Yagishiri Local Museum (羽幌町焼尻郷土館) is a historic building preserved and repurposed
as a museum. It is located in Higashihama on Yagishiri Island in the town of Haboro, Tomamae
District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Yagishiri Local Museum |
Yagishiri Local Museum Details
Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of
Yagishiri Island through the Yagishiri Local Museum, a beautifully preserved
two-story wooden house built in 1900 by the second-generation head of the Konno
family, Konno Muneyoshi. Nestled on a small hill near the ferry terminal, this
remarkable building offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the early
20th century and stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage.
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| Yagishiri Local Museum - Yagishiri Island, Haboro town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Historical Treasure with a Unique Legacy
The Konno family, originally from Shioya Village in Ishikawa
Prefecture, established a thriving business on Yagishiri Island. In addition to
their herring fishing enterprise, they ran a kimono and general goods store,
and at times, even used their home as an accommodation facility and a post
office. The building, a rare example of Western-style architecture for its
time, showcases a striking blend of Japanese and Western influences. Its use of
ebony and cypress wood throughout the construction exudes the opulence of the
era, while its distinctive features—such as the horizontal inspection slope,
raising and lowering windows, and hexagonal postal office entrance—reflect the
family’s prosperous lifestyle.
Yagishiri Local Museum facade
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| The Yagishiri Local Museum guide is posted outside |
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
In 1977, the Konno family generously donated the residence
to the town of Haboro, which promptly restored the property. In the same year,
the house was designated an Important Cultural Property of Haboro Town. The
following year, the Hokkaido Board of Education recognized the building as tangible cultural property. In 1978, the building was opened to the public as
the Yagishiri Local Museum, where it continues to attract visitors with its
captivating exhibits and historical significance.
Yagishiri Local Museum 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 Yagishiri Local Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.
A Stunning Blend of Cultures and Architecture
The Yagishiri Local Museum is a stunning 1,569-square-meter
structure, with parts of it being two stories tall. The museum retains much of
its original charm, with its intricate woodwork and elegant design standing out
as a rare example of Western-style architecture on the island. The first floor
is designed as a traditional Japanese-style store, while the second floor
features a Western-style layout, showcasing the unique fusion of the two
cultures.
Immerse Yourself in the History of Yagishiri
Visitors to the Yagishiri Local Museum will find the
interior remarkably well-preserved, offering an authentic experience of early
20th-century life. The museum houses an impressive collection of the Konno
family's daily tools, furnishings, and rare postal and telegraph equipment,
providing a fascinating insight into their lives. As one of the most
significant cultural landmarks on Yagishiri Island, the museum is a must-see
for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Team Nicerio visits the Yagishiri Local Museum
On June 25, 2023, during our Father and Daughter Road Trip 4, my
daughter and I, along with the Tomamae Gang, visited the Yagishiri Local Museum
for the first time. This visit also marked my 601st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. The museum was our final stop on Yagishiri Island, a
perfect conclusion to a half-day spent enjoying the island's beautiful views.
It provided us with a deeper understanding of the island's history and the
lives of its people. As a former history teacher, I find visiting museums a
rewarding way to gain a broader perspective on people and places. I highly
recommend this museum to anyone who shares this interest.
Yagishiri Local Museum Admission Fee
Visitors need to pay an admission fee to enter Yagishiri
Local Museum.
Adults – 330 yen
18 years old and younger – 260 yen
Yagishiri Local Museum Operating Hours
Yagishiri Local Museum is open from May 1 to September 30.
During this period, the museum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit the Yagishiri Local Museum?
The Yagishiri Local Museum offers a unique opportunity to
explore the rich cultural heritage of Yagishiri Island, highlighting the
history of the island and the significant impact of the Konno family. Visitors
can admire the stunning architecture, which blends traditional Japanese and
Western styles, making the building itself a remarkable attraction. Inside, the
museum showcases well-preserved exhibits, including authentic daily tools and
rare artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of the island's past. Situated
on a hill near the ferry terminal, the museum also offers picturesque views of
the surrounding landscape.
Getting to Yagishiri Local Museum
Reaching Yagishiri Island is a breeze, thanks to its
well-connected ferry services. Departing from the port at Haboro, two ferries
provide access to this serene island:
- Ororon
2: A relaxing 60-minute journey that offers stunning views of the Sea
of Japan.
- Sunrise
2: A faster option, taking just 35 minutes to reach the island.
Seasonal Schedules:
- Winter:
The Ororon 2 operates with one trip per day.
- Peak
Tourist Season (August): Both ferries ramp up service, running three
trips daily to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Exploring the Island
Once you arrive at the Yagishiri Ferry Terminal, the
Yagishiri Local Museum is a few blocks away and can be reached on foot.
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