Things to do in Kato-gun, Hokkaido: The Best Museums

Reviewed By JohnD209 - Leavenworth, United States

For the children and the young in heart! What a surprise to find such a quality science museum (English name is Higashitaisetsu Nature Center) in the midst of the Higashitaisetsu region. Perhaps the quality is because the Ministry of the Environment funded the center. If you are in the area, make sure you stop here. It takes from 45 to 90 minutes to appreciate, depending on how much you like nature. Good for both adults and children. Upon arriving you can view a superb video (Japanese with other language subtitles) of the mountains, seasons, and wildlife of the region. It is not a hokey tourist promotion video, but a well-produced documentary. Unfortunately, the center does not have copyright on the video and as such does not have it on the website or for sale in the gift corner. Displays include A) Nature of the Higashitaisetsu region, B) Extinct animals and introduced species, C) Biodiversity of the region, D) Paleolithic and Ainu relics, E) Life fish and insects of the region, F) Static displays of insects, G) a huge collection of rhinoceros and stag beetles, H) computers and puzzles for experiential learning, and I) a newer exhibit of volcanic activity in the area. All displays except the volcanic activity are written in four languages. The English explanations are native English and not Japlish. I cannot vouch for the quality of the Korean and Chinese – both traditional and simplified. This alone is impressive for a museum/center in the heart of Hokkaido. In addition to these displays, there is a strong mountain climbing display with the routes and current trail information for the several mountains in the area. When I was there, a local volunteer woman was on hand who knew the trails and gave advice on how long and how clear of snow the trails were for the first week in May. There is also tourist information for the Taisetsu and Nukabira region. Restrooms are free and clean.