The museum uses 3,000 tons of local 'Ena granite' to construct its signature outdoor pyramid-themed stone maze.
The Hirukawa area is geologically renowned for producing high-grade granite and is historically linked to the extraction of rare earth minerals.
The gem hunting activity uses water flumes, mirroring traditional gold-panning techniques.
The facility maintains a permanent exhibition hall featuring quartz crystals, amethyst geodes, and fluorescent minerals.
The architecture of the museum grounds is specifically designed to incorporate stone as both a structural element and a decorative art medium.
Stone Museum Hakusekikan is a specialized geology museum located in the Hirukawa district of Nakatsugawa, a region historically significant for its high-quality granite production. The facility features a sprawling outdoor stone maze constructed from 3,000 tons of local granite. Visitors can participate in hands-on gem hunting activities where they search for semi-precious stones buried in sand. The interior exhibits display a diverse collection of mineral specimens, crystals, and fossilized remains from various global locations. A dedicated workshop area allows guests to craft jewelry and decorative items using the stones they collect. The museum grounds include an artificial stone stream and water features designed to showcase the aesthetic properties of local rocks. The site serves as a community hub for mineral enthusiasts and families interested in Earth sciences.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the massive stone pyramid maze.
Bring a change of clothes if you plan on participating in the gem hunting activity, as it can get messy.
Allow extra time for the maze, as finding the center checkpoint can be more challenging than it appears.
Sun protection is essential as most of the maze and outdoor features offer limited natural shade.
Do not attempt the stone maze during or immediately after heavy rain, as the granite surfaces become extremely slippery.
Closed on Wednesdays; generally open throughout the year but may close during severe winter weather.
