Niigata Science Museum 新潟県立自然科学館

Located in central Niigata, visit the Niigata Science Museum to see thousands of artifacts concerning natural, everyday, and industrial science. Round out your trip with a visit to the on-site planetarium, one of the largest on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

The Science of Nature exhibition hall features models of the solar system, dinosaurs, Toki birds, and even beech forests. You are welcome to touch the fossils in this museum, even a real meteorite.

The next hall, Science of our Daily Lives, conveys intriguing scientific concepts through objects seen and used in our everyday lives. For example, ride a cart on magnetic tracks to experience floating effects. Other exhibits focus on wind velocity, solar energy, virtual reality, and gravity.

The Mysterious Plaza is probably the museum's most intriguing exhibition hall. See mirrors and optical illusions that trick the human mind. Stand next to a special mirror and watch yourself walking on air, or try to touch a ladybird that looks like it's right in front of you.

Visit the History of Changes in Niigata exhibition hall to learn more about the fascinating development of industries, transport and natural disasters of this prefecture. Objects of interest include stone-made knives, trade ship models, and the history of gold ore.

Outdoor exhibitions include models of a rocket, a steam locomotive, a helicopter, and big windmills. At the planetarium, experience realistic starry skies and whole-sky digital images.