Life Park Kurashiki Science Center

This interactive science museum features hands-on science exhibits and a full-scale planetarium. Its 21-meter dome theater projects Approx. 100 million stars, letting visitors enjoy a beautifully detailed night sky created by a 10K digital skyline projector. It offers two types of programs, “Planetarium” and “Fulldome Movie,” with a wide variety of content ranging from constellation commentary to visual productions.

The science exhibition room is lined with devices that let visitors use their hands to understand scientific principles. Exhibits include “Archimedes' Pump,” which lifts water, and “James Watt's Steam Engine,” where visitors can observe how the mechanism works, offering many chances to learn science through hands-on movement and observation. There is also a full-scale H-II rocket engine (LE-7) on display, allowing visitors to see up close a large engine once used in space development. There are Approx. 100 exhibits in total, with a focus on visually easy-to-understand displays.

On some weekends, hands-on programs such as science shows and craft events are held. Many of the exhibit devices are easy even for children to use, which makes the facility especially convenient for families. Within the grounds, you can also find the Former Kurashiki Observatory Sliding Roof Observatory, a registered tangible cultural property that is well worth visiting to learn about the history of astronomy.

Planetarium screening schedules and event details vary by day, so be sure to check the official website in advance.