Kurashiki City Museum of Natural History presents Okayama's natural environment in three dimensions, focusing on four themes: geology, living creatures, insects, and plants. Exhibits explore Okayama's geological history and the Seto Inland Sea's ecology through specimens, models, and large panels, providing easy-to-understand explanations. The museum's collection boasts over one million items, and its extensive research resources are also a highlight.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a moving mother-and-child Naumann's elephant, "Naumama" and "Pao." Naumann's elephants were the only species of elephant once native to Japan, living from 600,000 to 15,000 years ago.

With an educational corner, a mini aquarium, and the opportunity to touch fossils, even first-time visitors can have fun learning about natural history.

Admission is free for high school students and younger, and only costs 50 yen for university students and 150 yen for adults, making it a great choice for families with children who love insect collecting and other animals.

There is no dedicated parking, so visitors will need to use municipal parking lots.

[Hidden Gem]
The Kurashiki Insectarium (1st floor of Shigei Hospital) is free and has a wide selection of specimens. It's a great addition to a natural history museum tour.