Miyazaki Science Center is a municipal science museum located in Miyazaki Ekihigashi 1-chome, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Astronomy is its main theme, and the facility is affectionately known as Cosmoland.
The center is located within Miyazaki Chuo Park, also known as Bunka no Mori. It features a planetarium described as one of the largest in the world, while outside the building visitors can see a full-size model of an H-I rocket.
Miyazaki Science Center opened on August 2, 1987 (Showa 62). It was established to encourage children to develop an interest in science, technology, and space.
The center is managed and operated by the Miyazaki Cultural Promotion Association, a public interest incorporated foundation appointed by Miyazaki City as the designated management organization.
The planetarium is located on the third floor and features a dome with a diameter of 27 meters. It is regarded as one of the largest planetariums in the world and is also the largest of its kind in Kyushu.
Various planetarium programs are presented, allowing visitors to explore the stars, planets, and wider universe. In addition to recorded programs, the center offers live commentary on the night sky, providing an opportunity to learn about astronomy while enjoying the immersive dome experience.
The exhibition rooms are located on the first and second floors. Their main subjects are earth science and astronomy, with displays that introduce the natural world, scientific phenomena, space exploration, and modern technology.
This exhibition explores Miyazaki City’s climate and the use of solar energy. It introduces the relationship between the region’s sunny environment and energy resources.
This area presents the Earth’s geology and environment, helping visitors understand the planet’s structure and the natural processes that shape it.
This exhibition traces the history of space exploration and space development, introducing the achievements and technologies that have expanded humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Visitors can experience surprising scientific phenomena through interactive displays. The exhibits make it possible to explore the principles behind everyday scientific effects in an engaging way.
This area introduces modern advanced technologies and shows how scientific research and technological innovation are applied in contemporary society.
The Energy Land exhibition focuses on the use of energy and the possibilities for future energy sources. It encourages visitors to consider how energy is produced and used, as well as the technologies that may shape the future.
The first floor features several notable space-related displays, including a replica of the Apollo lunar module Eagle and a replica of the Gemini spacecraft. The Apollo lunar module replica is described as one of only two such examples in the world.
Visitors can also see an actual display model of the Kiku 5 engineering test satellite. The exhibit is a thermal-structural model, offering a closer look at the engineering behind Japanese satellite development.
On the second floor, a special zone introduces the latest developments in visual science. One of its main attractions is the 4DVR Techno EGG, described as the only machine of its kind in the world.
This permanent installation uses advanced visual technology to provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore new possibilities in virtual reality and interactive visual presentation.
The science center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last admission is at 4:00 p.m.
The regular closing days are as follows:
Mondays: Closed every Monday, except when it is a national holiday or public holiday.
The day after a public holiday: Closed on the following day, except when that day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday.
New Year holidays: Closed from December 29 through January 3.
The center is conveniently located approximately two minutes on foot from JR Miyazaki Station. It is also about a two-minute walk from the Miyazaki Station bus stop served by Miyazaki Kotsu buses.
For visitors arriving by car, the facility has parking for approximately 40 vehicles.
Miyazaki Science Center is situated within Miyazaki Chuo Park, a green space with walking paths and benches. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the park before or after exploring the museum.
Cultural facilities and cafés are also located nearby, making the area a convenient place to combine sightseeing, learning, and a relaxing break.
With its astronomy-focused planetarium, hands-on science exhibits, spacecraft displays, and advanced visual technology, Miyazaki Science Center offers an engaging experience for visitors of different ages. It is an especially enjoyable destination for families and anyone interested in science, technology, and space exploration.