Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum: A museum that preserves the footsteps of Antarctic explorer Nobu Shirase [Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture]

the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture ?

Nobu Shirase was the first Japanese explorer to explore the Antarctic. His footsteps are preserved in a memorial museum in his birthplace, Nikaho City.

The Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum is an interesting museum for learning about the relationship between Japan and Antarctica, but it is also known as a museum where you can see something surprising, even though you are in Japan. It is a spot that tourists often visit to see this something

What is "something"?

We will introduce the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum and the nearby Antarctic Park, as well as a "certain thing" that many people come to see with excitement. It is a must-know spot for tourists visiting Akita

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Who is Antarctic explorer Nobu Shirase?

Born in Nikaho City (formerly Kanaura Town) in Akita Prefecture, Shirase Nobu is said to have been inspired by the great adventures of Columbus and Magellan after hearing about them from his teacher at the temple school. For the young Shirase, the unseen world may have seemed filled with dreams and hopes like precious jewels

By following the five vows taught to him by his teacher - "No drinking alcohol," "No smoking," "No drinking tea," "No drinking hot water," and "No warmth from a fire, even in the cold" - the boy eventually became a great adventurer and set foot in Antarctica

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Following in the footsteps of Nobu Shirase at the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum

At the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum, you can learn about Shirase Nobu, the history of Japanese Antarctic exploration, and Japan's connection with Antarctica

The museum regularly displays a variety of materials, and also regularly holds fairs related to Antarctica and adventure, which are sure to pique 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 "something" I mentioned at the beginning.

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The memorial hall also screens the aurora

The Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum is dome-shaped, resembling an iceberg, and is actually showing the aurora borealis

Aurora screenings are held in this dome area, making you feel as if you are watching the aurora in the snowy plains of Antarctica, even while in Japan

If you're in Japan, you probably won't have a chance to see the aurora.
However, at the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum, you can see a real-looking aurora, even in Japan, so it's a popular destination for tourists. They also screen documentaries and films of historical adventures.

Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum <Information>

• Name: Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum
• Address: 15-3 Kurokawa Iwagata, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, 018-0302
• Phone number: 0184-38-3765
• Official URL: https://shirase-kinenkan.jp/

Google Map

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lastly

Opposite the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum Antarctic Park , a park with a symbolic large ship-shaped playground.

The park also has a pond and a floating stage where bands perform, making it a very lively place when local government events are held. Because of its beautiful scenery, tourists can often be seen taking a break in the park after touring the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum

A museum dedicated to a famous local figure is a must-see tourist spot. At the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum, you can watch a screening of the aurora borealis and view historical materials. The park across the street is beautiful with seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas, making it the perfect place to take a break during your sightseeing

Why not try incorporating this into your Akita sightseeing itinerary? It will surely make your trip even more enjoyable

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