Educational | Haboro Sightseeing Association, Hokkaido

Of all the centers opened by the Ministry of the Environment to protect endangered species, this is the only one in Japan dedicated to seabirds.
Teuri Island is a precious breeding ground for many seabirds, such as the Common murre (in Ororon Island), and the Rhinocerous aucklet.
A wide variety of information regarding the sea birds and their habitats are displayed in an interesting and easy to understand way.There are also many hands-on displays that grab the interest of children and adults alike.

: The center contains models of the cliffs of the west side of Teuri Island which are the breeding grounds for the seabirds. The audio visual system gives you a realistic look at how seabirds build their nests and rear their chicks, and lets you hear their distinctive calls.

: Everything from panels to plush toys are used to explain the ecology of seabirds, so you can use all of your senses to learn about these wonderful creatures.

: This display features life-size models of the eggs laid by the 8 breeds of seabird that nest on Teuri Island. You can understand more about the breeding habits of the island's seabirds by studying the sizes and numbers of eggs.

: Find out more about seabirds and Teuri Island!

: This panel shows the global distribution and the habitats in Japan of these seabirds, and how their numbers have changed over the years on Teuri Island.

: Sit back and enjoy video programs on the big screen about the birds that nest on the island. The theatre is open any time, please just ask the staff when you want to see the video.

: Here you will find a variety of books, from illustrated encyclopedias to specialist textbooks and children's picture books, about the natural environment. You can relax on the sofa or carpet and enjoy reading any of the books that are here. There are also card games and puzzles for children.

: At "Chirp Land", you can listen to the songs and calls of all of the birds in Haboro. Touch the screen using the "Bird Voice Pen" to listen to the birdsongs.

: Our staff is here to answer to whatever question you might have on our collection. Don't be shy!

: We have group programs which are tailored to suit the age and purpose of our visitors for group visits organized by travel agencies. Please contact us in advance if you are interested in organizing a group visit.


Open from November to March: from 9:00am to 5:00pm (on weekdays) from 9:00am to 4:00pm, (on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays) Closed: Mondays, the day before a national holiday and at during the new year period Free Entry	Hokkaido Seabird Center Kita 6-jo 1-chome, Haboro Town, Tomamae-gun, Hokkaido 078-4116 TEL 0164-69-2080 FAX 0164-69-2090
http://www.seabird-center.jp/

It is said Haboro may have taken its name from the Ainu word "Haburu"(soft place), or "Haporopetsu"(wide, grand flowing river)" Haboro Town museum features a collection of precious fossils that have been unearthed in the area, together with all kinds of other old artifacts. From the Keicho Period (1596-1615) to the Edo Period (1603-1868), the area of Haboro was ruled by the Matsuura Clan, after which many settlers came attracted by the rivers rich in both fish and gold dust. During the Meiji Period (1868 to 1912), many farmers and fishermen relocated to Haboro, causing the population to increase dramatically. Herring fishing was the main industry in Haboro from 1887 until 1955, when herring could no longer be caught from this coast. Then came the Japanese settlers. From 1939, the coal industry started in earnest, and at its peak supported more than 10,000 workers. However, the energy revolution shifted our main energy consumption from coal to petrol, causing the mines to close in 1970.
In the museum you can find a cast collection of artefacts from the coal mining era, and can hold and touch some of the items to get a real sense of what it was like to be a miner. The museum also houses a collection of precious press photos from the Haboro Coal Railroad Transportation company. Due to the energy revolution which favored petrol over coal, in 1970 the mines sadly had to be closed The industrial part of the museum has a wide range of artefacts from both the herring fishing and coal mining eras.

: Haboro has geological formations aging back to the Cretaceous period, where many amazing fossils have been found.


Opening Period: From May 1 to October 31 Opening Hours: From 10:00am to 4:00pm Closed: on Mondays (on Tuesdays if it coincides with a national Holiday) Entry Fee: Adults: 210 yen, Children ( 18 years and younger): Free	Haboro Town Museum of Regional Arts and Crafts Minamimachi 20, Haboro-cho, Tomamae-gun, Hokkaido 078-4122 TEL（0164）62-4519

In 1848, 24 year old sailor Ronald McDonald, who was part of the crew of an American whaler, got stranded on Yagishiri Island while looking for falcons' nests. Desperate to find his companions, he managed to reach Rishiri Island by himself, where was captured by the Matsumae Clan, who took him to the city of Nagasaki and imprisoned him as an illegal immigrant. During his imprisonment, McDonald taught English to a Japanese official who released him back to America after just 7 months.

Yagishiri Regional Museum is a modern looking wooden building that opened in 1900 using the former house of the Kono family, and which is now registered as a Hokkaido Designated Cultural Property. The Kono family was originally from Ishikawa prefecture, and were merchants who ran fishing, kimono fabric and other commodities businesses. They also ran a post office and operated a telegram service. The museum features a collection of furniture and everyday items that belonged to the Kono family.

花鳥図鑑