Touch and Understand! Life on the Space Station Tour at Miraikan

An experiential tour titled "Touch and Understand! Life on the Space Station" will be held at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Odaiba on Monday, July 20, 2026. This tour is designed for visually impaired individuals aged 10 and above, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through tactile exhibits.

Experiencing Space Station Life

The tour will guide participants to physically engage with the ISS. First, participants will explore a specially 3D-printed model of the ISS, allowing them to grasp its overall structure and the function of its components, such as the prominent solar panels. A model rocket will also be available to help visualize the journey from Earth to the ISS.

Following this, the tour will proceed to the "Kibo" module, a full-scale mock-up within Miraikan's permanent "Here, ISS" exhibition. Here, participants can touch the living quarters recreated to simulate astronaut life, including the exterior walls and various facilities designed for living in microgravity. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to concretely imagine daily life in space.

The tour will conclude with a discussion session themed "What would you bring if you lived in space?" This segment encourages participants to share their insights and thoughts gained from the tour, fostering a collaborative exploration of space living.

Practical Information for Visitors

This tour is specifically for visually impaired individuals who can independently reach the meeting point (3rd floor General Information Desk). A maximum of three participants are allowed per session, and accompanying persons are welcome. The participation fee is the museum's admission fee. However, visitors presenting a disability certificate may receive free admission to permanent, dome theater, and special exhibitions for themselves and one accompanying person.

Event Details

• Event Name: Touch and Understand! Life on the Space Station
• Venue: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
• Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• Date: July 20, 2026 (Monday/Holiday)
  • Morning Session: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Afternoon Session: 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
    (Both sessions cover the same content.)
• Target Audience: Visually impaired individuals (4th grade and above) who can reach the venue.
• Fee: Admission fee only (Free for the individual and one companion with disability certificate)
• Application: Advance application required (Lottery)
• Application Deadline: June 23, 2026, 5:00 PM
• Notification Date: June 24, 2026

Access Information

Miraikan is easily accessible by public transportation:

• Yurikamome Line: Approx. 4-minute walk from "Telecom Center Station" or approx. 5-minute walk from "Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station."
• Rinkai Line: Approx. 15-minute walk from "Tokyo Teleport Station."

Several Toei Bus routes also serve the area. Please check the official website for detailed bus information.

Applications are accepted via the official website's application form until the deadline. As participation is by lottery, please check the official website for the latest information on ticket availability and same-day tickets.