss our Shinkansen With Kids guide for tips on seats, luggage, and navigating stations with little travelers. Parents comparing rail options can also see our Japan Rail Pass Guide to understand when the pass is worth it for families. And if you want stress-free station transfers, our Japan Luggage Delivery Guide explains how to send suitcases ahead so your family can travel light and move easily between cities.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Asahikawa Science Museum
- Luxury
- OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts – About 10 minutes by car or bus from the museum. Spacious family rooms, play-friendly common areas, and a stylish café make this a favorite for families seeking comfort with personality.
- ART HOTEL Asahikawa – Around 8 minutes by car. Features on-site dining, a family-friendly onsen bath, and large connecting rooms, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
- Mid-Range
- JR INN Asahikawa – Directly connected to Asahikawa Station, this modern, quiet hotel is ideal for families using public transport. Rooms are compact but comfortable, and the public bath offers lovely views of the city.
- Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa – Just a 2-minute walk from Asahikawa Station. Known for its on-site onsen, free drinks lounge, and welcoming staff who go the extra mile for traveling families.
- Budget
- Dormy Inn Asahikawa – About 10 minutes by car or a short bus ride from the museum. Offers clean, cozy rooms, a family-friendly onsen, and complimentary evening ramen, a kid favorite!
- Hotel Route-Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae – Next to Asahikawa Station, providing simple, reliable stays with breakfast included and easy access to shops and restaurants.
- Ryokan Sensyoen – About 10 minutes by car. A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms and homemade meals, giving families a warm, cultural experience close to the city center.
Finding the right base can make exploring Hokkaido easier and more enjoyable with kids. Our Best Family Hotels in Japan guide highlights family-friendly stays across the country, from modern hotels with spacious rooms to cozy ryokan and hot spring retreats. If you’re still choosing which Hokkaido destinations to include in your trip, explore our family guides to Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano & Biei for ideas on what to see, do, and experience with kids.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Asahikawa Science Museum
- Asahiyama Zoo – One of Japan’s most famous zoos, where kids can walk through glass tunnels surrounded by penguins and seals. Interactive exhibits make animal encounters unforgettable year-round.
- Tokiwa Park – A beautiful lakeside park right next to the museum, perfect for picnics, stroller walks, and feeding ducks after exploring the exhibits.
- Asahikawa City Museum – Learn about local Ainu culture, history, and crafts through hands-on displays, an enriching stop for kids curious about Hokkaido’s heritage.
- Ueno Farm (The Gnomes’ Garden) – A colorful English-style garden that’s open seasonally, offering scenic walks, flower mazes, and a relaxing café with kid-friendly treats.
- Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum – Learn about the culture and traditions of Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu people through exhibits, clothing, and crafts.
- Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka – Rolling hills covered in rainbow-colored flowers from spring to autumn. Families can ride tractors, take photos, or sample lavender soft cream.
- Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) – One of Hokkaido’s most iconic sights, the pond’s bright blue water looks almost unreal, especially on sunny days.
- Shirahige Waterfall – Located near the Blue Pond, this cascading waterfall looks magical in every season, steaming mist in winter, lush greenery in summer.
- Asahidake Ropeway – Ride up Hokkaido’s tallest mountain for panoramic views, alpine trails, and bubbling volcanic vents. Great for older kids and adventurous families.
- Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway – A scenic gondola ride through the Daisetsuzan mountain range, especially stunning during autumn foliage season.
- Kitoushi Forest Park Family Travel Village – A massive outdoor park with playgrounds, camping areas, and open fields for biking or picnicking, perfect for letting kids run wild after a zoo day.
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs: Visiting Asahikawa Science Museum with Kids
Here are quick answers to the most common questions families ask when visiting the Asahikawa Science Museum with kids, from ticket prices and planetarium shows to the best time to go and nearby family attractions.
A: The Asahikawa Science Museum (Sci-Pal) is open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. It’s closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays. Opening hours may vary for special exhibitions, so checking the schedule before your visit is recommended.
A: Entry to the Asahikawa Science Museum costs ¥410 for adults and ¥280 for high school students. A combined ticket with the planetarium is ¥520 for adults and ¥350 for students, while junior high students and younger can enter for free, making it a budget-friendly family activity.
A: The planetarium at the Asahikawa Science Museum requires a separate ticket or a combined entry pass. Families who plan to enjoy both the hands-on exhibits and the stargazing dome should choose the combo option for convenience and best value.
A: The most popular exhibits at the Asahikawa Science Museum include the Zero Gravity Chair, Moon Jump, and Earthquake Simulator. Kids also love the Illusions Corner, where they can test their senses, and the Northern Country Corner, which explores snow and ice experiments unique to Hokkaido.
A: Families typically spend about 1.5 to 3 hours at the Asahikawa Science Museum (Sci-Pal). Younger children may prefer a shorter visit, while older kids can spend more time exploring the interactive exhibits, watching science shows, and enjoying a planetarium performance.
A: The best time to visit the Asahikawa Science Museum with kids is during winter or early spring, when it offers a warm and engaging indoor escape from the snow. Weekday mornings are quieter, allowing families to enjoy the hands-on exhibits and planetarium at a relaxed pace.
A: Yes, the Asahikawa Science Museum (Sci-Pal) is fully stroller and wheelchair friendly. Elevators connect all floors, and wide walkways make it easy for families to explore. Ramps, accessible restrooms, and rest areas are available throughout the museum for added comfort.
Until Next Time…
The Asahikawa Science Museum (Sci-Pal) turns science into play and curiosity into confidence. Whether your kids are floating on a Moon Jump, watching constellations swirl in the planetarium, or feeling the chill of a snow experiment, each discovery reminds them that learning can be exciting anywhere, even in the heart of snowy Hokkaido. Families leave not just with new knowledge, but with shared moments of wonder that make travel feel magical.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
