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Asia Japan Tokyo Do & See National Museum of Nature & Science

Overview

National Museum of Nature & Science

The guide was updated: 2025-09-07

The National Museum of Nature and Science offers a comprehensive journey through Japan’s natural history and scientific development. Its collections span from pre-Meiji scientific instruments to modern technology, including a real rocket launcher and a digital seismograph tracking earthquakes in real time. The museum is famous for its lifelike dinosaur exhibitions, a major draw for younger visitors, and houses the taxidermied figures of the loyal dog Hachikō and the Antarctic sled dogs Taro and Jiro. The Japan Gallery explores the archipelago's diverse ecosystems, featuring wildlife from Hokkaidō bears to Okinawan giant beetles. Other notable exhibits include an Edo-period mummy and an immersive 360-degree theatre.

Useful Information

Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Website: www.kahaku.go.jp/english
Phone: +81 3 5777 8600

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu

This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings. Near the main complex, the modern Meiji Jingu Museum displays personal artefacts of the imperial couple, from manuscripts to garments. For a small fee, the Inner Garden (Jingu Naien) reveals a landscape of seasonal beauty, most famous for its June iris blooms.

Mount Fuji & Hakone 1-Day

Mount Fuji & Hakone 1-Day

Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and discover Japan's natural wonders around World Heritage Mount Fuji and Hakone in just one day. Visit the 5th Station of Mt Fuji, explore the Ninja House, and relax in a Japanese Garden. Later, experience the vibrant energy of Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley, go for a landscape ride on a sky gondola, then feel the breeze from a Lake Ashi cruise.

Senso-ji

Senso-ji

The Senso-ji temple is Tokyo's oldest-established Buddhist temple. Though a major tourist attraction, this is primarily a traditional, local site where worshippers cast coins, clap ceremoniously and bow in respect to an image of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion.

Kabuki-za

Kabuki-za

The stylised Kabuki-za theatre performance consists of elaborate choreography and makeup combined with colourful traditional nagauta music. In the 17th century, female kabuki performers were banned; men now play the roles of both genders most convincingly.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing

Crossing the streets in front of the Shibuya Station is an experience on its own. Approximately 3,000 people cross the road at a time. Many street artists gather in this area to show their performances. You can also find the statue of the famous and loyal dog Hachikō between the station and the intersection. The crossing is most electrifying after dark, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, when neon signs and enormous screens bathe the crowds in a kinetic glow. For the best perspective, head to Mag’s Park, the rooftop observatory atop the Shibuya 109-2 department store, which offers a panoramic view of the human tide below.

Go-Kart Tour

Go-Kart Tour

Experience Tokyo in a fun and unique way on a street go-kart tour dressed in costumes from your favourite game or anime character. Zip past iconic landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, and enjoy stunning views of Tokyo Bay.

Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling is possibly Japan’s most recognised cultural event. Dating back 2,000 years, Sumo is the country’s national sport, and as such combines religious, athletic, and traditional features. There are several places to watch, check the tour schedule on their website to find out which suits you best. There is also a Sumo museum.

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum

For a taste of Japanese history, this is where you’ll find Japan’s largest collection of Asian artefacts. The main gallery, Honkan, displays an impressive assortment of swords, masks, wood-block prints and kimonos while other must-see features include the 7th-century bronze-seated Buddhas in the Horyu-ji Homotusukan.

Mori Art Museum

Mori Art Museum

At the top of Mori Tower in the vast Roppongi Hills, this one of the major contemporary art museums in Tokyo combines breathtaking views with fresh artistic talent. The museum has held exhibitions featuring a number of big-name artists from Japan and beyond, including Yayoi Kusama, Ai Weiwei, Anish Kapoor and Jeff Koons. Of particular note are the visual projections allowing guests to traverse through virtual imagery and environments. Also includes The Sun cafe, The Moon restaurant, a gift shop and a panoramic observation deck.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen offers a serene escape from Tokyo’s skyscraper district, blending traditional Japanese landscapes with elegant French formal gardens and expansive English lawns. Originally an imperial retreat (1906), it reopened to the public in 1949 and remains a favourite for picnics and cherry-blossom viewing. Don’t miss the sleek greenhouse brimming with tropical plants, the historic Taiwanese pavilion overlooking reflective ponds, or Momijiyama’s fiery autumn maples. With over a dozen cherry varieties, the bloom season stretches unusually long.

Tokyo Great Cycling Tour

Tokyo Great Cycling Tour

To discover the city in a different way, a bike tour might be exactly what you're looking for. Tokyo Great Cycling Tour is a guided tour which will take you to the major tourist spots in Tokyo. You’ll pass by the Tsukiji Jogai Market, Zojoji Temple, Roppongi District, Aoyama Cemetery, Meiji Jingu and Imperial Palace.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland

This amazing fantasyland also exists in Tokyo; a paradise for young and old. Tokyo Disneyland offers seven themed lands like the Adventureland where you can enjoy a jungle cruise or why not explore the Westernland and go on a mine train roller coaster? There is also an area called Fantasyland where you can wander around Prince Charming and Cinderella's castle. Additionally, there is Tokyo DisneySea which is located in Tokyo Disney Resort. It also provides seven themed ports with lots of fun for all ages.

National Museum of Nature & Science

National Museum of Nature & Science

The National Museum of Nature and Science offers a comprehensive journey through Japan’s natural history and scientific development. Its collections span from pre-Meiji scientific instruments to modern technology, including a real rocket launcher and a digital seismograph tracking earthquakes in real time. The museum is famous for its lifelike dinosaur exhibitions, a major draw for younger visitors, and houses the taxidermied figures of the loyal dog Hachikō and the Antarctic sled dogs Taro and Jiro. The Japan Gallery explores the archipelago's diverse ecosystems, featuring wildlife from Hokkaidō bears to Okinawan giant beetles. Other notable exhibits include an Edo-period mummy and an immersive 360-degree theatre.

Kabukicho

Kabukicho

Shinjuku's red-light district, Kabukicho, is worth visiting even only for the spectacle of neon signs that brighten its alleys when the sun sets. From a roaring Godzilla head to a robot-themed restaurant, this bizarre location doesn't hold back in giving a unique experience to its visitors.

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge

For a stunning view over Tokyo's harbour, you should head over to Rainbow Bridge. It is 798 meters long. There are some lookouts at various locations where you can take beautiful pictures. During the nighttime, the bridge is lit up with colourful lights - very romantic! Be sure not to forget your camera!

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. It was founded in 1882, and today it holds 3,000 animals of more than 400 different species and provides all visitors a learning experience. In the East area, you will find pandas, native animals of Japan, mammals and ocean creatures. In the West area, you will find African animals, reptiles, small mammals, and a children's zoo.

Japanese Cooking Classes

Japanese Cooking Classes

If you really want to dive into the Japanese culture, you can't miss out on getting to know local cuisine and culinary traditions that go back centuries. Classes focusing on making sushi are the most popular ones, but you should consider learning to make a proper bowl of umami-rich ramen, crunchy gyozas, or a variety of healthy side dishes.

Yebisu Beer Museum

Yebisu Beer Museum

In this museum, you'll learn the history of the Yebisu beer, first produced in 1890. Partake in a guided tour or stroll through the museum on your own and end the tour in the tasting corner, where you can purchase 6 different kinds of brews, produced in the Yebisu halls.

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