Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History (滝川市美術自然史館) is one of the several museums of Takikawa City. It houses both natural and art exhibits. It is located at 2-5-30 Shinmachi, Takikawa City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History |
Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History Details
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| Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History - Takikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Opened in 1986, the Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural History offers a fascinating blend of artistic expression and natural history, all within a single venue. This unique museum is home to two distinct departments: art and natural history, each showcasing a diverse array of exhibits.
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| Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History facade (winter) |
Art Department*
The art section features a gallery dedicated to notable works by artists, including Iwahashi Eien, a celebrated painter from Takikawa. Born in 1903 to a soldier from Ebe Oto Tondenhei, Eien began his artistic journey after graduating from Hokushin Elementary School, later moving to Tokyo at the age of 21 to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. He studied under Yamauchi Tamon and made his debut at the Inten exhibition in 1934. A prominent figure in the avant-garde movement, he co-founded the Rekitei Art Association before the war.
After World War II, Eien studied under Yasuda Yukihiko and continued to produce innovative works, earning the prestigious Taikan Prize from the Japan Art Academy in 1950. Over the years, he became a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and received numerous accolades, including the Japan Art Academy Prize in 1972 and the Order of Culture in 1994. Eien's artwork is known for its grand representations of nature, reflecting a deep spirituality and exceptional craftsmanship.
Natural History Department*
The natural history section is equally captivating, featuring the Takikawa sea cow, a remarkable creature that inhabited the region 5 million years ago when Takikawa was underwater. Discovered in 1980 along the Sorachi River, the fossil of this 8-meter-long, 4-ton marine mammal has provided invaluable insights into evolutionary biology. Known for its toothless mouth and reduced forelimbs, the Takikawa sea cow was well-adapted to its cold environment, grazing on seaweed much like a cow. In 1988, it was classified as a new species within the Hydrodamalis genus, and it was designated as a cultural asset and Hokkaido Natural Monument in 1984.
* 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 Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.
The exhibition also includes skeletal remains of the Jordanian sea cow, an ancestor of the Takikawa sea cow, as well as the Steller's sea cow, which tragically went extinct due to overhunting following its discovery by the Bering Expedition in 1741.
Other photos in the Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History
For younger visitors, the Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History features impressive skeletal specimens of a Tyrannosaurus rex, Protoceratops, and mammoths, making the natural history department an engaging learning experience for children and adults alike.
Team Nicerio visits the Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History
My family and I visited the Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural History for the first time on March 5, 2023, which was my 489th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. This museum was one of the two we explored in Takikawa City that day, and it was the first stop on our itinerary. We were truly impressed by the variety of displays and exhibits throughout the museum. As a dinosaur enthusiast, I was especially fascinated by the T. rex fossil and the sea cow exhibit. I highly recommend this museum to anyone with an interest in history!
Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural
History Admission Fee
- Museum of Art and Natural History Only:
- Adults: 630 yen
- High School Students: 380 yen
- Junior High School Students: 250 yen
- Elementary School Students: 120 yen
- Combined Tickets for the Museum and the Science Museum:
- Adults: 840 yen
- High School Students: 520 yen
- Junior High School Students: 320 yen
- Elementary School Students: 210 yen
- Combined Ticket for the Children's Science Museum and the Local
History Museum:
- Adults: 950 yen
- High School Students: 600 yen
- Junior High School Students: 360 yen
- Elementary School Students: 240 yen
- Annual Pass (valid for all three
museums):
- Adults: 1,050 yen
- High School Students: 730 yen
- Junior High School Students: 420 yen
- Elementary School Students: 320 yen
Infants enjoy free admission. Group
discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. For group tour inquiries,
please contact the Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural History at
0125-23-0502.
Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural
History Operating Hours
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| Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural History Operating Hours |
Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural
History is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed:
Mondays, the day after national holidays, and during the winter season
(December 1 to the end of February).
Why visit the Takikawa City Museum of
Art and Natural History?
The Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural
History is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and the
natural sciences. With its rich exhibits and educational opportunities, the
museum provides a unique glimpse into both the creative spirit of local artists
and the fascinating history of life on Earth. Whether you're an art enthusiast
or a curious explorer, this museum offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Getting to Takikawa City Museum of Art and Natural History
To get to the Takikawa Museum of Art and Natural History from Asahikawa City, you have a few options depending on your preferred mode of transportation:
By Car:
Route: Take Route 12, which connects Asahikawa to Takikawa City. The distance is about 65 km and typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Directions: From Asahikawa City, drive south along Route 12. Follow the signs toward Takikawa City. Once you reach the city, follow local signs directing you to the museum.
By Train:
Route: Take the JR Hakodate Main Line from Asahikawa Station to Takikawa Station.
The train journey takes approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on whether you take a local or limited express train.
From Takikawa Station:
The museum is around 3 km from the station. You can take a local taxi or walk, which takes around 30-40 minutes.
By Bus:
Option: Some bus lines connect Asahikawa and Takikawa. Check the schedule at the Asahikawa Bus Terminal. Upon arriving in Takikawa, take a taxi or local bus to the museum.
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