Facility Outline:
General museum representing Hokkaido
Skeletal preparations of a Naumann’s elephant and a mammoth
The Hokkaido Museum (a.k.a. Mori no Charenga) is a new museum that was opened to the public in April 2015. The museum serves as the union of two prefectural facilities – the Historical Museum of Hokkaido (opened in 1971) and the Hokkaido Ainu Culture Research Center (opened in 1994). Mori no Charenga is a general museum established by the Hokkaido Government to introduce the nature, history and culture of Hokkaido. The museum is used as a base for research and studies on the relationship between the natural environment and humans, the Ainu culture, and lifestyles of immigrants from the mainland of Japan, among other themes, the collection and preservation of precious data and materials for the Hokkaido people, and exhibitions, education programs, events and other projects are held here. Unique goods, souvenirs and publications of the museum are available at the museum shop on the 1st floor.
The Hokkaido Museum is located in the rich natural environment of Nopporo Forest Park. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscape that changes with the seasons and encounter Hokkaido squirrels, black woodpeckers and other rare wildlife. Along with the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an outdoor museum where buildings and houses of the frontier period of Hokkaido have been relocated and restored, the area surrounding the museum creates a space for people of all ages to enjoy the nature, history and culture unique to Hokkaido.
Permanent Exhibition:
1.2 million years ago to the present day – comprehensively learning the nature, history and culture of Hokkaido
First Theme: Hokkaido’s Tale of 1.2 Million Years
Clay figurines from the Jomon period
The main exhibition hall introduces the nature, history and culture of Hokkaido based on two concepts: “Hokkaido as Part of Northeast Asia” and “The Interrelationships of Nature and Humans” based on the following five themes: (1) Hokkaido’s Tale of 1.2 Million Years; (2) The Culture and Recent History of the Ainu; (3) The Secret of Hokkaido’s Unique Identity; (4) Toward Our Time; and (5) The Ecosystems of Hokkaido. The first theme for the exhibition introduces the history of the island of Hokkaido and the local people from approximately 1.2 million years ago to the end of the 19th century. The second theme introduces the current situation of the Ainu people, the tools, religion, stories and songs that have been passed down through the generations, and the Ainu people living in modern-day society. The third theme introduces various specialties cashing in on the blessings of nature and severe winter-resistant ways and means for comfortable lifestyles. The fourth theme covers the development of Hokkaido from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. The fifth theme allows visitors to observe the current state of the nature in Hokkaido and the connections between creatures that live there from the viewpoints of brown bears, Hokkaido sika deer, salmon and other wildlife.
Second Theme: The Culture and Recent History of the Ainu
Traditional house, tools and other articles
Third Theme: The Secret of Hokkaido’s Unique Identity
Various stoves and snow-clearing tools
Fourth Theme: Toward Our Time
Somewhat old-fashioned equipment and other articles
Fifth Theme: The Ecosystems of Hokkaido
Life-size brown bear bench
Recommended Activities:
Skyview from the rooftop that overlooks the cityscape of Sapporo
The view of Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower as seen from the rooftop
Take the elevator to the rooftop and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Stepping out of the elevator at the top gives visitors a superb panoramic view of Sapporo’s cityscape, Nopporo Forest Park and the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower. The landscape of the Nopporo hills on a beautiful sunny day provides visitors unforgettable memories for life.
*To ensure visitors’ safety, the rooftop is open to visitors only during events.
