Great museum!

Much bigger than I expected. Considering its out-of-the-way location I was expecting a small museum with just some boats. The images here on Google do not do it justice. There is so much interesting information about the culture of the area, the religion, the festivals, sea life, boats, fishing, perl divers, culture and production etc.

I made the mistake of only budgeting about about 45 minutes, so did not even get to see one entire building despite spending 1:30. Also, make sure that you are with people who are interested as well. I will go back alone because I want to spend several hours to read and learn everything, but it will be hard if the people you are with are not as interested.

There is some English, but best to bring your phone with chatGPT app. Snap a photo of the display descriptions and let GPT translate. Even without the English though, it is still interesting to look at. (I didn't have time to read everything, but just looking at much of it was interesting). I also did not have time to watch the film in the theater, but the little bit I saw makes me want to go back.

I could spend an hour in the gift shop alone. There are so many interesting books and really great illustration / picture books as well as unique art that you will not find in other “normal” gift shops.

Also, the cafe there had really great shaved ice (kaki-kori) I went with my daughter and we had spend the first half of the day walking and at the beach, so were quite thirsty ready for a refreshing. I probably would have not bothered with the shaved ice, but I am so glad I got it. It was actually really great. even she (a shaved ice expert, I guess) said it was the best she has ever had.

Driving is the best way to get around the entire area, so if you don’t have a car, consider renting one for two days. If you take the bus from Toba, sit on the left side on the way there. It is 45 minutes, but there are a few places with nice views on the left (sit on the right on the way back, but the bus is on the opposite side of the street)