Science is hot at the moment! Let’s head out to the interactive learning facility that focuses on SDGs and STEAM education!

You may have heard the terms STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) quite often recently — but they can sound a little complicated at first.

If you’ve ever wondered what they really mean, this is the perfect place for you — and for children working on independent research projects!

Here, you can discover a facility where learning about science and technology becomes exciting and hands-on. It’s a place where curiosity grows, questions are welcomed, and having fun goes hand in hand with learning.

Kōriyama City Fureai Science Space Park

The closest place to space in Kōriyama!?
Become an astronaut and set out on a space adventure!

Koriyama City Fureai Science Museum, also known as Space Park, is located on the 22nd floor of Big-i, the landmark building just steps from Koriyama Station.

As you enter the main entrance, a dazzling world of floating planets greets you, instantly drawing you into a universe of science and imagination.

 

The journey into science begins with stories from the past.
Watch an engaging animation to discover how early astronomers once imagined the universe and what they believed about the mysteries of space.

Then, let’s head down the stairs to the exhibition hall and begin our own exploration of outer space — a journey filled with curiosity, hope, and dreams.

 

What does it feel like to be in outer space? Experience the wonders of gravity without having to go out to space!

In the “Moon and Earth’s Satellites” area, you can try the popular “Moon Jump” experience (not the moonwalk!).

Feel what it’s like to walk on the Moon, where gravity is only one-sixth of Earth’s. With just a small push, your body moves in unexpected directions — just like in space.

You can also challenge yourself with a “Triple Spin” to simulate the sensation of zero gravity and experience how astronauts feel in a weightless environment.

Boing! Boing!

Wow!? Spin, spin, spin!

Have a go at operating the small rover that’s used to run on planet surfaces and the robotic arms found on space stations!

 

Rovers are robotic vehicles designed to explore the surfaces of planets such as the Moon and Mars.

At this exhibit, you can operate a two-thirds scale model of a lunar rover. Just like in real space missions, there is a time delay of about three seconds between sending a command and seeing the rover move.

Keeping this communication lag in mind, challenge yourself to control the rover using only the onboard camera — just as mission controllers do during actual planetary exploration

▲Can you tell which way is up and down in space?

 

Imagine the majestic world of space, stars and the galaxy.

In the “Evolving and Expanding Space” area, visitors can explore the history of the universe — from the birth of the cosmos to the evolution of stars — through an immersive show featuring dramatic light and sound effects.

Additional exhibits use engaging videos to introduce the planets and our galaxy, making complex space science easy to understand and exciting to discover.

At the interactive booth “Measure the Distance of Stars,” you can use scale models to calculate the size and distance of stars located hundreds of millions of light-years away. Apply the trigonometric functions you learned in math class to make accurate astronomical measurements — just like real scientists.

In the “Portrait of Space” section, models of the Hubble Space Telescope and the Subaru Telescope are on display. These world-renowned observatories collect critical data that helps unlock the mysteries of astronomy and the universe.

▲The Hubble Space Telescope (model)

Let’s interact with science at Surprise Experiment Lab!

At the Surprise Experiment Lab, you can enjoy fun experiments and craft activities based on familiar, everyday topics.

On this day’s theme — “Seeing the World Through Animals’ Eyes” — participants used special glasses to experience how dogs, bees, and octopuses perceive their surroundings. It was a fascinating way to discover how differently other creatures see the world.

We also created fish eyes using marbles, learning about how underwater vision works while making our own colorful crafts.

You get to see real things like an actual meteorite and rockets!

There’s an iron meteorite that was found in Argentina! It weighs 14 kilograms, and it’s much heavier than it looks.

 

There are many other real items on exhibit, including a space suit, a part of the test rockets used to launch satellites, and the Parabolic Antenna that was used as a radio telescope.

 

▲Part of a rocket

▲Parabolic Antenna

▲Models of H-IIA rocket and H-IIB rocket

▲Look! A message to the aliens!

Comment from our reporter:

Although I had visited before, I was able to enjoy the experience all over again.

What makes this place truly special is the way it allows visitors to learn about science and space from many different perspectives — not just by reading or watching, but by using the whole body to explore and experiment.

I especially recommend the child-friendly experiments, which make learning both exciting and accessible for young visitors.

Kōriyama City Fureai Science Space Park

2-11-1 Ekimae, Kōriyama, Fukushima

TEL 024-936-0201

Hours:
Exhibition Area 10:00~17:45 (Entry until 17:00)
Observation Lobby 10:00~20:00 (Entry until 19:30)
Closed: Every Monday (closed on the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays
*The park may temporarily close due to maintenance work.

Admission fees:
Exhibition Area – General (under 65) 400 yen
High school and university students 300 yen
Primary and middle school students 200 yen
Infants and seniors over 65 Free
* Entry to the Space Theatre requires an additional fee.

There’s also a play area for kids!