National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation (Miraikan)

In the 20th century, ‘2001’ had overtones of the future. Miraikan means ‘hall of the future’, so it’s somehow fitting that that 2001 was the year this futuristic building opened. Since then, it’s been a favourite of travellers with kids. Robotics (check out Asimo), information and environmental technology figure prominently, as do the newest in the life sciences. The Gaia dome theatre/planetarium, in its own orb, almost always books out – get a reservation when you arrive. The green building itself is as futuristic as its exhibits: glass of different degrees of clarity has been used for different parts of the exterior shell (to allow for the capture of natural light) and ‘through holes’ and ‘wind gardens’ provide ventilation.