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Japan's largest science museum covers everything from the evolution of life to Japanese inventions and technology, in expansive, imaginative displays, with plenty of exhibits geared toward children. A highlight is an entire arena of 100-some taxidermic animals from around the world, including a polar bear, camel, gorilla, tiger, bear, and other creatures (some are animals that died at Ueno Zoo). Other highlights include a dinosaur display; a hands-on discovery room for children exploring sound, light, magnetism, and other scientific phenomena; re-created wood and marine habitats; a Japanese mummy from the Edo Period curled up in a burial jar; Hachiko (stuffed, on the second floor of the main building; there's a famous statue of the dog at Shibuya Station); and an extensive exhibition that allows visitors to stroll through some 4 billion years of evolutionary history. You'll want to spend about 2 hours here, more if you have children in tow or if you opt for the audio guide (¥200/$1.65/85p extra), recommended since English explanations are limited.
Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Tokyo, 10th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.
National Science Museum (Kokuritsu Kahaku Hakubutsukan)
Japan's largest science museum covers everything from the evolution of life to Japanese inventions and technology, in expansive, imaginative displays, with plenty of exhibits geared toward children. A highlight is an entire arena of 100-some taxidermic animals from around the world, including a polar bear, camel, gorilla, tiger, bear, and other creatures (some are animals that died at Ueno Zoo). Other highlights include a dinosaur display; a hands-on discovery room for children exploring sound, light, magnetism, and other scientific phenomena; re-created wood and marine habitats; a Japanese mummy from the Edo Period curled up in a burial jar; Hachiko (stuffed, on the second floor of the main building; there's a famous statue of the dog at Shibuya Station); and an extensive exhibition that allows visitors to stroll through some 4 billion years of evolutionary history. You'll want to spend about 2 hours here, more if you have children in tow or if you opt for the audio guide (¥200/$1.65/85p extra), recommended since English explanations are limited.
Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Tokyo, 10th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.
