1. National Museum of Nature and Science
    Photo: National Museum of Nature and Science
  2. National Museum of Science and Nature
    Photo: National Museum of Science and Nature
  3. Dinosaur skeletons at the National Museum of Science and Nature in Ueno
    Photo: National Museum of Science and Nature
  4. National Museum of Science and Nature
    Photo: National Museum of Science and Nature
  5. National Museum of Science and Nature
    Photo: National Museum of Science and Nature
  6. National Museum of Science and Nature
    Photo: National Museum of Science and Nature

National Museum of Nature and Science

  • Museums
  • Ueno
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Time Out says

It’s easy to spend an entire day at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park. The two large permanent exhibitions spread out over two buildings are equally enjoyable for both children and adults due to their engaging, hands-on exhibits. Start your adventure at the Japan Gallery which focuses on the country’s formation, its indigenous flora and fauna and the island’s first inhabitants.

The Global Gallery, meanwhile, concerns itself with everything from science and astronomy to the evolution of life dating back more than four billion years – expect to ogle at fossils of extinct species and life-size dinosaur skeletons, which were partially assembled from actual bones. You can also trace the progress of modern technology by studying the many Japanese inventions developed since the Edo period (1603–1868). The large souvenir shop offers everything from cookies to dinosaur books and stuffed animals.

Details

Address
7-20 Ueno Koen, Taito
Tokyo
Transport:
Ueno Station (JR lines), park exit; (Ginza, Hibiya lines) Shinobazu exit
Price:
¥630 for adults, free for high school students and younger
Opening hours:
9am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol)

What’s on

Special Exhibition: Super Amazing World of Life

Summer is here, and so is the National Museum of Nature and Science’s ‘Special Exhibition: Super Amazing World of Life’, a big-time showcase created in collaboration with NHK’s long-running wildlife documentary series Darwin ga kita! (‘Darwin Has Come!’). Combining scientific research with spectacular natural-history filmmaking, the exhibition explores the extraordinary ways in which animals have adapted to an ever-changing planet. Since the birth of the Earth, life has evolved in response to dramatic environmental shifts, developing remarkable physical traits and survival strategies that have enabled species to thrive across diverse ecosystems. Centring on the animal kingdom, the exhibition examines these evolutionary adaptations through the museum’s extensive collection of specimens, the latest scientific findings and immersive audiovisual presentations. A particular highlight is the partnership with NHK’s acclaimed nature programme, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. Having documented wildlife in more than 70 countries and captured over 160 world-first observations, the series contributes a wealth of breathtaking footage that vividly illustrates animal behavior in the wild. These films complement the museum’s scientific displays, bringing evolutionary processes and survival strategies to life with exceptional immediacy. Blending research, museum collections and cutting-edge wildlife cinematography, ‘Special Exhibition: Super Amazing World of Life’ offers...
  • Exhibitions
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