Guida
Kodomo Uchū Kagakukan is an interactive science museum where the entire building is designed to resemble a massive spacecraft. Spanning from the 5th floor to the 2nd basement level, the facility offers a wide variety of exhibits focused on space and science. Visitors can understand complex scientific principles—such as the laws of physics and natural phenomena—through hands-on interaction with various objects and displays.
The museum operates with the mission of fostering curiosity about space and science. A major highlight is its state-of-the-art planetarium; the latest projector, installed in December 2022, is capable of projecting at least 700 million stars, earning it a Guinness World Record in February 2023. This high-tech environment serves to provide an incredibly realistic and awe-inspiring view of the cosmos.
The museum is organized into themed rooms across different floors. On the 5th floor, the 'Captain's Room' offers a sense of cosmic vastness, while the 4th-floor 'Space Research Lab' allows visitors to explore physical laws through the movement of spheres. The 3rd-floor 'Space Training Room' and 2nd-floor 'Space Discovery Room' feature installations related to lightning, auroras, and spatial movement units. Additionally, the 2nd basement level, the 'Playground/Special Exhibition Room,' functions like a secret base or playhouse, offering engaging activities such as magnetic puzzles.
The planetarium features programs that change according to the season and time of day. Occasionally, the museum also hosts star-watching events once or twice a month, where experts provide explanations of the stars and constellations under the actual night sky following a planetarium session. Since weekdays can be busy with organized school groups, visiting on weekday mornings or early on weekends is recommended for a more tranquil experience.
On weekends and public holidays, the Captain Theater hosts 'Science Shows' using everyday objects and 'Science Mini-Talks' centered on space themes. The 2nd-floor Space Lab also holds 'Mini-Experiments' on weekends, where visitors can observe scientific processes through a counter. These programs are designed to transform abstract knowledge into visual, tangible experiences.
The facility is located in the Yōkōdai area of Isogo Ward, Yokohama. It is just a short walk from the JR Negishi Line's Yōkōdai Station. The surrounding area is a pleasant mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial facilities, and the museum is a beloved local landmark, once even reflected in the design of the nearby bus stop roof.
Many exhibits are designed to be touched or manipulated, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. When watching planetarium programs, please be mindful of other visitors to ensure a pleasant environment for everyone. Please follow all posted instructions when using the exhibits and moving through the facility.