Museum of Aeronautical Sciences
Explore aviation history with full-scale aircraft, interactive exhibits, and thrilling flight simulators near Narita Airport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better simulator access
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better simulator access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore aviation history with full-scale aircraft, interactive exhibits, and thrilling flight simulators near Narita Airport.
"A surprising gem near Narita Airport, offering an immersive aviation experience for all ages."
✈️ Book Simulators Early
Flight simulators are popular! Book your slot upon arrival or online to guarantee a spot.
💰 Klook Ticket Discount
Purchase tickets via Klook for potential savings compared to onsite prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Full-Scale Aircraft Displays
Throughout the museum
Walk inside impressive, full-scale aircraft, including a Boeing 747 cockpit. A truly immersive aviation experience.
Rooftop Observation Deck
5th Floor
Watch planes take off and land at Narita Airport. A thrilling spot for aviation enthusiasts and kids alike.
Flight Simulators
Paid Experience Area
Experience piloting a plane with detailed flight simulators. Book in advance for a chance to control a virtual aircraft.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Simulators in Advance
Factor in Travel Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Book Simulators Early
Flight simulators are popular! Book your slot upon arrival or online to guarantee a spot.
💰 Klook Ticket Discount
Purchase tickets via Klook for potential savings compared to onsite prices.
⏰ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
You'll need at least this much time to explore exhibits and enjoy the observation deck.
🚎 Bus from Narita T2/T3
On weekdays, bus stand #2 at Terminal 2/3 is your best bet. Check weekend schedules.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Book Simulators Early
Flight simulators are popular! Book your slot upon arrival or online to guarantee a spot.
💰 Klook Ticket Discount
Purchase tickets via Klook for potential savings compared to onsite prices.
⏰ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
You'll need at least this much time to explore exhibits and enjoy the observation deck.
🚎 Bus from Narita T2/T3
On weekdays, bus stand #2 at Terminal 2/3 is your best bet. Check weekend schedules.
🗣️ English Signage Available
Exhibits are well-signed in both Japanese and English for easy understanding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often discover the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences by chance and are pleasantly surprised by its quality and scale. The full-size aircraft, interactive exhibits, and especially the rooftop observation deck for plane spotting are major highlights. While some paid experiences like flight simulators require advance booking and an extra fee, the overall consensus is that it's a fun, educational, and worthwhile visit for all ages, particularly for those with an interest in aviation.
"We stumbled upon the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences purely by chance—my son saw a flyer while we were at the observation deck in Narita Airport. We checked the map and saw it was really close by, so we decided to go for it on a whim.
I purchased the tickets on Klook, which turned out to be a great decision because they were cheaper than buying them at the ticket booth onsite. Definitely recommend checking prices online beforehand.
When we arrived, we were surprised by how big and well-organized the museum was. It’s divided into different sections and floors, with full-scale aircraft on display—some you can even walk into. There are interesting exhibits showing the history of aviation, aircraft engines, a Boeing 747 cockpit, and even a section where you can see and hear what it’s like inside a plane. My son was fascinated!
One of the highlights is the rooftop observation deck. From there, you can watch planes taking off and landing at Narita Airport, which was really exciting—especially for a kid who loves airplanes.
We saw that there are paid experiences like the flight simulator, which looked awesome, but unfortunately we couldn’t get a slot for it on the day we visited. Next time, we’ll definitely book in advance for that.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and there were signs in both Japanese and English, which made it easy for us to understand everything. Overall, it was a fun and educational experience, and I’m so glad we decided to visit even though it wasn’t originally part of our plan.
If you’re at Narita Airport with some time to spare—or if you’re an aviation fan—it’s definitely worth checking out. Just make sure to book tickets online for a discount and plan ahead for the paid experiences like the simulator. A must-visit!"
セノウエプリンセス
"If you want to experience for airlaine control simulations for additional costs, needs extra time and check availability ahead.
Make sure public transportation timetable or use taxi from Narita airport (costs around 2500yen)
It's fun, just walking around this museum. I enjoyed 5th floor observation area. Watching airplanes departures from HND"
Manami Kedis
"Used some spare time before the flight from Narita to visit here. But would recommend. Easily an hour and half needed. Reach early to book the 737 cockpit flight simulator.
