Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

The Museum of Aeronautical Sciences is Japan’s first aviation-specialty museum, packed with highlights such as valuable exhibits, observation spots with views of Narita Airport, and hands-on activities. Access is either (1) from JR Narita Station East Exit: board the JR Bus at stop #2 bound for the museum, about 30 minutes; or (2) from Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 2: about 10 minutes by local bus. The museum is considered a ‘sacred place’ for airplane lovers, but it’s also recommended for families. As regular programs, it offers two types of events: a guided 747 section cabin tour and a 747-400 large model cockpit experience. The cockpit experience is especially popular with children, who can freely touch and operate the many complex buttons and controls inside. There is also an irregular but popular event where children can make origami airplanes; an origami specialist teaches tips on how to make them fly well, so even small kids can enjoy it. In addition, there are full-size aircraft model displays and flight simulators, making it easy to spend an entire day here.