Shiojiri Tanka-kan Museum References and works of prominent tanka (Japanese verse) writers such as Shimaki Akahiko and Wakayama Bokusui are on display at this museum. The 2-storied wooden main building is characterized by the typical honmune-zukuri architecture with large gables. The heavy doors lead to another exhibit in the warehouse-style building. Reading the verses in a distinguished building, one could easily forget about the passing of time. Outside the building are woods full of pine trees. And surrounded by these trees is a verse-inscribed monument. Adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high students 150 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays, days that follow national holidays, December 29 - January 3. From Shiojiri station take the Suwasen Bus. Get off at Hiro-oka Hachijuni Ginko Mae(20 min. ride) and walk 10 min. Or take a taxi from Shiojiri station (10 min.) / 0263-53-7171

Gato-kan Museum There are 250 historic ruins throughout the city of Shiojiri. The findings are categorized and exhibited at the Gato-kan Museum where visitors can appreciate the everyday life and culture of the ancient era. The 232-centimeter Gato (an ancient miniature clay tower) is the nation's largest of its kind. Adults 200 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (doors close at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays, days that follow national holidays, year-end and New Years. From Shiojiri station take a taxi (5 min.) 10 minutes from Shiojiri Interchange on the Nagano Jidoshado / 0263-52-1022

Museum of Butterflies

From Shiojiri station take a taxi (7 min.). 2 minutes from Shiojiri Interchange on the Nagano Jidoshado. 0263-53-6342