🗺️ Wakkanai City Youth Science Museum "Wakkarium"稚内市青少年科学館／愛称「わっかりうむ」

The science museum located in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, opened in 1974 and is part of the same facility as the "Yoharappu Cold Water Aquarium," affectionately nicknamed "Wakkarium" by the public. Inside, it features Hokkaido's oldest planetarium, which projects night sky scenes that change with the seasons. There are also digital image systems that display panoramic views of the sky. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the stars while experiencing the charm of the universe. On the third floor, there is the "Northernmost Observatory," which hosts stargazing events for the public from June to October, and is open during special astronomical phenomena such as lunar eclipses. This is undoubtedly the best opportunity to observe Wakkanai's clear night sky. In the "Science Exhibition Area," there are various hands-on exhibits that allow children to learn while playing, making it suitable for family visits. The "Environmental Exhibition Area" provides insights into the principles of global warming and renewable energy. The "Antarctic Exhibition Area" showcases information related to Antarctic research, models of the icebreakers "Souya," "Fuji," and "Shirase," as well as housing, dog sleds, and snowmobiles used in Antarctica. Visitors can even touch real Antarctic ice. Additionally, there are materials related to the survival stories of the Sakhalin dogs Taro and Jiro, who miraculously survived in Antarctica. Their story was made into a film in 1983, touching the hearts of countless Japanese people.

Located at the northernmost tip of Japan, this science museum features Hokkaido's oldest planetarium. It has an interactive exhibition area suitable for children and showcases numerous valuable materials from Antarctic research that can only be seen here. The ticket is valid for both the museum and the aquarium.