National Museum of Nature and Science with kids

What to check first

The museum currently lists a partial Global Gallery 2F closure and a Global Gallery B3 renovation closure starting 8 September 2026. Check the admission page before promising a particular gallery to your child.

Admission and opening times

Normal hours are 9:00–17:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Monday is usually closed, with holiday exceptions; the year-end closure is 28 December–1 January. General and university-student admission to permanent exhibitions is ¥630; high-school students and younger are free. Special exhibitions have their own conditions. The official page also explains eligibility and identification for other free-admission categories.

ComPaSS needs a separate decision

ComPaSS is a family exploration area primarily aimed at ages four to six, with a wider range of children also welcome with guardians. The official ComPaSS information requires date-specific reservations and payment for every participant, including babies and adults. Do not assume general museum admission includes a session.

Strollers cannot be used inside ComPaSS. Toilets and nursing facilities are outside the area, and children cannot be left alone. Read the ComPaSS FAQ before choosing a time slot.

Baby-care facilities and arrival

The museum lists a nursing station on Japan Gallery B1 and changing facilities in designated restrooms. A small number of loan strollers are available without reservations, subject to availability. See accessibility information.

The official directions estimate a five-minute walk from JR Ueno’s Park Exit. We have not verified a continuous step-free route from every platform.

Our planning suggestion

Let your child choose one theme before entering. Treat a second gallery as a bonus, and use designated areas for food and drink. If you book ComPaSS, leave time beforehand for toilets and stroller parking. A successful visit can be short; there is no need to see every floor. See A flexible Ueno day.