Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Hall

The Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Museum is a memorial museum dedicated to the world-class naturalist Minakata Kumagusu. Since opening in April 1965, it has preserved about 800 items including materials highlighting his achievements, documents, specimens, manuscripts, and personal belongings. Exhibits include Minakata’s "London excerpts"—handwritten notes on botany, astronomy, and more from his student days when he frequented the British Museum—along with specimens related to his most devoted research fields, said to be "fungi," "slime molds," and "freshwater algae." There are also preserved specimens such as the "Hadrianus-take" specimen and "Uga" specimen kept in formalin, plus many other items that help you understand his life, making it a deeply engaging museum. The shop also offers unique mushroom-themed goods reflecting his fungal research, which make great souvenirs. Because the museum is located by the sea, it’s recommended to enjoy the open view from the rooftop observation deck—on clear days you can see as far as Shikoku. Access: take the JR Kinokuni Line to "Shirahama Station," then ride the Meiko Bus. Get off at the "Rinkai" stop and walk about 6 minutes.