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.) |
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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 |
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.
Just inside the entrance of the Visitor Center is a large 1/14,000 scale topographical model of Mt. Apoi Geopark and Samani Town. This model displays an outline of the geopark and the geosite locations. It also includes a variety of information such as Ainu based land names and a geological map.
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, 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.
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.
Mt. Apoi Geopark merchandise sold at the reception desk. 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.
Take a virtual tour of the Visitor Center using 3D-VR imaging!