Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum, a museum where the footprints of Antarctic explorer Shirase Wa are preserved

Do you know the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum located in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture? Shirase Nobu was the first Japanese explorer to explore Antarctica. His footprints are left in a memorial museum in Nikaho City, his birthplace.

The Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum is an interesting museum to learn about the relationship between Japan and Antarctica, but it is actually known as a museum where you can see some surprising things without leaving Japan. It is a spot that tourists often visit to see this ``something''.

What is “something”?
While introducing the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum and the Antarctic Park next to it, we will also introduce some things that many people are excited to see. This is a must-know spot when sightseeing in Akita.

Who is the Antarctic explorer “Shirasewan”?

Nobu Shirase, who was born in Nikaho City (formerly Kanaura Town) in Akita Prefecture, is said to have heard about the great adventures of Columbus and Magellan from his teacher at a temple school, and at some point began to admire them. For young Shirase, it may have seemed that the world he had yet to see was filled with dreams and hopes like jewels.

By keeping the five oaths taught by his teacher: ``Do not drink alcohol,'' ``Do not smoke,'' ``Do not drink tea,'' ``Do not drink hot water,'' and ``Do not expose yourself to fire even in the cold.'' As an adventurer, I set foot in Antarctica.

At the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum, you can learn about Shirase, the history of Japanese Antarctic exploration, and his relationship with Antarctica.

In addition to constantly displaying various materials at the memorial museum, fairs related to Antarctica and adventure are also held regularly, which is sure to tickle your intellectual curiosity.
As a museum, there is something to be gained just by looking at the exhibits, but the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum has other major attractions besides the exhibits. Yes, it is the "certain thing" that I talked about at the beginning.

There is also a screening of the aurora borealis at the memorial hall that traces the footsteps of Shirase

Surprisingly, an aurora screening is being held at the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum. The exterior of the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum is dome-shaped, resembling an iceberg.

In this dome part, an aurora screening will be held, and you will feel like you are watching the aurora in the snowy fields of Antarctica, even though you are in Japan.

If you are in Japan, you will never have a chance to see the aurora borealis.
However, the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum is often visited by tourists because it is possible to see a real-looking aurora even though it is located in Japan. Other screenings include documentaries and historical adventure films.

INFORMATION

Opposite the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum is Antarctic Park, a park with a symbolic large boat playground equipment. The park also has a pond and a floating stage used by bands to perform, making it a very busy place when local government events are held. The scenery is so beautiful that you can often see tourists taking a break in this park after touring the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum.

lastly

The museum of famous people who represent the local area is a sightseeing course that can be said to be an ironclad tourist spot. At the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum, you can watch an aurora screening and see historical materials. The park across the street is filled with beautiful seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas, making it the perfect place to take a break while sightseeing.

Please include it in your Akita sightseeing itinerary. It will make your trip even more fulfilling.