Explorer The Wonderland. Eastern Hokkaido

Abashiri Kyodo Museum

The Abashiri Historical Museum building itself is of considerable historical value. Built in 1936, the building was designed by Yoshiya Tanoue, who was a pupil of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Tanoue became involved in the architecture of a number of western-style buildings, a style which took hold in Hokkaido's northern climate. The interior stained glass and spiral staircases are particularly impressive and provide a luxurious environment for learning about Abashiri's nature and history. At the "Moyoro Shell Mound Branch Museum", displays and historical materials provide information about the ways of life of ancient residents of the area, based on archaeological research.