Niigata City Science Museum

The Niigata City Science Museum is another of our favorite places to visit, especially on those rainy Niigata days.  Some of the exhibits show their age a bit, but it's still a great place for hands-on learning, as everything is designed to be touched, pushed, and manipulated by curious kids.

When the museum has special exhibits, such as a giant cardboard maze or an interactive computer art show, it can be very crowded, but on normal days it is mostly quiet.  In addition to areas focused on dinosaurs, space, physics, and robotics, there is a planetarium that features various movies.

Entrance to the museum is only a few hundred yen, but a parent can enter for free with their small child if they show their Child Health Handbook (Boshi Techo).  The planetarium and the special exhibits cost extra, so check on what is currently showing before you go in.  Parking is free and readily available on several sides of the museum.

If the weather is decent, kids can explore the outside area of the museum, which is full of decommissioned vehicles such as an airplane, a helicopter, and two trains.  One of our favorite areas of the museum is on the second floor, where you can find a wonderful collection of wooden puzzles, games, and toys.  The staff are very friendly and happy to explain and demonstrate everything.

There is a restaurant on the top floor of the museum, but it doesn't look very impressive.  Instead, I recommend walking to the nearby Saffron bakery, where you can buy delicious sandwiches and breads.  The museum has several large areas set aside for eating and resting, so you can bring your lunch and eat it there.

Niigata City Science Museum map: http://www.sciencemuseum.jp/niigata/6-1.php