Matsumoto City Shiga Fossil Museum

Encountering the Ancient Cuvier's Beaked Whale

The Shiga Fossil Museum in Matsumoto City is a museum displaying precious fossils excavated from Cenozoic Tertiary strata. Stepping


inside, visitors are greeted by the overwhelming presence of a complete 5.5-meter-long skeleton of a Shiga's minke whale.Discovered by elementary school students in 1986 at an outcrop along the Hōfukuji River, this fossil is one of only two known specimens in the entire Pacific Rim region, making it extremely rare. Viewed alongside a skeleton specimen of a modern minke whale, the differences between the species become strikingly clear.Numerous fish and plant fossils are also on display, quietly conveying the breath of Earth millions of years ago. As you explore the exhibits, touching traces of ancient times, the vast history of our planet and the weight of time will deeply resonate within you. The taxidermy specimens on the second floor also hold significant academic value. Here, you can experience the unique and precious opportunity to let your thoughts wander to the ancient Earth through fossils


. If you visit Matsumoto, be sure to stop by.

Information

Address
Nanarashi 85-1 Matsumoto City
Phone
0263-64-3900
Opening Hours
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed
March–November: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday) December–February: Weekdays (open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) December 29–January 3
Prices
Free
Access (Car)
Approximately 20 minutes from Azumino IC
Access (Public Transportation)
From Matsumoto Bus Terminal, take the Matsumoto Bus Shiga Line and get off at the Fossil Museum stop. Ride time: approximately 30 minutes. Immediately after getting off the bus, it's a short walk.
Parking for Large Buses
Yes
Parking for Regular Vehicles
Yes
Notes

Wheelchairs are available. Please inquire at the reception desk. (1 unit) Multi-purpose

restrooms and ramps are provided. (There is no elevator to the second floor.) Residents of the

city aged 70 or older may enter free of charge. (Proof of age is required.) Guided tours of the exhibits

are available upon request. Please make reservations in advance.

*Note: Business hours and closures are subject to change.

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