Shiretoko Museum
Discover 20,000 Years of History at the Gateway to Shiretoko
A museum where visitors can explore Shiretoko’s geological origins, natural environment, and human history through authentic artifacts, wildlife exhibits, and cultural displays.
Established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Shari, the Shiretoko Museum offers an excellent introduction to the Shiretoko UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The first floor presents the geological formation of the region and more than 20,000 years of human history through archaeological finds and historical materials. Exhibits on the Chashikotsu Misakiue Archaeological Site and the distinctive Okhotsk culture are among the highlights.
The second floor focuses on Shiretoko’s wildlife and ecosystems. Dioramas, specimens, and audiovisual displays introduce animals and plants found in this World Heritage region, including brown bears, Ezo deer, and Steller's sea eagles. It is an ideal stop before or after exploring Shiretoko’s natural landscapes.
Next door, the Sister Towns and Friendship Cities Exchange Memorial Hall showcases Shari’s ties with Taketomi Town in Okinawa and Hirosaki City in Aomori. Highlights include a life-size traditional Taketomi red-tiled house and colorful Kumi-Neputa festival floats.
Together, these facilities provide a deeper understanding of the nature, history, and culture that have shaped Shiretoko, enriching any visit to this remarkable World Heritage destination.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒099-4113
- Address
- 北海道斜里郡斜里町本町49-2
- Telephone Number
- 0152-23-1256
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- April to October: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday and closed the following Tuesday)
November to March: Mondays, holidays (closed when Monday is a holiday, and closed the following Tuesday), year-end and New Year holidays - Prices
- Admission charged (free for junior high school students and younger)
Free for children under junior high school age.
*Includes admission to the Sister City Friendship Cities Commemorative Museum.
*Free for Shari-cho residents - Car Park
- 20 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 5 minutes from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station
●By car: About 40 minutes from JR Abashiri Station
●By car: About 60 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport - Website
- Remarks
- Children's Museum offers stereo microscopes, touch-panel video terminals (iPads), illustrated books, playground equipment, and picture books.
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.








