Interesting displays especially related to Lantern Festival and weaving, but unfortunately no information in English. Much was self-explanatory. Lovely grounds with reconstructed stone circle, presumably the local Jomon site. Eagles in cages (possibly rescue birds as at least one had damaged wing). Alpine flowers. Monument to Tsugaru samurai who are commemorated by Lantern Festival.

Due to a schedule issue, unable to make it to Otoro, decide to visit the museum. Was surprised at the amount of content but there is no English translation so a lot of the meaning and background in the exhibits are lost on me. If you understand Japanese, the museum would probably be more educational to you. My friend and I were joking that we are probably the first Singaporeans to visit this museum.

Great content inside. Only 300Y entry. No English translations but they're not necessary. Good 45mins-1:30hrs.

This museum displays a wealth of materials telling the history of 斜里町. Models and videos introduce geology, changes in people's lives from prehistoric times to the present, the hardships of living in nature, the history of 知床半島, and the ecology of wildlife and plants. Many taxidermy specimens are displayed, including animals of 知床 such as white-tailed eagles and Steller's sea eagles, which are national Natural Monuments, brown bears, Hokkaido red foxes, spotted seals, and butterflies and moths. ・There were also prehistoric pottery, stone tools, bone and antler tools, and iron implements from cultures including Jomon, Epi-Jomon, Satsumon, and Okhotsk. In Heisei 5, an adjoining sister-town and friendship-city exchange memorial hall opened to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the sister-town agreement with 竹富町 in 沖縄県 and the 10th anniversary of the agreement with the friendship city 弘前市 in 青森県. It introduces the nature and culture of both municipalities while also storing and displaying 「知床ねぷた」. On the first floor, I received star sand from 竹富島 after filling out a questionnaire. Coffee, café, and chocolate drinks were also available for 100 yen. A kind staff member prepared them. There are lots of taxidermy animals, and they are very impressive. I'm glad I went here. It was a truly wonderful museum. I want to visit again. Admission: 300 yen Opening hours are 9:00〜17:00.

+3

It is within walking distance of the station. You can learn about the history, folk traditions, and nature of the 知床 region. There were also exhibits on the 根北 Line and 斜里 Station's ekiben. The building is somewhat old, but each exhibit is worth seeing. The shop has a wide selection of exhibition catalogs, including those from past special exhibitions.

+2