The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing an engaging and educational experience that is both informative and inspiring. One of the most impressive aspects of our visit was the innovative and interactive nature of the exhibits. The hands-on displays and activities allowed us to engage with complex scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way. The interactive approach not only made learning enjoyable but also helped us to better understand the impact of science and technology on our daily lives.
The staff at Miraikan deserve special recognition for their friendliness and expertise. Their passion for science and commitment to education were evident in every interaction. They were always eager to share their knowledge and answer our questions, making our visit even more enriching.
We were particularly impressed by the Geo-Cosmos display, which beautifully visualizes global environmental changes and data in real-time. It is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of scientific research in addressing global challenges. The ASIMO demonstration was another highlight, showcasing the incredible advancements in robotics and AI technology.
The temporary exhibits at Miraikan are equally impressive, offering fresh insights into cutting-edge research and emerging scientific fields. The diversity of topics covered ensures that there is something of interest for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, the museum's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is commendable. The thoughtful design of the exhibits and facilities ensures that visitors of all abilities can fully enjoy and participate in the museum experience.
In conclusion, our visit to Miraikan was an extraordinary and enlightening experience that left us with a greater appreciation for the wonders of science and technology. Thank you for creating such a dynamic and inspiring environment where curiosity is encouraged and knowledge is celebrated. We look forward to returning to Miraikan and exploring more of the incredible innovations and discoveries it...
Read moreMiraikan is a must-see for anybody with excitement about any field of science, and anyone feeling curious about the world. It has a really unusual combination of displays, games, experiences and presentations that showcase Japanese & global efforts in science communication.
Some are honestly frightening, like the backcasting "Letters From The Future" station, or the apocalyptic pachinko mayhem of "Mission: Survival 10 Billion". Others are a great chance to put scientific advancements in friendlier contexts, like a chance to pat Poyo the seal, or hear a fantastic range of 'characters' from Japan's art-history comment on how they'd view contemporary dilemmas of technology.
A current temp exhibit is a "teahouse" full of custom robots called 'lasermice dyad', you can watch them experience a full day cycle, and reading the great bilingual Japanese/English explanations or watching a short mini-documentary, you can figure out what they're up to. Really cool introduction to the possible complexities of equipping a cluster of identical robots with the same set of commands, and letting them loose! My fave thing was the display about Hayabusa-2, but then... it is my fave spacemission to date! At ¥550 for an adult ticket, you really should get that train to Odaiba and enjoy a whole day out here.
You can get a nice lunch in the cafeteria at the top floor, and enjoy the view. You can also grt vending machine drinks, fill your water bottle, and eat your own pack lunch or snacks at many eating spots. There are also multiple science films, over my lunch I booked an online ticket for ¥320 to see 'The Man From The 9 Dimensions' and it was pretty delightful!
The place is very accessible for wheelchairs or crutches/canes, with elevators and escalators and lots of open space to maneuvre.
Leave at 4:30, just before it closes, then walk over to the Gundam Base and watch the Unicorn Gundam...
Read moreMiraikan, literally "Future Museum," was an emotional experience for me. Before visiting, I assumed the museum would focus solely on future technologies like drones, robots, AI, and humanoids. While these are indeed featured, I realized that the museum encompasses a broader range of modern science and technology that Japan emphasizes.
So why is it called the Future Museum? I think it’s worth comparing it to the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park. The natural history museum is like a command center for the field of natural history. Its exhibits and specimens are impressive and still offer valuable messages, but they also have a somewhat sad undertone. Natural history is decidedly a science of the past, flourishing during the peak of imperialism. Imperial naturalists explored the world, especially the Third World, often using imperial power to collect numerous specimens. This brought vast knowledge to humanity but also involved exploitation that was largely ignored.
In contrast, Miraikan is free from such a negative past. The scientific and technological advancements showcased here, including Kamiokande, particle accelerators, rocket engines, the ISS, disaster response technologies, stem cells, computers, and the Hayabusa spacecraft, are all modern achievements that Japan can rightfully be proud of. These advancements don’t carry the negative history associated with natural history museums.
Korea does not have natural history or technology museums of this scale. If Korea builds a science museum, what form should it take? The...
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