Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Museum, a museum with the footprints of Antarctic Explorer Shirase-Yao, [Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture]

Have you heard of the Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Museum located in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture

Shirase Nobu was the first Japanese explorer to explore Antarctica. His footprints remain as a memorial in Nikaho, 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"?

We will introduce the Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Museum and the Antarctic Park on its side, as well as the "something" that many people come to see with excitement. This is a spot you should know if you are planning to visit Akita.

Who is Antarctica explorer "Shirase Nobu"?

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.

Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Hall follows Shirase Ha's footsteps

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.

Aurora screenings will also be held at the memorial hall

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.

Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Hall <Information>

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

Google Map

lastly

Across the Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Hall Antarctic Park , a symbolic park with large boat play equipment.

The park also has ponds and water stages used by orchestras to perform, making it a very lively place if there are events from local governments. The scenery is also beautiful, so you can see tourists taking a break at this park after visiting the Shirase Antarctic Exploration Team Memorial Museum.

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.