Noboribetsu City Local Museum

The Noboribetsu City Local Museum building resembles the tower of Tenshukaku tower. This building was modeled after Shiraishi castle of Uji Katakura, an important figure of the “Date” family, who ruled the southern part of Miyagi prefecture. The Katakura family and its servants later emigrated to Hokkaido. Katakura also had a vital role in contributing to the development of Noboribetsu. The area where the museum is located is named "Katakura Town" where Katakura’s name still remains. In the museum, you can see items related to the Katakura family and precious pioneering materials. Other than that, there is also an area dedicated to Ainu culture. Here, you’ll find photos and information panels about Ainu culture, old city names written in the Ainu language and the research of Mashiho Chiri, who was an Ainu linguist from Noboribetsu. Also on display are personal effects of ordinary citizens from the Meiji era to the Showa era as well as fishery and forestry equipment, both key industries of Noboribetsu. From the brown bear taxidermy to the fossil of the Abies sachalinensis from about 43 thousand years ago, it is indeed a magnificent exhibit to check out. Along with the museum, there are beautiful parks nearby that are perfect for an afternoon stroll. On the premises are cherry blossoms called Gyoiko whose flowers bloom yellow green in May. In the vicinity, there is also Kawakami Park and Horobetsu Dam where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and fall colors during autumn.