Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum - Hokkaido

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum, officially called Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum Center Innovation Station (北広島市エコミュージアムセンター知新の駅), is a local museum that features the history of Kitahiroshima. It is located at 3 Chome-1 Hirobacho, Kitahiroshima City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum Details

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum stands as the central hub of the region's "roofless museum" concept—a dynamic initiative to celebrate and preserve the area's rich natural and historical treasures. This eco-centric museum offers an immersive journey through time, from the birth of Earth to the modern era, blending educational exhibits with breathtaking views of Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum - Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Walk Through Earth's History: Permanent Exhibits

The Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum's permanent exhibitions on the second floor take visitors on an extraordinary journey through Earth's history. The "History Walk" along the corridor floor chronicles significant events spanning 4.6 billion years, vividly connecting the ancient past to present-day Kitahiroshima.

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum floor map and emergency route

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum's Usage Guide

Marvel at natural history exhibits featuring local strata and fossils unearthed from the area, as well as a life-sized replica of a mother and baby mammoth created with the community's collaboration. A standout display is the skeletal model of the extinct Kita Hiroshima sea cow, accompanied by a transfer specimen of large-scale cross-lamination on the staircase.

The museum also honors three pivotal figures tied to Kitahiroshima’s history:

• Ikujiro Wada, a key founder of the village.

• Kyuzo Nakayama, who advanced cold-climate rice farming.

• William S. Clark, remembered for the iconic motto, "Boys, be ambitious."

Unveiling Kitahiroshima’s Rich Heritage

On the first floor, visitors are introduced to Kitahiroshima’s diverse natural and cultural legacy. Highlights include ancient fossils of creatures dating back a million years, a display of local flora and fauna, and artifacts from the Jomon period, showcasing pottery and lifestyle changes from the Meiji era to today.

Kitahiroshima City Eco 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 the Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

Engaging Special Exhibitions

The Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum also hosts two to three themed exhibitions annually in its special exhibition corner. These displays cover a wide range of topics, including history, nature, and archaeology. Notable past exhibits include 2018’s "Hokkaido Museum Has Arrived! ", which captivated audiences with its innovative take on biology and design.

One of the museum staff members guided us during our visit

A Gateway to Kitahiroshima’s Beauty

The museum’s entrance serves as an information hub, featuring a stunning aerial photo of Kitahiroshima embedded in the floor and pamphlets detailing the city’s history and nature. On clear days, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Naganuma mountains through expansive windows, further emphasizing the museum’s harmonious connection with its surroundings.

Team Nicerio visits Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum

On July 28, 2023, as part of our Sibling Road Trip 4, my daughter, siblings, and I had the chance to visit the Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum. This memorable visit marked my 634th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme and was one of the first places we explored in Kitahiroshima City.

During our visit, we had the entire museum to ourselves, making the experience feel personal and exclusive. A friendly staff member enthusiastically guided us through the exhibits, sharing fascinating insights about the museum's displays and history. It was not only an educational experience but also an excellent opportunity for my daughter and me to practice our Japanese listening skills.

The Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to delve deeper into the rich natural and historical heritage of Kitahiroshima City. It’s a hidden gem worth exploring!

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum. From time to time, a local volunteer is there to guide you and explain to you about the exhibits of the museum.

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum Operating Hours

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

It is closed on Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the following weekday will be closed) and the New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd of the following year).

Why visit Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum?

Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum is more than a place of learning—it's an invitation to explore the intertwining narratives of nature and history that define Hokkaido. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or curious traveler, this museum offers an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression. What adds to the reason that you should visit is that it’s FREE.

Getting to Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum

 

The nearest train station to Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum is Kitahiroshima JR Station. From there, you can head to the nearby Kita-Hiroshima Eki bus stop and board the Hiroshima Sen - Fukuzumi Eki bus operated by the Chuo Bus Company.  

Board down at the Matsubacho 1-Chome Bus Stop and walk for about 500 meters to reach the Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum. 

Travel time: 12 minutes

Fare: 240 yen

Alternatively, you can walk from Kitahiroshima JR Station to Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum. It will take you around 15 - 20 minutes.

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating