Exhibition in Ueno

Each floor of National Museum of Nature and Science is organized around a unifying theme, informed by the Museum's rich and high-quality collection of original specimens and materials. Each floor's exhibitions work together to convey a message, in turn relating to the overarching message of the permanent exhibitions, “Human Beings in Coexistence with Nature.” By presenting these themes in a clear and systematic fashion, the Museum encourages visitors to think about what we can do to protect the environment in which all living things exist and to build a future of harmonious coexistence between people and the natural world.

[Japan Gallery]
Organized around the theme of “The Environment of the Japanese Archipelago,” the Japan Gallery offers exhibitions on the nature and history of the Japanese Islands, the process by which the modern population of Japan was formed, and the history of the relationship between the Japanese people and nature. The common purpose of these exhibitions is to express appreciation of and pride in Japan’s natural environment and its culture, and convey it to foreign visitors in a way that is clear, concise and engaging.

[Global Gallery]
The theme of the Global Gallery is “The History of Life on Earth” which explores the deep interrelationships among the earth's diverse living things, the evolution of life as environmental change drives a cycle of speciation and extinction, and the history of human ingenuity.

Tsukuba Botanical Garden

Approximately 3,000 plant species are shown in two major areas, “World Vegetation Area” and “Human and Biodiversity Area.” Visitors can get in touch with world's plant diversity in compartmented major Japanese vegetations and Tropical Rainforest and Savanna Greenhouses. Plant resources that have been utilized in various ways by the human race are displayed in the Human and Biodiversity Area including Tropical Resource Plant Greenhouse. Specimens are labeled to indicate endangered plants and plants native to Mt. Tsukuba. The Garden is an ideal for plant observation, enjoyment, recreation and relaxation, and for informal study by school pupils and students.

For details, please visit the page on Tsukuba Botanical Garden.

Institute for Nature Study

The Institute for Nature Study is a cultural property designated as a natural monument and historic site under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. The Institute preserves the broadleaved evergreen forest which is a primeval forest of the warm temperate zone, the grasses and woods of Musashino District, and the valley moor. Here students and researchers can observe plants and animals in the wild and study the workings of their ecosystems. The grounds are dotted with signs indicating the species of various plants and contains descriptions, making the Institute an excellent resource for developing a deep understanding of nature.

The Institute offers an array of educational events, drawing on the professional expertise of its staff and its abundance of diverse plant life. For visitors, the Institute presents provides Nature Walks on Sundays, Natural History Seminars, and Nature Classes for Children. For teachers and instructors, the Institute offers trainings on nature observation and practical lessons in ecological research.

The Institute is an ideal for informal study by school pupils and students.

For details, please visit the Institute for Nature Study page.