Ashoro Museum of Paleontology - Hokkaido

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology (足寄動物化石博物館) is a natural history museum that exhibits a lot of prehistoric fossils. It is located at 1 Chome-29-25 Konan in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Details

Opened on July 1, 1998, the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology in Hokkaido is a fascinating destination for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and families alike. The museum was established with the theme of the evolution of marine mammals, focusing on the Ashoro Fauna—Late Oligocene marine mammal fossils unearthed in Morawan, Mora Bay, Ashoro Town, including scleractinians and cetaceans.

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Explore Unique Fossils and Geological Wonders

The museum’s collection features desmostylians, a rare group of extinct marine mammals, along with other fossils discovered in the Ashoro region. Visitors can also learn about geological formations connected to the nearby Onnetō Hot Falls, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s ancient history. 

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Facade

足寄動物化石博物館

We got our tickets to enter the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

Inside Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

Welcome to the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology floor map

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology lobby area

Audio-visual Room

Ashoro Museum Paleontology 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 Ashoro Museum of Paleontology has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

The museum is thoughtfully organized into themed exhibition areas, allowing visitors to explore marine life evolution in depth:

• Theme 1: Ashoro Fossil Fauna – Discover the rich variety of marine fossils found locally.
• Theme 2: The Mysterious Coastal Dweller Desmostylus – Learn about this unique, enigmatic marine mammal.
• Theme 3: Whales, Mammals That Returned to the Sea – Explore the fascinating evolutionary journey of modern whales.
• Theme 4: Seeing the History of the Earth in Ashoro – Gain insights into geological changes and Earth’s ancient past.

Hands-On Experiences

The Ashoro Museum of Paleontology also offers interactive activities that make learning about paleontology engaging and fun:

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Fossil Experience

You can buy a T. rex head resin here for just 500 yen.

I got Ella one to practice her artistic skills

• Exhibition Explanation Tours – Guided insights into the museum’s fossils and displays.
• Fossil Experience: Making a Replica – Create your own fossil replica to take home.
• Fossil Experience: Mini Excavation – Try your hand at excavating fossils like a real paleontologist.

Team Nicerio visits the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

My family and I visited the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology for the first time on November 5, 2023, the third day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. This also marked my 734th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. The museum was the highlight of our visit to Ashoro, and my daughter and I learned a great deal about prehistory from the extensive fossil displays. Before leaving, we picked up a paintable resin T. rex head, giving Ella the perfect opportunity to practice her art skills at home.

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Admission Fee

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Admission Fee

• Individual:
• Adults: 400 yen
• Students (elementary to high school) & seniors (65+): 200 yen
• Groups (20+ people):
• Adults: 300 yen
• Students & seniors: 150 yen

Free admission for young children and local elementary and junior high school students.

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Operating Hours

Ashoro Museum of Paleontology is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The museum is closed:

• Every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday)
• December 28 – January 4
• Open on Tuesdays during Golden Week and summer school holidays

Why Visit the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

The Ashoro Museum of Paleontology is a must-visit for anyone curious about ancient marine life and Earth’s history. You can see rare fossils like desmostylians up close, learn about the evolution of whales and other marine mammals, and explore Hokkaido’s unique geological past. With interactive experiences such as fossil replica-making and mini excavations, the museum is perfect for families, students, and travelers looking for an educational and hands-on adventure in Ashoro.

Getting to the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology

 

From Obihiro Station, head out and go to Platform 7 of the Obihiro Eki Bus Terminal. Once there, board Bus #17 Obihiro Rikubetsu Line operated by Tokachi Bus Company. 

Board down at Ashoro Kaseki Hakubutsukan Mae bus stop. Once there, walk for about 450 meters to reach the museum. 

Travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Fare: 1,730 yen

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