The museum was founded by Yasushi Nawa, who is famously known as the discoverer of the 'Gifu Butterfly' (Luehdorfia japonica).
The building is a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, originally constructed in 1919.
The collection includes specimens of the Gifu Butterfly, which is endemic to Japan and highly significant to local entomology.
It is one of the few museums in the world exclusively dedicated to insects, continuing a lineage of private scientific research.
The museum maintains a specialized focus on preserving specimens for long-term taxonomic study rather than just display.
The Nawa Museum of Insects is one of the oldest entomological museums in Japan, established in 1919 by Yasushi Nawa, a pioneering Japanese entomologist. The museum houses an extensive collection of over 300,000 insect specimens, with a primary focus on butterflies and beetles. It is located at the foot of Mount Kinka in Gifu City. The facility serves both as a research center and a public gallery showcasing diverse species from around the world. Visitors can view rare and endangered insects, including species discovered by the Nawa family. The building itself is a designated tangible cultural property of Japan, noted for its historical architecture. It continues to operate under the Nawa family's legacy, maintaining a focus on biological study and education.
The historical exterior of the wooden building, which captures the early 20th-century aesthetic.
Combine your visit with a trip to Gifu Castle, located nearby on the same mountain.
Take time to read the placards near the displays, as they provide historical context on the museum's founder.
Consider visiting during the spring if you want to see local species themes highlighted in the exhibitions.
Do not touch the display cases, as many of the historical wooden frames and specimens are extremely delicate.
Closed on Tuesdays. If a national holiday falls on a Tuesday, it may be closed the following day instead.
