Tochigi Science Museum

Tochigi Science Museum is a hands-on science centre in Utsunomiya, Japan, pairing interactive exhibits with a planetarium and observatory for visitors of all ages.

About Tochigi Science Museum

Also known as Waku Waku Grandy Science Land, the museum opened in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, in 1988. It's built around a six-area exhibition hall themed "Science All Around You," combining interactive, hands-on displays with a planetarium and its own astronomical observatory.

History

The museum has operated since 1988, giving it decades as a fixture of science education in Tochigi Prefecture.

Telescopes & research

Alongside its exhibition halls, the museum runs an astronomical observatory and a planetarium with a regular show schedule, typically running on weekends and holidays with sessions aimed at both children and general audiences, and a single afternoon show on weekdays.

Location & getting there

The museum is located in Utsunomiya, the capital of Tochigi Prefecture in Japan, part of the wider Asia region and within reach of the Greater Tokyo area.

Visiting Tochigi Science Museum

Admission is 550 yen for adults and 220 yen for children, with planetarium shows scheduled several times a day on weekends and holidays. Check the museum's official website before visiting to confirm current hours and showtimes.

See your named star from here

A planetarium is a great place to learn the sky before finding your own star in it. With a Star Register certificate, you'll have exact coordinates to track down after a visit to Tochigi Science Museum's observatory. Choose a star-naming package or browse the catalogue of named stars.