Exhibitions TOP
Special Exhibitions
Permanent Exhibitions
You can search the specimens, materials, and other items currently on display in the Permanent Exhibitions (Global Gallery and Japan Gallery) online.
Highlights of the Permanent Exhibitions
Japan Gallery
Japan Gallery
3F-South
Ⅰ. Nature of the Japanese Islands
From a geochronological viewpoint, the Japanese Islands underwent rapid fluctuations due to crustal movements, and these led to the formation of complex geological structures and a rich mountainous topography. The Japanese Islands have four distinct seasons
and are strongly affected by monsoon and ocean currents. The complex topography and climate of the natural environment has given rise to diverse forms of life.
3F-North
Ⅱ. History of the Japanese Island
On the Japanese Islands, with their complex and unique geological history, numerous species have repeatedly appeared, flourished, and become extinct. The evidence of these past lives entombed in layers of rock tells of this dynamic and changing history,
from the time the Japanese land mass first split away from the continental margin to when it formed an archipelago.
2F-South
Ⅲ. Organisms of the Japanese Islands
Through the repetition of glacial and interglacial cycles dating back about 1.7million years, the variety of these living organisms migrated from the continent to the Japanese Islands by crossing the strait, which had turned into land during the glacial
stage. During the interglacial stage, when they were cut off from the continent by the ocean, these living organisms achieved their unique differentiation as they adapted to the transformation of the natural environment of the Japanese Islands, with its
varied climate and complex topography.
2F-North
Ⅳ. Japanese People and Nature
Around 40,000 years ago, our ancestors encountered a land rich in forests and oceans at the eastern edge of Asia, and they began to settle in the Japanese Islands. Thereafter, various other groups of people brought their distinctive cultures to the islands.
These peoples came together while still maintaining particular aspects of their culture. Our ancestors skillfully interacted with the natural environment of the Japanese Islands through the invention of pottery, the cultivation of plants and other techniques.
1F-South
Ⅴ. Techniques in Observing Nature
The people of the Japanese Islands have been sensitive in observing the richness and diversity of nature around them since the beginning of their history. Our daily life in harmony with nature has also enabled us to acquire uniqueness in manufacturing
and industry. Tools, instruments, crafted objects and literature handed down from their own time to the present, demonstrate our activities in the fields of science and technology.
| The Japan Gallery South Exhibition Room on the 1st floor will be closed for partial renovation from Tuesday, December 16, 2025, until May 2026 (tentative). |
1F-North
Exhibition Hall (for temporally exhibitions)
B1F-South
Museum Shop
The Museum Shop offers an array of unique and fascinating products. Choose from original figures reproducing items in the Museum's collection, specimens, science kits for experimenting, observation and building, and a large selection of books and magazines.
These products make ideal gifts and souvenirs of your Museum visit.
B1F
THEATER 36◯
With a dome measuring 12.8m in diameter (chosen symbolically as approximately one millionth of the diameter of the Earth), the interior of Theater 36◯ consists of a seamless sphere of movie screens, on all sides in three dimensions. Visitors stand on
a bridge in the center of the attraction to view movies. With the movie visible in all directions 360 degrees around, the theater creates an unforgettable three-dimensional realism that is truly the first of its kind in the world.
Global Gallery
Global Gallery
3F
Animal of the Earth
The diversity of mammal and bird life on Earth is proof of the bountiful nature of the Earth’s ecosystem. The specimens presented here still convey something of the strength and endurance of these species.
ComPaSS - Exploration Area for Families with Children
This exhibition area is primarily aimed for children, along with their parents or guardians. It is designed to encourage communication as a part of play, and develop their abilities to sense and think. To use the ComPaSS, you must make a reservation specifying a particular date and time through the dedicated website and purchase an admission ticket for the ComPaSS.
Click here
Click here
2F
Progress in Science and Technology
The exhibit showcases some Japanese inventions from the Edo period onwards. Japanese culture maintains its unique identity and its close communion with nature, while at the same time having interaction with foreign cultures.
Investigation Technology for the Earth
At the Global Environment Detector, images and data showing fluctuations here on Earth are introduced in semi-real-time. There are many interactive displays making it possible to instinctively experience the physics related to light and magnetism, which
are the foundation of observation technology.And geomagnetism and magnetic fields are explained through familiar phenomena such as compass.
1F
Biodiversity – We are All Part of the Same Ecosystem
The evolution of life on Earth has produced some 10 million different species. Although all the species share the basic characteristics of living organisms, each species has adapted in form and lifestyle to its own particular environmental circumstances.
No species lives in isolation; our lives are intricately interwoven.
Navigators on the History of Earth]
Based on the epic themes "History of the Universe", "History of Life", and "History of Humankind", travel back in time and experience 13.8 billions years of history through specimens, documents, and videos. It is the centerpiece that links the exhibition
halls of the Global Gallery.
