Tokyo is full of exciting places for families, but few spark curiosity like the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan / 日本科学未来館) in Odaiba. From meeting ASIMO the robot to gazing at the giant Earth globe display, kids can dive into hands-on exhibits about space, robotics, and the environment. Families planning ahead can secure Miraikan tickets online to skip the hassle at the door, making the experience even smoother. Visiting Miraikan with kids isn’t just a museum stop, it’s an interactive journey where science feels like play and the future comes alive.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place. If you’re considering sightseeing passes, our Tokyo Passes Guide breaks down the best options for families. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
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Why Miraikan is Great for Families with Kids
- Interactive exhibits turn science into play, from space exploration to earthquake simulators.
- The Geo-Cosmos globe, a massive Earth suspended in the atrium, mesmerizes kids and adults alike.
- Live demonstrations with robots and AI give kids a peek into the future.
- Wide, modern halls make it stroller-friendly and easy to navigate.
- The location in Odaiba means plenty of nearby family attractions for a full day out.
Parent Insight: Places like Miraikan show kids that science isn’t just in textbooks, it’s alive, moving, and full of questions we’re still trying to answer. Follow their curiosity, not the exhibit order, and let their “What if?” questions guide you. That wonder is where real learning begins.
Best Things to Do at Miraikan with Kids
- Geo-Cosmos Display: Watch the Earth slowly rotate on this massive glowing globe suspended in the main hall.
- ASIMO Demonstrations: See Honda’s famous humanoid robot walk, wave, and even kick a ball.
- Space Exploration Zone: Climb inside mock space capsules and learn what life is like for astronauts.
- Disaster & Earthquake Simulations: Try hands-on exhibits that teach kids about natural disasters in safe, interactive ways.
- Future Technology Exhibits: Experiment with robotics, AI, and cutting-edge innovations that make kids feel like inventors.
- Lab Workshops: On certain days, kids can join short workshops with science communicators.
Practical Tips for Visiting Miraikan with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – Adults ¥630, kids ¥210; preschoolers free. Extra fee for special exhibits or planetarium.
- Best Age Range: Ages 5+ (younger kids will enjoy the visuals, older kids can dive deeper into exhibits)
- Stroller-Friendly?: Yes, elevators and wide spaces throughout
- Rest Areas: Benches and resting spots on multiple floors
- Food: Café on-site with kid-friendly meals; Odaiba has many restaurants nearby
Best Time to Visit Miraikan with Kids
The best time to visit Miraikan with kids is in the morning on weekdays, when school groups are fewer and families can enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace. Crowds tend to increase in the afternoon, especially on weekends and holidays.
Spring and autumn are great seasons, as the weather makes it pleasant to combine your Miraikan visit with nearby attractions in Odaiba, like the waterfront parks or teamLab Planets. In summer, the museum offers a cool indoor escape from the Tokyo heat, while winter visits feel cozy with plenty of indoor exploration.
For the smoothest family experience, arrive early to secure seats for the planetarium shows and give kids time to explore hands-on exhibits without long waits.
How Long to Spend at Miraikan with Kids
Plan to spend about 2–3 hours at Miraikan with kids, enough to enjoy the permanent exhibitions, interactive science displays, and the popular ASIMO or robot demonstrations at a comfortable pace.
Families with toddlers and younger kids may prefer a shorter visit of around 1.5 hours, focusing on the play-based areas and the giant globe theater. School-age children often engage longer with interactive science zones, stretching the visit closer to 3 hours. Older kids and teens may want even more time if you add a planetarium show or temporary exhibitions.
This flexible timeframe makes it easy to tailor your visit around your child’s curiosity level and energy for the day.
How to Get to Miraikan with Kids
- By Train: About a 4-minute walk from Telecom Center Station (Yurikamome Line) or a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station (Rinkai Line).
- By Bus: Several city buses stop near Odaiba; look for stops at Telecom Center or Tokyo Teleport.
- Special Note: The Yurikamome Line (driverless train) is a highlight for kids; sit in the front for a “rollercoaster view” of Tokyo Bay!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Don’t miss the robot shows! Time your visit to catch ASIMO’s demo, and then try walking like a robot through the museum to see who does the best impression.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Miraikan in Tokyo
- Luxury
- Hilton Tokyo Odaiba – Nearly a 15-minute walk; family suites with bay views and kid-friendly amenities.
- Mid-Range
- Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside – Roughly an 18-minute walk; comfortable modern rooms and easy access to Miraikan.
- Budget
- Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel – About 15 minutes by train; affordable family rooms and reliable comfort.
