Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

The Museum of Aeronautical Sciences (航空科学博物館, Kōkū Kagaku Hakubutsukan), located just outside Narita Airport, is an exciting and interactive destination for aviation enthusiasts and curious travelers of all ages. The museum features full-scale replicas of historic aircraft and components from modern jets, including a massive Boeing 747 engine and landing gear. Visitors can explore the inner workings of aviation technology through hands-on exhibits, with one of the main highlights being the opportunity to try a life-sized flight simulator—offering a realistic sense of what it’s like to pilot an aircraft. Educational displays in both Japanese and English make the experience accessible and engaging.

The museum also provides fantastic vantage points for watching real aircraft in action. The third floor includes an outdoor observation deck overlooking the airport’s runway, while the fourth floor houses a restaurant where guests can enjoy meals with a front-row view of takeoffs and landings. On the fifth floor, a control-tower-style observatory offers a unique bird’s-eye perspective of airport operations. Outside, more than a dozen real planes and helicopters are on display—some of which visitors can board and explore. For even more dramatic views, nearby parks like Sakura no Oka and Hikōki no Oka are popular spots to relax and watch planes soar overhead, making the museum area a must-visit for aviation fans.