Guide
The Kodomo Space Science Museum is an interactive science center designed to look like a massive spacecraft. Spanning from the 5th floor down to the 2nd basement level, the facility offers a wide variety of exhibits focused on space and science. The museum is structured so that visitors can understand complex scientific principles—such as the vastness of the universe, laws of physics, and natural phenomena—through hands-on interaction and physical movement.
The museum operates with the mission of fostering curiosity about space and science. A major highlight is the state-of-the-art planetarium, which features a projection system introduced in December 2022. This system is capable of projecting at least 700 million stars and was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records in February 2023. Through these cutting-edge technological displays, the museum plays a vital role in conveying the awe-inspiring reality of the cosmos.
The museum is organized into themed exhibition rooms on different floors. On the 5th floor, the "Captain's Room" allows you to feel the vastness of space, while the 4th floor's "Space Laboratory" lets you explore the laws of physics through the movement of spheres. The 3rd floor "Space Training Room" and 2nd floor "Space Discovery Room" feature displays involving lightning, aurora phenomena, and spatial movement units. Additionally, the 2nd basement level, the "Playground / Special Exhibition Room," offers a playhouse-like environment with various magnetic puzzles and interactive play elements.
The planetarium programs change according to the season and time of day. Occasionally, the museum also hosts star-gazing events once or twice a month. These sessions typically include a lecture in the planetarium followed by an explanation of the actual night sky and constellations under the real stars. To avoid crowds from organized school groups, we recommend visiting on weekday mornings or during the earlier hours on weekends.
The Captain Theater hosts "Science Shows" using everyday objects and "Science Mini-Talks" on space-themed topics during weekends and holidays. Additionally, the Space Lab on the 2nd floor holds "Mini-Experiments" on weekends and holidays, where you can observe scientific processes through a counter. These programs are essential for moving beyond textbook knowledge to a visual, sensory understanding of science.
The facility is located in the Yokoko-dai area of Isogo Ward, Yokohama. It is just a short walk from the nearest station, Yokoko-dai Station, on the JR Negishi Line. The surrounding area is a pleasant residential and commercial district. The museum is a beloved local landmark, once even reflected in the design of the bus stop roof near the station, which mimicked the museum's iconic dome.
Many exhibits involve touching, moving, or assembling parts. We highly recommend wearing comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing. When watching planetarium programs, please be mindful of other visitors to ensure a respectful environment. Please follow all posted instructions when interacting with the exhibits and moving through the facility.