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Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor Center

Facility Overview

The Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor Center provides information to maximize enjoyment of the geopark through exhibits, video and commentary on Samani's geological and geomorphological characteristics, natural environment, history, culture and industry. It also provides real-time information on alpine plants, brown bears and other things to make climbing Mt. Apoi a safe and pleasant experience.

Open : April - November (Inquire for visits between December and March.)
Closed : Open every day during periods of operation
Hours : 9:00 - 17:00
Admission : Free
Address : Aza Hirau 479-7, Samani Town, Samani-gun, Hokkaido 058-0004
Inquiries : Tel.: +81-146-36-3601
E-mail: apoi.gvc@iris.ocn.ne.jp

Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor Center Leaflet front (PDF)

Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor Center Leaflet back (PDF)

Floor Information

Bird's-eye view at the entrance
A 3-meter-wide bird's-eye-view panel at the entrance shows the location of Mt. Apoi Geopark (Samani Town) within Hokkaido. It also highlights the Hidaka Mountains (Hidaka Sanmyaku-Erimo Quasi-national Park) - a range known as the backbone of Hokkaido that was created along with Mt. Apoi.

Topographical model of Mt. Apoi Geopark
A 2-meter-diameter topographical model immediately after the entrance details most of Mt. Apoi Geopark (Samani Town) on a 1/8,000 scale, and shows geosite locations with commentary.

The Earth Science Zone - a window into the dynamics of the earth
The Earth Science Zone, color-coded in red, highlights the geology of Mt. Apoi Geopark with focus on the origin and wonders of the peridotites that make up Mt. Apoi.
At its center are dioramas and panels depicting typical topographical features of the geopark (Samani Town). The earth's dynamic movement is responsible for forming these everyday landscapes.
The Nature, History and Industry Zone - relations between nature and people
The Nature, History and Industry Zone, color-coded in green, highlights relations linking geology, nature and people. The zone has a 4-meter-wide diorama of Mt. Apoi's peridotite-supported alpine plants displaying realistic flowers endemic to the mountain, and also features panels depicting Samani's history and industry.
Video area
A 16-minute high-definition video showing the origin of the Horoman Peridotites, flowers on Mt. Apoi, beautiful landscapes and seasonal charms of Samani is played on a 60-inch monitor here. The mountain's beautiful flowers create a spectacular sight in these high-definition images.

Reception
Mt. Apoi Geopark merchandise sold at the reception desk includes cell phone straps, clear document files, bandanas and bird's eye view posters. Apoi-sanroku Family Park Campsite bookings can also be made here. The highly trained reception staff are happy to answer questions on the visitor center, climbing Mt. Apoi, tourist spots in Samani and other matters.

Virtual Visitor Center

Take a virtual tour of the Visitor Center using 3D-VR imaging!

  • Please enable the WebGL setting on your web browser.
  • Please understand that it may be difficult to read the information panels due to reflection, resolution, or the angle of the images.
  • Some exhibit panels were created with borrowed materials. These materials belong to their respective owners (PDF 28KB).
  • This image was taken in cooperation with Hokkaido-Chizu Co., Ltd.