Abashiri Municipal Museum

Opened in 1936, the Abashiri Municipal Museum is one of the oldest museums in Hokkaido. Located in Abashiri, at the northeastern tip of Japan, this museum offers a deep dive into the region's rich natural environment and its history, from ancient times to the present.

As you enter, you're immediately greeted by an impressive display of taxidermy. The museum features a variety of animals that inhabit the Sea of Okhotsk, such as sea lions, seals, and fur seals, as well as iconic creatures from the northern forests, including brown bears, Ezo deer, and red foxes. The museum also showcases the plant life of Abashiri, providing a comprehensive view of the region's vast natural beauty.

The museum delves into the unique culture of the Abashiri area, covering everything from the Paleolithic era over 10,000 years ago to the Ainu culture. It also features exhibits on the history of Abashiri's development from the Edo period to the modern day. These exhibits detail the settlement of Japanese people in the area, the construction of roads during the Meiji period, and the opening of the railways in the Taisho era, offering a clear understanding of how Abashiri evolved over time.

The museum building itself is a highlight, with its distinctive red, round roof designed by Yoshiya Tanoue, a renowned architect who studied under the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright. The building was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2019.

With its historical architecture and fascinating exhibits, both the interior and exterior of the museum are worth exploring.