“Did you know that you can experience an earthquake with a seismic intensity of 7?” Here at the Meteorological Science Museum, you can explore the wonders of weather and natural disasters. The Meteorological Science Museum is located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. It resides within the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The Meteorological Science Museum opened on June 1, 1997. This date marked Meteorology Day. The museum allows visitors to learn about weather, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. Knowledgeable commentators are always on hand. These experts are also qualified weather forecasters.
Originally, the Meteorological Science Museum was in Otemachi. It was located on the first floor of the Japan Meteorological Agency. In 2019, the agency relocated to Toranomon. The museum closed temporarily in April 2019 due to this relocation. It reopened on July 1, 2020. The reopening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inside the Meteorological Science Museum, you can find various exhibits. These cover weather phenomena and observation equipment. There are also displays about earthquakes and disaster prevention. One popular exhibit is the earthquake simulator. Here, you can experience the shaking of an earthquake. You can also learn about tsunami formation. The tsunami simulator shows how tsunamis reach land.
The Meteorological Science Museum features a mascot. The mascot is called “Harerun”. At the entrance, you are greeted by a 1/25th scale model of the H-IIA rocket. This rocket will carry the Himawari-9 weather satellite. The H-IIA rocket displays a mosaic art piece. This artwork is part of the “Dream Art Rocket Project”. It features illustrations by mangaka Chuya Koyama. He is the creator of “Space Brothers”.
Real observation instruments are displayed. These include rain gauges, wind vanes, and snow gauges. A large balloon carries a radiosonde. This instrument measures atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity. These observations are taken twice daily worldwide. They contribute to global weather forecasting.
You can also try the seismic intensity meter. By shaking the platform, you can experience different levels of seismic intensity. The tsunami simulator helps you understand tsunami mechanics. See how coastal homes are engulfed by the simulated waves.
The Meteorological Science Museum also features an Emergency Earthquake Flash Report. This exhibit uses a quiz format. It teaches visitors how to respond during an earthquake. On weekends and holidays, weather forecasters answer questions.
The Meteorological Science Museum highlights the global impact on weather. Weather patterns are influenced by the entire planet. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are also connected. The earth is one. The sky is one. Everything is connected. Admission to the Meteorological Science Museum is free. The museum is closed on the second Monday of each month. It is also closed during the New Year’s holiday.