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the historic Senso-ji Temple to DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the bay area of Odaiba; don’t miss our Tokyo Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot weather adventures, or our Best Museums in Tokyo Guide for deeper cultural fun. Families planning a longer stay will love our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary, which balances iconic landmarks with kid-friendly hidden gems. For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Miraikan in Tokyo
A visit to Miraikan is already a futuristic adventure with robots, space, and hands-on science, but Odaiba is packed with family-friendly attractions. Here are some fun stops nearby to turn your museum visit into a full day of discovery:
- Tokyo Joypolis – An indoor amusement park filled with VR rides, arcade-style games, and thrill attractions. Best for school-aged kids and teens who love high-energy fun.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo – Perfect for younger kids, this colorful indoor playground has LEGO building zones, a gentle shooting ride, and a miniature LEGO Tokyo in Miniland.
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza & Unicorn Gundam Statue – See the life-sized Gundam transform outside the mall, then head inside for themed stores and plenty of dining options.
- Odaiba Seaside Park – A short walk away, this bayside park is stroller-friendly and offers views of Rainbow Bridge, sandy play areas, and sunset picnic spots.
- TeamLab Planets (Toyosu) – Just one stop away by train, this immersive digital art museum lets families walk through water rooms, glowing gardens, and interactive light installations.
FAQs: Visiting Miraikan with Kids
Planning a visit to Miraikan in Tokyo with kids? Here are answers to the most common family questions about hours, tickets, access, and kid-friendly highlights. For extra help exploring the museum, you can also check the official Miraikan floor plan.
A: Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, is Tokyo’s leading science museum. It’s famous for the giant Geo-Cosmos globe, ASIMO the humanoid robot, and hands-on exhibits about space, robotics, and the environment, making it one of the best kid-friendly museums in Japan.
A: Miraikan is located in Odaiba, Tokyo’s waterfront entertainment district. The area is known for family attractions, shopping centers, and panoramic Tokyo Bay views, making it easy to combine with other kid-friendly activities nearby.
A: Miraikan is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and usually closed on Tuesdays. Hours may change during holidays or special events, so it’s best to check the official website before visiting with kids.
A: General admission to Miraikan costs ¥630 for adults and ¥210 for children under 18, while preschoolers can enter free. Special exhibitions and the planetarium may require separate tickets, so families should check current pricing before visiting.
A: The best time to visit Miraikan with kids is in the morning on weekdays, when crowds are smaller and children can enjoy the hands-on exhibits without long waits. Spring and autumn are especially good seasons, and arriving early also helps secure planetarium tickets before they sell out.
A: The easiest way to get to Miraikan is by train. It’s a 4-minute walk from Telecom Center Station on the Yurikamome Line, or a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line. Many families enjoy the driverless Yurikamome ride, which offers great views of Rainbow Bridge.
A: Most families spend about 2–3 hours at Miraikan with kids, enough time to explore the permanent exhibits, robots, and the giant globe theater. Families with older children or science lovers may want half a day if they add a planetarium show or temporary exhibitions.
A: Yes, Miraikan is very kid-friendly. It’s best for children ages 5 and up, who can fully enjoy the interactive exhibits on science and technology. Younger kids still love the Geo-Cosmos globe and robot demonstrations, making it a fun stop for the whole family.
A: Miraikan is famous for its giant Geo-Cosmos globe, a massive LED display showing real-time Earth data. It’s also known for ASIMO the humanoid robot, interactive science exhibits, and thought-provoking displays about space, the environment, and future technology.
A: Yes, Miraikan has the Dome Theater planetarium, which shows science-themed films and immersive 3D star shows. Tickets require a separate fee, and seats sell out quickly, so families should reserve early or buy tickets on arrival.
A: Yes, Miraikan is worth visiting with kids. Families love the mix of interactive science exhibits, the robot demonstrations, and the impressive globe theater. It’s one of Tokyo’s top museums for sparking curiosity and turning science into a fun, hands-on adventure.
A: Miraikan is best for children ages 5 and up, since school-age kids can fully enjoy the hands-on exhibits about space, robots, and science. Younger children will still be fascinated by the giant Geo-Cosmos globe and robot shows, but the interactive displays are designed with older kids in mind.
A: Yes, Miraikan provides English support. Most exhibits have English translations, and the staff are used to helping international visitors. Planetarium shows are usually in Japanese, but headsets with English audio are sometimes available.
A: Yes, Miraikan has an on-site café offering light meals, snacks, and drinks suitable for kids. Families can also find many child-friendly restaurants in Odaiba, so it’s easy to combine your museum visit with lunch or dinner nearby.
A: Yes, Miraikan is stroller-friendly. The museum has elevators, wide corridors, and barrier-free spaces, making it easy to navigate with babies or toddlers. Parents with infants will find the layout comfortable for strollers.
Until Next Time…
Miraikan is more than a science museum, it’s a place where kids can see the future, ask bold questions, and discover that learning is full of wonder. Whether your child leaves dreaming of space travel, inventing robots, or simply replaying their best robot walk, Miraikan is a Tokyo adventure that inspires big imaginations.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
