Experience Science with the World's Largest Dome Planetarium and Interactive Exhibits
About this spot
Located in Shirakawa Park, this science museum boasts one of Japan's most impressive scales, identifiable by its massive silver spherical structure. The planetarium, viewed from a dome with an inner diameter of 35 meters—one of the world's largest—is legendary for its lifelike starry sky and live commentary by museum curators, attracting visitors from across the country. The building is packed with hands-on exhibits that engage all the senses: demonstrations of an artificial tornado up close, a spectacular electrical discharge show, and a laboratory where you can experience sub-zero temperatures. With numerous interactive displays you can press, turn, and manipulate, visitors from small children to adults can enjoy themselves without getting bored all day long.
Tips
The planetarium is hugely popular with limited seating, so the golden rule is to enter right after opening and secure your slot immediately. Combination tickets for exhibits and planetarium cost around 800 yen for adults; exhibits only cost around 400 yen. It's about a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Station on the subway, and the museum has complete elevator access making it easy to navigate with a stroller. Weekends and holidays get crowded, so for a thorough visit, weekday mornings are recommended.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 3 hours. Arriving right at opening makes planetarium seating easier to secure and exhibits less crowded.
Access & map
〒460-0008 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Naka Ward, Sakae 2-chome, 17-1, within Shirakawa Park (Arts and Science Grove)
Model course featuring this spot
Nagoya Sakae: Planetarium at the Science Museum and City Exploration
Aichi
Explore features & model courses
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