Misawa Aviation Science Museum

The Misawa Aviation & Science Museum is located in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan's Tohoku region. Opened in 1999, this specialized museum celebrates the city's deep connection to aviation history, particularly its role as the site of the first transpacific flight. The museum stands near Misawa Air Base, which has served as a significant military aviation facility since World War II and continues to operate as a joint Japanese-American base today.

The museum's primary significance lies in commemorating the 1931 transpacific flight by American aviators Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon Jr., who completed the first non-stop flight across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to the United States. Their aircraft, Miss Veedol, departed from Sabishiro Beach in Misawa and landed in Washington state after covering approximately 7,200 kilometers in 41 hours. This historic achievement established Misawa's place in international aviation history and forms the centerpiece of the museum's collection.

Visitors can explore a substantial collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts across the museum's exhibition spaces. The facility displays both full-scale aircraft and detailed models representing various periods of aviation development. Interactive exhibits allow guests to experience flight simulation technology and learn about aerodynamics through hands-on demonstrations. The museum also features exhibits on space exploration and general science topics, making it accessible to visitors with varying interests beyond aviation enthusiasts.

The museum is accessible from Misawa Station on the JR Tohoku Line, located approximately 4 kilometers from the facility. Local buses connect the station to the museum, with the journey taking roughly 15 minutes. Visitors arriving by car will find dedicated parking facilities on site. The museum is situated within Misawa Aviation Science Park, which includes outdoor spaces and additional recreational areas. Standard admission for adults costs 510 yen, with reduced rates available for high school students at 300 yen and free entry for children of junior high school age and younger. The museum serves as both an educational resource for understanding aviation history and a memorial to the pioneering spirit of early transpacific flight.