Nagoya City Science Museum
Explore the cosmos in the world's largest planetarium and engage with interactive science exhibits at this Nagoya gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better slots
Nagoya City Science Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better slots
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the cosmos in the world's largest planetarium and engage with interactive science exhibits at this Nagoya gem.
"A must-visit for families, offering a fun and educational experience at an affordable price."
🎟️ Book Planetarium Tickets Online
Planetarium slots fill up fast! Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
🗣️ Language Considerations
Planetarium shows are in Japanese. Consider this if you don't understand the language.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Largest Planetarium
Planetarium Dome
Experience the cosmos in one of the world's largest planetariums, offering breathtaking views of the universe.
Interactive Science Exhibits
General Exhibition Halls
Engage with hands-on displays covering weather, biology, electricity, and more. Fun for all ages!
Earthquake Preparedness Zone
Earthquake Simulation Room
Understand seismic activity through immersive simulations and learn about earthquake preparedness.
Brutalist Architecture
Exterior
Admire the striking brutalist architecture of the museum building itself, a unique visual experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Planetarium Tickets: Book Ahead!
Language Barrier Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Planetarium Tickets Online
Planetarium slots fill up fast! Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
🗣️ Language Considerations
Planetarium shows are in Japanese. Consider this if you don't understand the language.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
This museum is highly recommended for families with children; they'll love the interactive exhibits.
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
Affordable admission, especially for children, making it a great value for a day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Planetarium Tickets Online
Planetarium slots fill up fast! Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
🗣️ Language Considerations
Planetarium shows are in Japanese. Consider this if you don't understand the language.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
This museum is highly recommended for families with children; they'll love the interactive exhibits.
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
Affordable admission, especially for children, making it a great value for a day out.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan to spend at least a few hours, or even a full day, to explore everything.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Nagoya City Science Museum for its impressive planetarium and engaging, interactive exhibits that are great for families. While the affordability is a major plus, the primary drawback for international visitors is the lack of English in planetarium shows and some demonstrations, leading to a less immersive experience for those who don't understand Japanese.
"I give it 4 stars for the planetarium!! The exhibits were a little old school, quite nostalgic of those I visited when I was in school (during the last century..)
Still,a good place to whole way an hour or two! Don't bother with the show, unless you understand Japanese. It's like a PowerPoint presentation, telling the story in Japanese only. I really think the show needs an update..."
Michael Chan
"plan to spend a whole day at the museum. Great stuff if you have kids with you. still a fun tour for adults as well. note that the planetarium is Japanese language only.
it's better to purchase ticket online as the queue for getting tickets on a weekend can be quite long."
Foto Journalista
"Loved this iconic museum and planetarium in Nagoya. The museum if 100% kids friendly, you will see a lot of families coming. The exhibitis are very interactive, and there is a planetarium with presentations happening often, which I recommend. I also attended a science demonstration aimed at children, which was very nice."
Gabriel De la torre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. It's a short walk from Fushimi Station (Higashiyama and Tsurumai subway lines) or Osu Kannon Station (Tsurumai subway line).
While there is parking available, it's often recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion.
Yes, the Nagoya City Pass can be used for public transportation to reach the museum, and sometimes offers discounts on admission.
Fushimi Station on the Higashiyama and Tsurumai lines is a convenient option, offering direct access.
Yes, the Nagoya City Science Museum is located in the heart of Nagoya, making it easy to combine with other city attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically around 400 yen, with children often free. Planetarium tickets are an additional cost.
Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase planetarium tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly.
Yes, holders of the Nagoya Day Pass may receive a discount on admission.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, planetarium shows operate on specific time slots, and it's crucial to book these in advance to secure your seat.
🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts the world's largest planetarium, interactive exhibits on various scientific fields, and a popular earthquake simulation room.
While many exhibits are visual and intuitive, the planetarium shows and some demonstrations are primarily in Japanese.
Absolutely! It's considered very family-friendly with numerous interactive displays that children will find engaging and educational.
Visitors often recommend spending at least a few hours, and some suggest dedicating a full day to fully experience all the exhibits and the planetarium.
The museum features a room that simulates the experience of an earthquake, allowing visitors to understand seismic forces firsthand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may have limited dining options, but there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area, especially near Fushimi Station.
It's generally advisable to check the museum's policy on outside food and drinks, but often there are designated areas for consumption.
The area around the museum offers a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, from casual eateries to more formal dining establishments.
Nagoya has a growing food scene, and you can likely find vegetarian and vegan options in restaurants around the museum, especially in areas like Osu.
Dining prices can vary, but you can find both budget-friendly and more upscale options in the vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially in the planetarium.
The iconic dome of the planetarium, the exterior brutalist architecture, and the interactive exhibits themselves make for great photo opportunities.
Photography is usually prohibited during planetarium shows to avoid disturbing other viewers and the projection.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography in areas where it might be disruptive.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor exhibits. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the planetarium is a major draw, remember that shows are in Japanese. However, the general exhibits offer plenty of engaging content for kids that transcends language barriers. Plan for a good few hours, or even a full day, to let the little ones explore and learn at their own pace.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider utilizing a Nagoya Day Pass for public transportation, which can also sometimes offer discounts on museum entry. This allows you to explore the city and visit the museum without incurring significant travel costs.
🤓 Science Enthusiasts & Adults
While the planetarium shows are in Japanese, the sheer scale and visual impact can still be appreciated. For a more in-depth experience, consider attending one of the science demonstrations, which can offer insights into various scientific principles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Planetarium
To ensure you get to experience this incredible attraction, booking your planetarium tickets well in advance is highly recommended. Slots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so securing your spot online is the best strategy to avoid disappointment. The additional cost for the planetarium is considered worthwhile by many, but the language barrier remains a recurring point of feedback for international visitors.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
One particularly notable exhibit is the earthquake simulation room, which provides a visceral understanding of seismic activity. This immersive experience is both educational and memorable. The museum's commitment to hands-on learning ensures that a visit is not just educational but also entertaining, making it a popular choice for families and curious adults alike.
Architectural Significance
For architecture enthusiasts, the museum provides a fascinating example of brutalist design. The combination of its scientific offerings and its architectural presence makes it a multifaceted destination.
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