The Idea of the Eco Museum

Date-shi, Toyako-cho and Toyoura-cho have been promoting the concept of an "Eco Museum" as a reconstruction effort after the eruption of Mount Usu in 2000. The region here provides a variety of nature, culture and activity resources. Examples are the geologic features and volcanic activities around Lake Toya and Mount Usu, the natural features in this area, the heritage sites from the Jōmon-Period, the hot springs, tourism, etc.. With all these, the Eco Museum has become a place for education, to experience the tradition of living together with volcanoes, and to promote economic development and tourism.

In this way the Geopark and the Eco Museum share the same organization and goals, whereby the latter orients itself towards the direction of the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano　Geopark.

Toya Eco Museum