There’s something to be said about the number of museums in Japanese cities: from paid water and sewerage ones to free weird ones focusing specifically on stomach parasites to elaborate multi-story buildings housing incredible technology, there’s always something to explore and experience.
We didn’t have high hopes for the Nagoya City Science Museum, because we thought nothing could possibly top the Miraikan in Odaiba.
Delightfully, we were wrong. The museum itself looms large in the city skyline, as if ancient aliens decided to plop it in the middle of the city. Metallic and ominous from the distance, it reminded me of the headquarters of the monster fighting team in old seasons of the Ultraman tv show.
It was definitely more welcoming, up close. We were early, but we didn’t count on the hordes of Japanese primary schoolchildren in dozens of groups also taking a day trip. And who wouldn’t, honestly? Had i had the same facilities when I was a kid, who knows what magic it might have burned into my brain?
The exhibits were obviously designed for younger children, or so we thought until we were ushered into the planetarium for a showing of “Planet Street” (apparently in March there’ll be something accompanied by the music of Queen, and I wish we could be back here for that.
Nagoya has a vibe, and it’s very distinct from Tokyo. I love Tokyo and its speed, but there’s something to be said about how even though it’s a bit compressed, you can find most of what you need here, and there’s a lot to find.
Tomorrow is our last day here, and I think I’ll miss this place.
The Visitor, Revisited 
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