Mikasa City Museum, Fossil museum in Mikasa, Japan.
The Mikasa City Museum displays over 600 ammonite specimens from about 120 species discovered in Cretaceous marine deposits across Hokkaido. The collection also includes other marine fossils that reveal the geological story of the region.
The museum opened in July 1979 following a significant 1976 discovery of a Cretaceous marine reptile skull in the local area. This find was so important that it later received protection and inspired the creation of the institution.
The museum connects paleontology with contemporary interests through exhibitions that attract visitors from across Japan and engage with modern popular culture. This blend shows how scientific collections can reach beyond specialists to broader audiences.
The museum is easy to reach and maintains regular hours throughout the week. Check in advance if guided tours are available in your preferred language to get the most out of your visit.
The collection includes a giant ammonite with a diameter of about 1.3 meters, one of the largest specimens found anywhere in Japan. This remarkable example draws visitors who are curious about extreme sizes in the fossil record.
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