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Museums #28 in Ōta, Tokyo

Nikon Museum

4.6 · 830 reviews
Quiet, clinical, and professionally curated.
Nikon Museum, 株式会社ニコン 本社/イノベーションセンタ, 1F, 1 Chome-5-20 Nishioi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-8601, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The collection includes the original Nikon I, which was the first camera to carry the Nikon brand name.

2

The museum displays specialized NIKKOR lenses used by NASA on various space missions.

3

A dedicated section demonstrates the extreme precision of Nikon’s semiconductor lithography systems used in chip manufacturing.

4

The 'Synchro-Lab' exhibit provides hands-on insights into how optical glass is melted and refined.

5

The museum archives the evolution of the Nikon F series, which revolutionized professional SLR photography in the late 1950s.

6

Exhibits explain the development of Nikon’s medical equipment, including retinal cameras and specialized microscopes.

Overview

The Nikon Museum serves as a comprehensive archive of the company's optical and precision technologies, located within its global headquarters in Shinagawa. It features a chronological display of nearly every Nikon camera model ever produced since the 1948 Nikon I. The exhibit space highlights the evolution of lens design, including the NIKKOR lens series used in space exploration and industrial applications. Visitors can examine the internal components of cameras and watch demonstrations of glass manufacturing processes. The museum also showcases Nikon’s contributions to medical, semiconductor, and bio-science equipment. It functions as both a historical repository and a showcase for current research and development projects. The facility integrates into the company’s corporate innovation center, providing a bridge between legacy optics and future imaging technology.

Photo spot

The central 'Camera Wall' featuring a chronological mosaic of Nikon camera bodies.

Insider tips

Check the official website for special temporary exhibitions that rotate periodically.

Spend time at the interactive kiosks which provide technical data on historical models.

Look for the museum shop located on the premises for exclusive branded merchandise.

What to avoid

Attempting to visit on Sundays or national holidays when the facility is consistently closed.

Good to know

Closed on Sundays and national holidays; occasionally closed for facility maintenance or private corporate events.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch exhibits unless explicitly indicated.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons to avoid corporate foot traffic and larger groups.
Address
Nikon Museum, 株式会社ニコン 本社/イノベーションセンタ, 1F, 1 Chome-5-20 Nishioi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-8601, Japan
35.602, 139.725
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsNikon I camera, NASA-used NIKKOR lenses, Semiconductor lithography equipment

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons to avoid corporate foot traffic and larger groups..

The central 'Camera Wall' featuring a chronological mosaic of Nikon camera bodies.

Close by you'll find Shinagawa Aquarium, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, Shiki Theatre Natsu.