Himeji Science Museum (Atom's Museum)

The Himeji City Science Museum, affectionately nicknamed the "Atom Building," opened in 1993 in the suburban Aoyama district of Himeji. The museum underwent a complete renovation in August 2009, modernizing its permanent exhibitions and facilities to enhance the visitor experience. In March 2013, the planetarium was further renovated, establishing the museum as a leading science education center in western Japan.

The museum serves as a comprehensive educational facility dedicated to making science accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Its significance lies in promoting scientific literacy through interactive learning experiences that connect global scientific concepts with local natural phenomena specific to the Himeji region. The facility operates as both a tourist attraction and an important educational resource for schools and families throughout Hyogo Prefecture.

Visitors explore three main permanent exhibition floors covering distinct themes: "The Earth and Nature of Himeji," "Science Around Us," and "Our Universe." The second floor features displays on local geology and natural history, including dinosaur fossils, while the third floor houses hands-on science experiments that demonstrate everyday scientific principles.

The museum's centerpiece is one of Japan's largest planetariums, featuring a 27-meter-diameter dome with 284 seats, where expert commentators guide visitors through astronomical presentations. The facility also includes large-scale exhibits such as a jumbo hot air balloon and a Foucault pendulum, along with rotating special exhibitions on the first floor.

General admission costs 600 yen, while elementary, junior high, and high school students pay 210 yen. Planetarium shows require a separate admission fee of an additional 600 yen for adults. The museum is located at 1470-15 Aoyama, Himeji in a mountainous area near Sakurayama Park. Since there is no nearby train station, visitors typically travel by car or take a bus from Himeji Station. The Himeji City Loop Bus provides service to the museum, with the bus fare approximately 200 yen. On-site parking is available for those driving. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holiday period from December 27 to January 3.