Miraikan

Overview

Miraikan (the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) is Japan's premier science museum on the Odaiba waterfront, focusing on cutting-edge robotics, space exploration, and sustainability.

Highlights

• Geo-Cosmos: A massive 6-meter globe suspended in the atrium, covered in 10,000 LED panels displaying real-time earth data from satellites.
• ASIMO: Honda's iconic humanoid robot performs live demonstrations, showcasing the peak of Japanese robotics engineering.
• Android Exhibits: Eerily realistic androids created by Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro blur the line between human and robot.

History

Opened in 2001 under the directorship of astronaut Mamoru Mohri (Japan's first astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle). It is operated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency to make cutting-edge research accessible to the public.

Visitor Tips

• Demos: Check the daily schedule upon arrival — the robot demonstrations and science shows have limited audiences.
• Odaiba Day: Combine with Unicorn Gundam, teamLab Planets, and Rainbow Bridge for a full Odaiba day.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.