B1F
Evolution of Life -Exploring the Mysteries of Dinosaur Evolution-
Today, reptiles and birds are quite different animals. Studying dinosaurs however bridges the gap between the two. There are countless mysteries including the origin of dinosaurs, their increase in size, diversification, and their extinction. How much
can we learn from the silent testimonies of fossils?
B2F
Evolution of life – From the Earth’s Origin through Human Existence
Since their beginnings some four billion years ago, life forms have become increasingly diverse due to the ongoing process of environmental adaptation. Human beings, part of the mammal group have acquired highly developed adaptive capabilities, thanks
to superior dexterity and powers of reasoning. This adaptive capacity has enabled humans to extend their reach to all corners of the Earth. In this exhibit, you can trace the evolutionary path and learn how plants and animals have adapted to the changing
environment.
B3F
Exploring the Structure of Nature -How our world works-
The vast universe, the mystery of life along with its components, and the laws that govern these… Our understanding of these things is the foundation of all scientific recognition. Discoveries that have widened our view and changed our understanding of
nature along with the people who contributed to these are introduced.
Videos (Global Gallery)
Fields of Life and Death
Duration: 5 min
Start Time
10:00 - 11:00 - 12:00 - 13:00 - 14:00 - 15:00 - 16:00 -
Start Time
10:00 - 11:00 - 12:00 - 13:00 - 14:00 - 15:00 - 16:00 -
Various landscapes on earth
Duration: 5 min
Start Time
9:40 - 10:20 - 11:00 - 11:40 - 12:20 - 13:00 - 13:40 - 14:20 - 15:00 - 15:40 - 16:20 -
Start Time
9:40 - 10:20 - 11:00 - 11:40 - 12:20 - 13:00 - 13:40 - 14:20 - 15:00 - 15:40 - 16:20 -
The Flowering of Life
Duration: 5 min 15 sec
Start Time
10:00 - 10:40 - 11:20 - 12:00 - 12:40 - 13:20 - 14:00 - 14:40 - 15:20 - 16:00 -
Start Time
10:00 - 10:40 - 11:20 - 12:00 - 12:40 - 13:20 - 14:00 - 14:40 - 15:20 - 16:00 -
Outdoor Gallery
Outdoor Gallery
1
Lambda Rocket Launcher
This is the rocket launcher (launch pad) that launched Japan’s first artificial satellite, Ohsumi, on February 11, 1970.
*Displayed on the back side of the Global Gallery (JR side).
*Displayed on the back side of the Global Gallery (JR side).
2
D51 Steam Locomotive
It was manufactured in 1939 and remained in operation until 1975. A total of 1,115 units of this locomotive, one of Japan’s representative freight steam engines, were built.
3
Blue Whale
It is the largest animal currently living on Earth. This recreates the giant 30-meter-long whale diving deep beneath the ocean surface.
4
Large Steel Globe (Chie Fukuro)
This globe was made using the “full mold casting” method. “Full mold casting” is a casting technique used to create large artworks and sculptural objects. This method allows for the production of highly precise castings.
Recommended Tours
We feature permanent exhibitions in two buildings: the Japan Gallery (B1–3F) and the Global Gallery (B3–3F). The exhibition halls are quite spacious, allowing visitors to explore freely at their own pace. Visitors can explore the exhibitions following
their own themes or stories, but for those wondering how to tour the museum, we have prepared “recommended tours.”
We encourage you to use these tours to explore and enjoy the various exhibitions.
Global Gallery Highlight Tour (90 min)
Japan Gallery Recommended Tour (60 min)
Japan Gallery: Japanese People and Nature Tour
Explore the Japan Gallery while experiencing the richness of Japan’s natural environment and the deep connection between people and nature.
Japanese People and Nature Tour（リンクを新しいタブで開きます）
Other Exhibitions
Touch and Talk Wagon
We introduce the key points of the exhibition using real specimens and models that visitors can touch. These activities are available on each floor of the permanent exhibition rooms, so look for the wagons.
Exploring Local Regions Through Kahaku’s Exhibitions
This program allows visitors to explore the museum using a reference list of permanent exhibition materials organized by prefecture. It provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of and rediscover the nature and culture of their hometowns.
Kahaku VR
To allow you to enjoy the National Museum of Nature and Science from home, we have captured high-resolution images of our exhibition halls and exterior, and made them available in 3D view and VR video.
Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts & Culture Natural History Collection We have published images of the five exhibition halls in the Global Gallery, allowing you to view a digest of the exhibitions.
Kahaku Volunteers
Kahaku volunteers play an important role in supporting the museum’s activities and connecting visitors with the museum. Here you can find information on volunteer activities and recruitment.
Traveling Exhibitions
Loan of Traveling Exhibits
With the aim of supporting the activities and networking of regional museums, we lend out exhibition materials produced by our museum for use in museums and other institutions across Japan.