The observation deck on 5th floor and open air one if weather permits are also highlights.
Klook discount for tickets."
Jose K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located near Narita Airport. You can take a bus from Terminal 2/3 (stand #2 on weekdays) or a taxi (approx. 2500 yen). +1
While close, it's generally recommended to take a short bus or taxi ride rather than walking to save time and energy. 
Information on public transport beyond airport buses is limited, but taxis are readily available from Narita.
The bus ride is typically around 10 minutes, making it a quick transfer from the airport terminals.
Taxis can be arranged, but it's advisable to check with museum staff for the best way to secure one for your departure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket booth or online through platforms like Klook, which often offers discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online through Klook can provide cheaper rates than buying them directly at the museum.
The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit.
The museum is usually closed on Mondays, unless Monday is a public holiday, in which case it will be closed the following day. It also closes for New Year's holidays.
Yes, flight simulator sessions are paid experiences and require advance booking due to high demand. It's recommended to book as soon as you arrive or online.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a variety of full-scale aircraft, including a Boeing 747 cockpit, and exhibits on aviation history and engines.
Yes, the museum offers engaging exhibits suitable for both children and adults, including hands-on facilities and simulators.
The 5th-floor observation deck offers excellent views of planes taking off and landing at Narita Airport, a major highlight for visitors.
Some of the full-scale aircraft displays allow visitors to walk inside and explore, offering a unique perspective.
Absolutely! With detailed exhibits, simulators, and plane spotting opportunities, it's a must-visit for anyone passionate about aviation.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the museum offers numerous photo opportunities, from the impressive aircraft displays to the views from the observation deck.
The observation deck is a prime spot for photography, capturing planes in action at Narita Airport.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good to check for any specific signage regarding restricted areas or flash usage.
The rooftop observation deck and the open-air deck (weather permitting) are ideal for capturing aircraft.
While you can photograph the simulators, capturing action shots might be limited during active sessions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the flight simulators have an extra cost, they offer an unforgettable experience for older children and teens. Ensure you book simulator slots early as they are very popular. The museum's interactive exhibits and clear English signage make it an engaging and educational visit for the whole family.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to explore the cockpit of a Boeing 747 and learn about the intricacies of aircraft engines. Planning ahead for simulator sessions and allowing ample time will ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the passion for aviation.
⏱️ Day-Trippers & Transit Passengers
+1Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit, including travel time. Prioritize booking any desired simulator sessions upon arrival. The observation deck also provides a great way to experience the airport environment before heading to your gate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits
Beyond the static displays, the museum offers a glimpse into the operational side of aviation. A highlight for many is the Boeing 747 cockpit, allowing visitors to sit in the pilot's seat and imagine the responsibilities of commanding such a large aircraft. The DC-8 Flight Experience and other simulators provide a more hands-on, albeit paid, opportunity to feel what it's like to control an airplane.
For those interested in the broader context of air travel, the museum also features a large-scale model of Narita Airport, giving a comprehensive overview of airport operations. The combination of historical artifacts, interactive elements, and realistic simulations makes for a rich and engaging learning experience.
The Thrill of Flight Simulators
These simulator sessions come with an additional cost and are highly sought after. Due to their popularity, it's crucial to book your slot in advance, either online or immediately upon arrival at the museum, as they tend to fill up quickly. Each session is typically limited in duration, and there are usually two sessions available per hour.
While the simulators offer an incredible opportunity to experience flight control, remember that they require a dedicated amount of time. Planning your visit to accommodate a simulator session can significantly enhance your overall experience at the museum.
Plane Spotting Paradise
This feature is particularly thrilling for children and aviation aficionados, turning a museum visit into a dynamic experience. The open-air deck, weather permitting, further enhances the plane spotting potential, allowing for closer views and a more visceral connection to the aviation world.
Combining the indoor exhibits with the outdoor plane spotting makes the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences a comprehensive destination for anyone interested in aviation. It offers both educational insights into the history and technology of flight, and the exhilarating real-world action of a busy international airport.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit