Chippubetsu Folk Museum (秩父別町 郷土館) is a local history museum that showcases the history of the town of Chippubetsu. It is located at 2-jo 1-Chome 1264 in the town of Chippubetsu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Chippubetsu Folk Museum |
Chippubetsu Folk Museum Details
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| Chippubetsu Folk Museum - Chippubetsu Town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Chippubetsu Folk Museum offers a fascinating journey into the town’s rich history, particularly its development by the Tondenhei soldiers, who were instrumental in settling and defending the region during the Meiji period. This museum is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and those curious about rural Japanese life during a significant time of national transformation.
Chippubetsu Folk Museum facade
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| Welcome to the Chippubetsu Folk Museum |
Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a range of exhibits that offer a window into the past. The centerpiece of the museum is the "Tonden no Kane" (Bell of Tonden), which was used to mark the time during the early days of the town’s development. This iconic artifact gives a sense of the rhythms of daily life for the early settlers. Historic photographs, carefully preserved, adorn the walls, depicting the faces and places that shaped Chippubetsu’s early days, allowing visitors to visualize the struggles and triumphs of these pioneers.
First Floor Exhibits*
* I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what Chippubetsu Folk Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.
Chippubetsu Folk Museum boasts two floors of exhibits. The first floor includes a panel that highlights key figures from the town’s history, while the second floor showcases a variety of tools and equipment used in the past, particularly agricultural tools that were essential to the town’s survival and growth. These items provide a tangible connection to the town’s farming heritage, allowing visitors to appreciate how technology and methods evolved over time.
Second Floor Exhibits*
* I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what Chippubetsu Folk Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the museum is the detailed model of what homes looked like during the town’s early development. Along with the tools and photographs, this gives a vivid glimpse into what life might have been like for the Tondenhei soldiers and their families. It's not just an exhibit but an immersive experience where you can almost feel the atmosphere of the time.
What makes the Chippubetsu Folk Museum particularly unique is its unmanned nature. Visitors must press a call button at the entrance, and after a short wait, a staff member from the nearby library will come to unlock the door, providing a personal touch to the experience. While this system might seem unusual, it adds to the charm of the museum, reinforcing the feeling that you’re stepping into a well-preserved secret of the past.
Team Nicerio visits the Chippubetsu Folk Museum
My family and I visited the Chippubetsu Folk Museum for the first time during our March 11, 2023, Saturday Road Trip. It was my 495th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, we enjoyed exploring the facility and learning about the rich history of the town. I was amazed at how the town was actually founded by soldiers and how it slowly prospered to what it is today.
Chippubetsu Folk Museum Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Chippubetsu Folk Museum.
Chippubetsu Folk Museum Operating Hours
Chippubetsu Folk Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. It’s closed during the New Year Holiday.
Why visit the Chippubetsu Folk Museum?
For anyone interested in local history, agricultural heritage, or the Tondenhei soldiers’ contributions to Hokkaido’s development, the Chippubetsu Folk Museum offers a meaningful and insightful visit. It’s a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination that rewards those who take the time to discover it.
Getting to the Chippubetsu Folk Museum
To get to the Chippubetsu Folk Museum from Asahikawa City, follow these steps:
Start at Asahikawa Station:
Take the JR Hakodate Main Line train heading towards Takikawa. The journey to Takikawa Station takes about 30–45 minutes.
Transfer at Takikawa Station:
Once you arrive at Takikawa Station, transfer to the JR Nemuro Main Line heading towards Fukagawa.
Arrive at Chippubetsu Station:
Get off at Chippubetsu Station, which is about a 10–15 minute ride from Takikawa.
From Chippubetsu Station to the Museum:
The Chippubetsu Folk Museum is approximately 2 kilometers from Chippubetsu Station. You can walk there, which would take around 25–30 minutes, or take a local taxi for a quicker option.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more direct route, you can consider renting a car in Asahikawa. The drive to Chippubetsu Folk Museum will take about an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
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