What other travelers are saying about Nakaya Ukichiro Snow Science Museum, Kaga
A very interesting museum about one man's research into snow and ice. As with most Japanese museums, it is well designed with interactive aspects and multiple displays. We received a brochure in English but most of the exhibits are in Japanese only, we used Google translate on our phones. The architecture of the museum is incredible. Unfortunately we visited after the 2024 new year's earthquake and there was some minor damage to the exterior so we could not see all the building. The staff here are very lovely and helpful. If you are into science and scholarship you will enjoy this. The view alone is worth it.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. It is closed every Wednesday (though it remains open if Wednesday falls on a national holiday) and during New Year's holidays. Demonstrations typically run at scheduled times throughout the day at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00, though these times may vary.
Admission costs ¥560 for adults. Senior citizens (65+) receive a discount at ¥280, while high school students and younger visitors enter free of charge. Visitors with a JAF membership card can receive an additional discount (approximately ¥100 off the standard adult price).
Visitors can participate in several interactive experiments based on Nakaya's research. The most popular activities include creating diamond dust (tiny ice crystals suspended in air), making ice pendants shaped like snowflakes, and observing Tyndall flower formations where intricate patterns appear inside melting ice blocks. Staff members conduct demonstrations of supercooled water freezing instantly and other phenomena related to snow and ice formation. Most visitors spend between 1-3 hours exploring the exhibits and participating in experiments.
The museum primarily presents information in Japanese, which may limit the experience for non-Japanese speakers. However, the introductory film about Nakaya's life and work includes English subtitles, and some exhibits feature English titles. The hands-on experiments are largely visual and can be enjoyed regardless of language ability. The staff are helpful, though English communication may be limited.
From JR Kaga Onsen Station, take a local bus heading toward Katayamazu Onsen area. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Get off at the 'Yuki no Kagakukan Mae' bus stop, which is just a 1-minute walk from the museum entrance. Free parking is available for those arriving by car. The museum is located near Katayamazu Onsen, making it convenient to combine with a visit to the hot spring resort area.
Assalamualaikum brother. This snow museum is in Komatsu. This museum has many educational equipments to explain about how the snow will be created. Entrance fee is 560¥ for adult and free for children. High school students and below are free as well. Parking area is free and spacious. There is a movie theater as well about snow creations. This museum is great place for families recreation. Recommendation place to visit in Komatsu.
Visitors can learn about snowflakes through materials and hands-on experience. Children will be very happy to experience fog as well. The explanations are basically in Japanese. The entire building has an interesting shape, and you can enjoy a walk in the surrounding park as well. It takes about one hour to walk around the entire building.
Perfect small museum to while away a few hours. Very family friendly. Ukichiro Nakaya had a fascinating life of research that sent him to Greenland, Hokkaido, Hawaii and more studying snow formation in order to understand what was needed for snow to happen. The movie was fascinating and there were several demonstrations on creating snow and what happens when it melts. Enough hands on exhibits to keep your child engaged. Don’t miss the fog installation by famous artist Fujiko Nakaya and the amazing tea room
