Guida
The Uozu Buried Forest Museum is a science museum located in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, dedicated to natural sciences. The museum's greatest highlight is the display of the 'Uozu Buried Forest,' a designated Special Natural Monument of Japan, preserved in a unique water-tank exhibition format. This rare facility allows visitors to observe the remains of a cedar forest that was buried by sediment approximately 2,000 years ago. Beyond the forest, visitors can learn about the natural phenomena surrounding Toyama Bay, such as mirages, geoparks, and the water cycle.
The history of this museum began in 1930 (Showa 5) when a large number of tree roots were unearthed during dredging work at Uozu Port. These roots were designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan in 1936 (Showa 11) as the 'Uozu Buried Forest.' In 1954, it opened as the 'Buried Forest Natural Preservation Hall,' becoming the first registered museum for natural sciences in the prefecture. The current museum building was completed in 1992, featuring an entrance hall connected to various exhibition halls via underground passages. The buried forest was formed when a flood from the Katakai River buried a cedar forest with sediment about 2,000 years ago, with the current shape resulting from subsequent sea-level rises.
The museum layout guides visitors from the entrance hall through various specialized exhibition corners. The most iconic 'Buried Forest Corner' allows you to observe the ancient cedar roots preserved within water tanks. The 'Mirage Corner' offers insights into the unique optical phenomena seen in Toyama Bay, while the 'Geopark' and 'Water Cycle' corners provide educational displays regarding the formation of the Earth and the movement of water. Additionally, the facility includes a high-definition video hall, a dome-style exhibition space, and a dry exhibition hall, all designed to help visitors visually understand natural phenomena.
While the museum is open year-round, the topics of natural phenomena change with the seasons. For instance, you can expect different exhibition focuses depending on the seasons when mirages are more frequent in Toyama Bay or when regional environmental changes occur. Since the last entry is at 16:30, we recommend visiting in the early afternoon. The museum is a great destination during peak tourism seasons like summer or spring to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.
The museum provides an environment for learning through high-definition video displays and interactive natural science exhibits. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms behind environmental changes and natural phenomena like mirages. After your tour, you can relax at the on-site cafe, 'KININAL' (please note that cafe operating hours may vary by season).
The area surrounding the museum is rich in the natural beauty of Toyama Bay. You can enjoy walking tours through coastal landscapes and exploring terrain related to the geopark. Nearby facilities, such as 'Umi no Eki Shinkiro,' also allow you to enjoy local nature and regional cuisine.
To protect the exhibits and ensure safety, visitors are asked to follow museum etiquette. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for easy movement through the facility. As some areas contain water tanks and delicate scientific equipment, please be mindful of your surroundings.