What other travelers are saying about Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
I am not go in, but there are a lot of kid that play in here and park near this place. Eventhough not coming in, I go to the deck and get a very nice view of Fuji mountain. I think this is a good place to take Fuji mountain photograph on the clear day
The Science Museum covers many different topics, and the workers are wonderful with children. The overlook is an excellent place to view Kofu and Mount Fuji.
The kids have fun, but it’s really a shame that so many of the attractions are so old and outdated or broken. There are a bunch of fun looking spots shut down to the kids as well.
Please update all the attractions!!! Please open up all the climbing areas!!
Great place to take kids. They have an incredible park outside with an obstacle course that goes all the way up the hill. Go to the very top to try out two zip lines.
The museum features one of Japan's largest planetarium domes at 27 meters in diameter with seating for 200 people. It utilizes advanced projection technology to create highly realistic simulations of the night sky, solar system, and deep space phenomena. The planetarium offers multiple shows daily in Japanese, covering topics from basic constellation identification to cutting-edge astronomical discoveries. The facility's location in Yamanashi Prefecture benefits from the region's clear atmospheric conditions, which also makes it an excellent base for discussing real astronomical observation.
Yes, the museum operates an astronomical observatory that opens to the public during evening observation sessions. Visitors can use the facility's telescopes to view celestial objects including the moon, planets, star clusters, and nebulae depending on the season and weather conditions. These evening programs are typically led by staff members who provide guidance on what can be observed. However, telescope access is weather-dependent and may require separate registration or ticketing beyond standard admission.
The museum caters to visitors of all ages with numerous hands-on exhibits designed specifically for children. Interactive displays allow young visitors to experiment with scientific principles through play, including physics demonstrations, natural science activities, and space-themed installations. Children's admission is discounted at approximately ¥220, and the facility includes family-friendly amenities. However, planetarium shows and some exhibits contain detailed scientific content that may be more engaging for elementary school-aged children and older.
A typical visit lasts 2 to 3 hours to experience the main exhibition halls and attend one planetarium show, which usually runs 40 to 50 minutes. Visitors interested in exploring all exhibits thoroughly or attending multiple planetarium programs should allocate 3 to 4 hours. Those participating in evening telescope observation sessions will need additional time. The museum's suburban location means most visitors combine it with other Kofu area attractions rather than making it a full-day destination on its own.
While driving is most convenient, visitors can take public buses from JR Kofu Station to stops near the museum, though services run infrequently—typically a few times per day. The bus journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Taxis from Kofu Station take about 25 minutes and cost roughly ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 one way. Given limited public transportation options, visitors relying on buses should carefully check schedules in advance and plan their visit timing accordingly, or consider taxi services for more flexibility.
