If you are curious about life in Antarctica, a visit to the Polar Science Museum in Tachikawa is a must. The museum features exhibits based on scientific research conducted by the Japanese Survey Team in Showa Base Antarctica. Some of the displays include Arctic equipment, fallen meteors, and replicas of species found in the region such as Polar Bears, penguins, and various birds.
One of the notable exhibits is a track snowmobile and sled from 1968 used during an exhibition from Showa Station to the South Pole. The museum also has interactive stations where visitors can view things under microscopes and learn more about the research team’s travels. Additionally, there is a projection room theater showing the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) in a 10-minute movie.
A highlight of the museum is a small box near the entrance containing a chunk of ice from Antarctica collected by the survey team. Visitors can touch and feel the actual ice, providing a unique experience. The museum is free to visit and offers insights into life in Antarctica and the work of the Japanese research team.
Located in Tachikawa, the museum’s address is 10-3 Midoricho, Tokyo. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays to Saturdays and closed on Sundays and Mondays. While parking is free, it is limited, so it is recommended to use public transportation or a bike. The museum’s website provides more information about the exhibits, and visitors can use Google Translate as the exhibits are in Japanese. Note that phones are not allowed in the projection room.