Median Tectonic Line Museum

The Median Tectonic Line Museum is a geological facility in Oshika dedicated to Japan's longest fault system, extending from Kanto through the western portions of the archipelago. The exhibits display rock formations, plate boundary maps, and explain the geological processes that shaped the Japanese islands.

The facility opened in 1993 to educate visitors about the fault line that formed roughly 180 million years ago at the Eurasian plate edge. This long history of geological activity shapes the region and explains why earthquakes are part of the natural landscape development here.

The museum explains how the tectonic line shaped the Japanese landscape and why this region holds special geological importance. Visitors discover how scientists study the Earth's crust and learn why earthquakes and mountain formation matter to people living here.

The location offers free parking and internet access, making your visit straightforward. Plan your time during regular operating hours and wear comfortable shoes if you want to explore the outdoor exhibit areas as well.

The museum houses one of the few visible fault outcrops in Japan, where you can see rock layers directly affected by tectonic activity. This natural display provides real evidence of the underground processes continuously reshaping the Japanese archipelago.

Location: Oshika

Inception: August 1993

Official opening: August 1993

Address: 長野県下伊那郡大鹿村大河原998

Website: https://mtl-muse.com

GPS coordinates: 35.55625,138.03847

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06