Small Worlds Miniature Museum

The basics

While some miniature museums just exhibit scaled-down versions of real-life places, Tokyo’s Small Worlds Miniature Museum goes a step further by presenting imaginary and fantastical worlds, too. Some highlights include a 1960s reimagining of NASA’s Space Center, a global village with strong steampunk undertones, and a Sailor Moon manga version of Tokyo’s Azabu Juban neighborhood. These aren’t just static dioramas, either: movement, sound, and day-to-night cycles are built into the scenes. Most people visit independently, and it’s a great rainy-day activity, especially for families.

Things to know before you go

• Feel like becoming part of the miniature world? You can have a tiny version of yourself made up and placed in the museum for a year for a fee.

• The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Two wheelchairs are also available to borrow.

• Buy tickets online in advance or at the museum on the day of your visit.

• The museum hosts many miniature-making workshops; check its website for a calendar of events. A reasonable level of Japanese language is required to participate.

How to get there

The museum is on Ariake, an artificial island built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, next to Odaiba. Like most places in Tokyo, it’s easiest to get there by public transport. The closest station is Ariake-Tennis-no-Mori on the elevated Yurikamome line, which is a very short walk from the museum. Drivers can use several paid parking lots in the area.

When to get there

The museum is open daily between mid-morning and evening. Last admission is one hour before closing, but arrive earlier for a more leisurely visit. The museum is busiest on weekends and during Japanese holidays, so come mid-week to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Explore Ariake and Odaiba

Ariake and Odaiba islands are full of fun, futuristic, and family-friendly attractions, so plan on spending at least a full day in this area. On Ariake, check out the new Ariake Garden Shopping Mall, while on Odaiba, there’s Odaiba Beach, a replica Statue of Liberty, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), the Gundam Base and Unicorn Gundam statue, and much more.