What other travelers are saying about Kurashiki Insect Museum
This smallish insect collection is inside the hospital and therefore a bit hard to find but just ask. We like insects, so we loved the two corridors of cases.
A display filled with passion and dedication.
The staff are superb in their knowledge.
I was curious to check out the sign in the alley next to the hospital, and it was apparently opened by the late Shigei Hiroshi, founder of Shigei Hospital. Insects that were once familiar are now considered endangered, which makes you think again about protecting the natural environment.
On the map it looks like it's inside the hospital, but it's actually on the east side of the road, not the entrance. There's a sign on the mailbox on the road in front of the entrance.
I was surprised by the number of insect specimens.
Even though I'm not a fan of insects, I was happy to find specimens of insects that I see every day.
It also got me thinking about nature conservation.
This free insect museum is tucked away behind the first floor of a hospital for some reason.
There are no live insects, so it's more of a specimen exhibition area.
There are a variety of specimens, from insects from Japan to those from around the world, which is quite interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The museum holds around 15,000 specimens across approximately 4,000 species, focused primarily on insects from Okayama Prefecture, with additional specimens from Japan and abroad.
Display labels are in Japanese only. That said, the exhibits consist largely of mounted specimens, so the collection remains visually engaging without requiring language comprehension.
Yes. Several insects on display were once common in the Okayama region but are now classified as endangered. This aspect of the collection is intended to prompt reflection on habitat loss and the importance of protecting the natural environment.
Some visitors find it slightly difficult to locate initially, as it sits inside a working hospital. There is a directional sign posted in the alley beside the building. Asking staff at the hospital reception for directions is the most reliable approach.
Yes. The museum includes a small library corner with entomology-related books and reference materials. It functions as an informal resource for insect enthusiasts and researchers visiting the collection.
