Wakkanai Youth Science Museum “Wakkarium”

Opened in 1974, this science museum in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, is part of a combined facility with the Noshappu Cold Current Aquarium and is affectionately known as "Wakkarium."

One of its highlights is Hokkaido’s oldest planetarium, which projects seasonal night skies and immersive full-dome digital shows, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of space.

On the third floor, the "northernmost observatory in Japan" hosts public stargazing events from June to October, offering a rare opportunity to observe celestial events like lunar eclipses against Wakkanai’s crystal-clear night sky.

The Science Exhibition Corner features hands-on exhibits, making learning fun for children and families. Meanwhile, the Environmental Exhibition Corner offers engaging displays on climate change and renewable energy, promoting a deeper understanding of sustainability.

In the Antarctic Exhibition Corner, visitors can explore artifacts from Japan’s Antarctic research expeditions, including scale models of the icebreaker ships "Soya," "Fuji," and "Shirase." The exhibition also showcases sled dogs, snow vehicles, and a replica of an Antarctic living module, where guests can even touch real Antarctic ice.
The museum also houses a special exhibit on Taro and Jiro, the Sakhalin sled dogs that miraculously survived in Antarctica. Their incredible story, which was adapted into a 1983 film, remains a powerful tale of resilience and survival that touched hearts across Japan.