Icebreaker Sōya (former Museum of Maritime Science)
初代南極観測船「宗谷」（船の科学館）
Odaiba / Higashiyashio · near Fune-no-Kagakukan Station (Yurikamome Line) (1 min walk)
The main Museum of Maritime Science building was dissolved/closed and is being dismantled, BUT the museum foundation continues open-air exhibits centred on the historic icebreaker Sōya (plus a small annex exhibition hall), which visitors can still board for free. A genuinely overlooked transport experience right by the Yurikamome.
Why children love it: You climb aboard Japan's first Antarctic research ship and stand in the real bridge and steer the wheel — a proper hands-on 'inside a ship' adventure, and it's free.
- Best for
- Toddlers (2–4), Primary (5–11), Teens (12–17)
- Time to allow
- 1h
- Opening hours
- 11:00–16:00 (boarding of Sōya until 15:45)
- Price
- Free
- Booking
- Usually walk-in
- Indoor / weather
- mixed
- Confidence
- Confirm before booking
Editor’s note: STATUS NUANCE: the Museum of Maritime Science main building was dissolved 28 Jan 2025 and is being demolished (through ~Oct 2025). Only the Sōya ship + annex remain open. Confirm current open days/hours (short 11:00–16:00 window) before scheduling.