Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum
The Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum in Yokohama introduces industrial technology to young people in fun, memorable, hands-on ways, and caters to English speakers too.
Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum Yokohama 三菱みなとみらい技術館
Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum, Yokohama
The Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum in Yokohama is a mostly interactive museum aimed at children that showcases Mitsubishi's latest technologies, in particular aerospace-related.
The Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum appeals to young families with children who can learn about science and try their hand at various fun, interactive science-based tasks and games, and learn about the environment and the technology designed to make use of it from interactive displays.
Lobby, Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum, Yokohama
Astronaut suit for kids to "try on," Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum
Floor Guide
The Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum occupies two large floors, with most of the attractions on the first floor. The massive lobby features a few big examples of Mitsubishi industrial technology.
The first floor has four zones: aerospace, ocean, daily life discovery, and transportation. The second floor has environment/energy, technology quest, and the history of vehicles.
The aerospace section has a sci-fi-like Frontier Theater which immerses the viewer in a thrilling 3D rendition of a possible future in space. It also displays Mitsubishi's pride and joy: the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, which first flew in November 2015 - and with a flight deck to sit in and try out - as well as full-size rocket engines used in space projects.
The ocean section has large models of deep sea observation vessels, such as the Shinkai 6500 and the Chikyuu, and video displays about underwater exploration.
The daily life discovery section is all about internet-connected "smart" homes and communities, and the promise they hold for better living, accompanied by a variety of related educational games.
The transportation section features the latest in eco-friendly ways of commuting and traveling, and has a full-size version of the earth-friendly Pittari Tram, as well as various simulators and a diarama.
Upstairs, the enviroment/energy explores various types of energy generation, including wind, wave, natural gas and nuclear, with both hands-on miniature demonstration models and intricate reconstructions of, for example, gas turbines and nuclear power plants, clearly explaining their workings.
Technology Quest display, Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum, Yokohama
Ocean display, featuring the Shinkai 6500 submersible
Technology Quest is one of the most interactive sections, and deals with everyday technology in general, providing hands-on ways for children to familiarize themselves with the principles at work behind gadgets and machines.
There is also a Trial Square section on the second floor with hourly pay-for Space Project adventures, and a free Sky Walk Adventure every 15 minutes simulating a helicopter ride.
At various times during the day, there are also impromptu science experiments hosted by staff aimed at piquing kids' interest in everyday physical phenomena.
Finally, there is a History of Vehicles section on the second floor consisting of models of trains, ships and planes manufactured by Mitsubishi throughout its history, most of them connected with the company's airplane manufacture for Japan's war effort in the 1940s.
The Museum Shop which you encounter upon exiting the exhibition hall sells a wide range of souvenirs, including those featuring the Museum's kawaii (cute) mascot, Techno-kun.
There are plenty of English explanations at the Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum, including sub-titles in video presentations.
Mitsubishi Regional Jet, Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum, Yokohama
Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum Hours
Hours 10am-5.00pm, last admission at 4:30pm. Closed Tuesday, but open on Tuesdays that fall on a national holiday, in which case closed the next day.
Admission
Adults: 500 yen; junior-high and high-school students: 300 yen; elementary school: 200 yen.
Access
Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum is 3 minutes walk from the Keyakidori Exit of Minatomirai Subway Station on the Minatomirai Line. It is right behind the huge Yokohama Landmark Tower.
Mitsubishi Minato Mirai Industrial Museum (www.mhi.co.jp)
Mitsubishi Juko Yokohama Building
Minatomirai 3-chome, 3-1
Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi 220-8401
Tel: 045 200 7351
