Noboribetsu City Local Museum

The Noboribetsu City Local Museum is distinguished by its castle-keep-style exterior. It is modeled after Shiroishi Castle, the stronghold of the Katakura clan, senior retainers of the Date family who governed southern Miyagi. Following the Meiji Restoration, the Katakura family and their retainers migrated to Hokkaido and played a major role in the development of Noboribetsu. The area where the museum stands is now known as “Katakura-cho,” and the museum displays artifacts associated with the Katakura family as well as valuable materials related to the settlement and development of the region.
The museum also introduces the history and culture of the Ainu people of Noboribetsu, along with individuals who continue to influence the preservation and transmission of Ainu culture today, including Yukie Chiri, a native of Noboribetsu and author of Ainu Shin’yoshu (A Collection of Ainu Epic Songs), and her younger brother, the Ainu linguist Mashiho Chiri. In addition, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including a carbonized Sakhalin fir dating back approximately 44,000 years, formed by the eruption of Kuttara Volcano that created Noboribetsu Onsen, as well as displays on Jomon culture, hot springs, traditional tools, fishing, agriculture, and mining.
Within the museum grounds stands a rare cherry tree known as Gyoiko (御衣黄), which produces yellow-green blossoms in May. Nearby are Kawakami Park and Horobetsu Dam, both known for their beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn foliage, making the area ideal for a leisurely stroll in combination with a visit to the museum.