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Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai‑ra” — Partial Renovation in Spring 2025 & Must‑See Highlights
The Hamamatsu Science Museum underwent another renovation in spring 2025, following a major renewal in 2019—so there’s always something new to discover whenever you visit…
This time, we visited the Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra,” conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from Hamamatsu Station.
The Hamamatsu Science Museum underwent another renovation in spring 2025, following a major renewal in 2019—so there’s always something new to discover whenever you visit.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
The museum features a wide range of attractions for all ages, including permanent exhibits on Nature, Light, Space, Sound, and Force, along with hands-on crafting spaces and engaging science shows.
The planetarium, one of the largest in the prefecture, is also very popular.
Admission is free for children from newborns up to junior high school students, which is a great bonus.
Let me introduce you to the Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai‑ra”!
What is the Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra”?
The Hamamatsu Science Museum first opened in 1986.
In 2019, it underwent a major renovation and was reborn as a place where science feels easy to understand and close to everyone.
Then, in March 2025, part of the museum was renewed again.
There are plenty of exciting features designed to make sure you discover something new every time you visit!
Highlights of the Spring 2025 Renovation
The newly renovated “Mirai-ra Room,” opened in spring 2025, is a space designed for creativity and interaction
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
A new space has opened on the second floor exhibition area for workshops like experiments and crafts!
You can enjoy a variety of programs that change daily.
At the “Henteko Instruments” corner, you can actually play original instruments made from everyday items like frying pans and pipes.
Clear and easy-to-follow sheet music is provided, so playing together with others makes the fun even greater!
It’s an area where you can discover what sounds a frying pan makes and enjoy interacting with sound together with your family and friends.
The “WAGON” features various experimental devices designed by staff, all set up on a movable cart.
The exhibits change frequently on a short cycle, so there’s always something new to discover no matter when you visit.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
A Guide to the Highlights of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai‑ra”
“Mirai‑ra” offers five permanent exhibits—Nature, Light, Space, Sound, and Force—plus hands-on crafting experiences and a planetarium, making it a spot where you can spend a whole day enjoying science from many angles!
So this time, we asked Ms. Kamata from Public Relations to tell us about the highlights.
The Largest Planetarium in Shizuoka Prefecture
The large planetarium features a 20-meter diameter dome, making it one of the biggest in the prefecture.
The original programs created by the staff come with live commentary that makes it easy to follow and guides you on a journey through the night sky.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
The programs are designed to make you excited about stargazing. They change with the seasons, helping you discover the charm of the stars based on each theme.
We recommend watching from the upper seats in the venue.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
“Science Show” Held Five Times a Day
The science shows, created by the professional “Science Team,” are very popular and let you experience the charm, mysteries, and fun of science up close.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
The show involves interaction with the audience, making it fun for both kids and adults.
The show is held five times a day.
You can check the schedule on the signboard at the entrance.
“Night at the Science Museum,” held once a month, is for high school students and older only.
The “Night at the Science Museum” event is held once a month and is open to high school students and older. It offers programs that provide new discoveries and learning opportunities, even for adults.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
You can enjoy science shows, planetarium programs, and workshops designed especially for adults — a science museum that makes grown-ups excited!
Be sure to check the official website for event dates.
A recommended model course booklet by the science museum staff is available for visitors
The “Hamamatsu Science Museum Model Course Booklet,” featuring staff-recommended routes, has been available since July 2025.
There are three courses:
・For families and groups
・For couples and friends
・For adults
The booklet includes the highlights of each exhibit and the estimated time needed.
Follow the booklet as you explore the museum, and you might discover something new along the way!
Summer Special Exhibition: “Beecoro” — until August 31, 2025
“Beecoro” lets you roll marbles and enjoy watching how they move.
This beloved event, loved by many, is back this year with even more excitement!
There are about 20 “Beecoro” booths created by the staff, and how the marbles move—like their speed when rolling—is up to you.
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
Give it a try and see if you can roll the marbles just the way you want!
Facilities and Services at Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra”
Restrooms: Available on every floor
Nursing Rooms: Available on the 1st and 2nd floors
Rest Areas: On the 1st floor — “Seminar Room” and “Cafe Space” (No admission fee required)
Accessibility Information:
Support desk available, written communication assistance offered, service animals allowed, priority parking spaces available, accessible restrooms installed, and ramps provided.
Elevators are available for moving between floors.
Wheelchairs: Available for loan
Strollers: Available for loan
Coin Lockers: Available
Shop: Available (Museum Shop)
Recommended items at the museum shop include collaboration goods with Sanrio Characters, space food, My-kan slippers, and more.
The collaboration goods and slippers are exclusive items only available at the science museum!
In addition to the items shown in the photos, the Sanrio collaboration goods also include clear files, keychains, ballpoint pens, and more.
Be sure to check them out when you visit the museum!
Café: Available
The café is open to all visitors—even without a museum admission ticket.
One of the most popular items on the menu is pasta made with chewy, fresh noodles.
Food Truck: Available
Note: Operating schedule varies. Please check the official website for details.
Free Wi-Fi: Available
Charging Stations: Not available
Crowd Information for Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra”
The Hamamatsu Science Museum is a fun spot for both kids and adults, and it tends to get crowded on weekends and during summer holidays, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
For those who want to avoid the crowds, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended.
Basic Information about the Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra”
Address: 256-3 Kitaterajima-cho, Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Phone: 053-454-0178
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
During summer break (July 20 – August 31): 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM)
Admission & Planetarium Fees:
Closed Days: Please check the official website for the latest information.
Access:
About a 7-minute walk east from JR Tokaido Main Line “Hamamatsu Station.”
About a 25-minute drive from Tomei Expressway “Hamamatsu IC” and about 30 minutes from “Hamamatsu Nishi IC.”
Parking: None on site.
Please use the paid partner parking lot “Itaku Parking” or nearby coin-operated parking lots.
Itaku Parking Address: UN Building, 3-9-3 Chuo, Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu City
Hamamatsu Science Museum
The museum has six themes centered around nature, space, sound, and light to generate interest in the sciences. Numerous exhibitions are held at the museum, including concerts and events inside the planetarium measuring 20 meters in diameter.
Nearby Attractions around Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra”
Located close to Hamamatsu Station, the Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra” is surrounded by several easy-to-access sightseeing spots.
・Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
・Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu Observation Deck
・Hamamatsu Castle Park, and more
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
Be sure to visit these spots along with Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra” for a fuller experience.
Looking for activities in Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana?
↓↓ Check out here ↓↓
A Message to Our Readers from Ms. Kamata, Public Relations at Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra”
Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum “Miraira”
The current summer special exhibition, “Beecoro Exhibition in Hamamatsu 2025,” is a fun-filled display that captivates not only children but also adults.
Using familiar materials, the staff have created clever devices that demonstrate various principles of physics.
Be sure to take your time observing how the marbles move.
In addition, programs themed around animals are also running, including the planetarium show “Night Sky Animal Encyclopedia” and the gallery exhibition “Touchable Micro Zoo.”
Come visit the science museum to find inspiration for your summer research projects!
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This time, we introduced Hamamatsu Science Museum “Mirai-ra.”
With its clean and bright interiors, futuristic design, and highlights like surprising science shows and the planetarium, it’s a place where you can enjoy a full day at a relaxed pace.
Although the day of our visit was unbearably hot, the inside of the museum was cool and comfortable.
Since the café and cooling shelter are open to everyone—even without an admission ticket—this facility is a great option for those avoiding going out in the heat.
Be sure to stop by and check it out!
Special Thanks: Hamamatsu Science Museum
Photo Credit: Hamamatsu Science Museum
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