Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [88]
MUSEUM OF MARITIME SCIENCE
This ship-shaped museum (Fune-no-Kagakukan; Map; 5500-1111; www.funenokagakukan.or.jp; 3-1 Higashi-Yashio, Shinagawa-ku; adult/child ¥700/400; ; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun; Yurikamome line to Fune-no-Kagakukan) has four floors of displays dealing with every aspect of shipping, with loads of highly detailed models. There are also lots of hands-on exhibits that kids will love.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EMERGING SCIENCE & INNOVATION
Also known as the Miraikan (Map; 3570-9151; www.miraikan.jst.go.jp; 2-41 Aomi, Kōtō-ku; adult/child under 18 ¥500/200, child free on Sat; 10am-5pm Wed-Mon; ; Yurikamome line to Fune-no-Kagakukan or Telecom Center), this is undoubtedly Japan’s best science museum and terrific for kids. Its hands-on exhibits are fun and genuinely educational, whether you’re building your own robot or fathoming how Medaka riverfish could copulate in zero gravity aboard the space shuttle.
ŌEDO ONSEN MONOGATARI
Modelled on an old Edo town, this onsen (Map; 5500-1126; www.ooedoonsen.jp/english; 2-57 Aomi, Kōtō-ku; adult/child ¥2900/1600; 11am-9am, last entry at 7am; Yurikamome line to Telecom Center) pipes in natural mineral water from 1400m beneath Tokyo Bay. Though it sounds hokey, the place is attractively designed, with lovely mixed-gender (yukata – light cotton kimono – required) outdoor pools, traditional baths and spa treatments. Admission fees cover yukata and towel rental, and there are old-style restaurants and souvenir shops for a postbath bite and browse. Admission rates fluctuate depending on how late or early you arrive; check the website for details.
TOYOTA MEGA WEB
Car fiends and kids can get behind the wheel of hybrid and electric cars at Toyota Mega Web (Map; 3599-0808; www.megaweb.gr.jp; Palette Town, Aomi 1-chōme, Kōtō-ku; admission free; 11am-9pm; Yurikamome line to Aomi), one of Toyota’s company showrooms. Some attractions close earlier and the whole place closes on varying days, so consult the website before cruising by.
Elsewhere in Tokyo
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
For a more complete listing of museums and galleries in Tokyo, get hold of the TIC’s Museums & Art Galleries pamphlet.
The wonderland that is the Ghibli Museum (; off Map; 0570-055-777; www.ghibli-museum.jp; 1-1-83 Shimo-Renjaku, Mitaka-shi; adult ¥1000, child ¥100-700; 10am-6pm Wed-Mon; ; JR Chūō line to Mitaka, south exit) was designed by anime master Miyazaki Hayao with children in mind, but anyone who fell in love with Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away should consider visiting. Entering the whimsical building, filled with tunnels, spiral staircases and tiny rooms, is akin to walking into a Studio Ghibli animation come to life – the artist’s studio replica is papered with Miyazaki’s hand-drawn sketches, and the cat bus is a huge hit with little ones (though sadly, off-limits to adults).
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OFF THE BEATEN DōRI
Not far from the city centre are two of Tokyo’s coolest, out-of-the-way neighbourhoods that feel saner and lower-key than some of central Tokyo’s more overwhelming districts.
One favourite is Kichijōji(; off Map), about 10km west of Shinjuku and centred on Inokashira-kōen, which surrounds a large pond that feeds the Kanda River. If you have a ticket to the Ghibli Museum (opposite), meander through the park on the way to your appointment with the Cat Bus. On weekends, there’s an impromptu arts-and-crafts market and bands playing around the lake. The road leading from station to park is packed with