Stone Museum Hakusekikan: Hands-On Things to Do at a Stone Theme Park
A Place to See, Touch, and Play with Stones
Stone Museum Hakusekikan is a hands-on, stone-themed spot located in Hirukawa, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture.
Across a site of about 7,000 tsubo (roughly 23,000 square meters), mineral exhibits, a stone art museum, gem hunting, a pyramid maze, a mining experience, and handmade craft experiences are scattered throughout, making it a stone theme park where you can not only see and learn about stones but also touch and play with them.
The world of stones, which can feel a little difficult to grasp through exhibits alone, becomes more approachable when you search for stones, walk through stone-built spaces, and create with them yourself.
Why It Suits Travelers to Japan
One appeal is the many experiences you can enjoy by moving your body, even if you don't understand the language.
Activities like hunting for gems, making your way through a maze, and making stone crafts are intuitive and fun for children and adults alike.
The gem-hunting venue and the underground pyramid maze have roofs and indoor spaces, so it is an easy spot to spend time at by choosing experiences even on days with changeable weather.
However, since most of the grounds are outdoors, it is reassuring to keep in mind measures against heat and cold and to wear comfortable walking clothes.
Find a Travel Keepsake in the Gem-Hunting Experience
Search for About 30 Kinds of Gems in the Sand
The gem-hunting experience involves digging through the sand with a bowl or your hands to find gems and precious stones.
It is an experience where you can find about 30 kinds of gems and stones of various sizes.
The time limit is 20 minutes, and finding around 10 stones is a rough guide.
The fee is 800 yen for elementary school students and older, and 500 yen for young children aged 4 and over, and you can take home all the stones you find.
One of the pleasures is that the stones you find are easy to take home as a travel keepsake or small souvenir.
A Roofed Experience That Is Easy to Choose Even on Rainy Days
The gem-hunting venue has a roof.
For that reason, it is easy to fit into your plans even on days with changeable weather.
On the other hand, your clothes and shoes may get wet or dirty, so it is reassuring to take part in clothing that is easy to move in and that you don't mind getting dirty.
During the winter operating season, the experience may take place in a sandpit with the water drained.
Feel the Scale of Stone and the Underground Maze in the Pyramid Maze
A Pyramid of Khufu Replica Built from 5,500 Tons of Granite
One of Hakusekikan's symbols is a pyramid built from stone, one of the largest in Japan.
It is a structure that recreates Egypt's Pyramid of Khufu at one-tenth the size, using 5,500 tons of granite from Hirukawa.
It is impressive even when viewed from the outside, but walking through the interior and the underground maze lets you feel the weight of the stone and the atmosphere of the space more directly.
Enjoy the 350-Meter Underground Maze in Comfortable Shoes
Beneath the pyramid is a 350-meter-long maze surrounded by stone walls.
You make your way through a cool, dimly lit atmosphere, giving you a sense of adventure different from the exhibition rooms.
It takes about 10 minutes or more, and one of the pleasures is walking while searching for the mysterious pictures and patterns drawn on the walls.
Since it is a place where you walk watching your step, comfortable shoes such as sneakers are better suited than sandals.
If you are walking with small children, hold hands and avoid going too far ahead.
Touch the Stones Through the Mining and Handmade Craft Experiences
The Mining Experience: Search, Crack, and Discover
Hakusekikan offers stone-related experiences beyond gem hunting.
At the mining experience hall, activities such as fossil hunting, raw ore hunting, cubic zirconia hunting, and geode cracking, where you search for and crack open stones, are offered.
The available activities may change depending on the season and conditions, so it is reassuring to check what's being offered at the reception on the day.
The Handmade Craft Experience That Turns Found Stones into Crafts
In the handmade craft experience, you can enjoy making small crafts using stones and gems.
Unlike souvenirs bought during a trip, you can use colors and shapes you choose yourself, making it easy to keep as a personal travel memory.
It suits not only family trips but also adults who enjoy crafting.
If you make a craft, allow plenty of time so you can enjoy the detailed work at a relaxed pace.
Things to Watch For Regarding Clothing, Payment, and Pets
Safety Measures and Clothing Unique to a Stone Facility
The facility has many areas paved with stone, and there are places where falling can be dangerous.
Visitors are urged not to take their eyes off small children and to avoid sandals that slip off easily.
When taking photos, watch your step and the people around you.
On days when you enjoy gem hunting or the outdoor areas, choosing a bag that keeps both hands free makes it easier to move.
Note That Gem Hunting and the Mining Experience Are Cash Only
At the admission reception, museum shop, and cafe, you can use credit cards and e-money.
On the other hand, the gem-hunting experience and the mining experience hall accept cash only.
Since QR code payments such as PayPay cannot be used anywhere, it is reassuring for travelers to Japan to prepare some small cash.
Pets are allowed in some areas as long as they are kept on a leash, but they are not allowed in places such as inside the pyramid or inside buildings.
If you plan to bring a pet, check the pet-permitted areas before your visit.
Check Fees, Operating Days, and How to Tour Before Visiting
Admission Fees and Opening Hours for Regular and Winter Seasons
Admission is 1,200 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 600 yen for children (elementary school students), and free for young children (under elementary school age).
Operating hours are 9:00 to 17:00 for regular operation (admission reception until 16:30) and 10:00 to 16:00 for winter operation (admission reception until 15:30).
The museum is generally closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and during the year-end and New Year period from December 29 to January 1.
However, the museum may open on national holidays and during long school vacation periods.
Once your visit date is set, check the operating calendar before you head out.
No Reservation Is Needed for Experiences, but Note the Reception Closing Time
Experiences such as gem hunting do not require reservations.
On the other hand, the reception desk for the gem-hunting experience closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Reception may end earlier depending on how crowded it is, so if your aim is the experiences, it is safer to plan not to arrive too late.
Doing gem hunting or the mining experience first and then touring the exhibits and shop makes it easier to use your time.
How to Get to Stone Museum Hakusekikan and Parking
Getting There by Car or Train
The museum is located at 5263-7 Hirukawa, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, and the phone number is 0573-45-2110.
By car, it is about 15 minutes from the Nakatsugawa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.
There is free parking for 400 standard cars, and large buses require advance notice.
When using car navigation, entering the phone number or address will get you there smoothly.
Summary
Stone Museum Hakusekikan is a hands-on spot where you can not only see and learn about stones but also hunt for gems, walk through an underground maze, and even make your own crafts.
For travelers to Japan, it offers many activities you can enjoy without relying too much on language, making it easy to fit into a family trip or rainy-day sightseeing.
Preparing comfortable shoes, clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and some small cash will reduce worries on site.
Operating days and the availability of experiences may change, so check the operating calendar before you visit.
