“Geo” is a root word referring to the Earth and land, so Geopark is a title given to natural park areas that have important scientific significance or natural beauty.
Geology and topography are deeply implicated in the history and culture of the world. Geoparks offer a place to learn about the importance of the Earth and its development.
The Geopark system was established in 2004 under the support of UNESCO through the Global Geoparks Network (GGN).

The facility makes use of the geological formations and natural environs around Kami-cho to allow visitors to learn about the San’in Kaigan Geopark and offer opportunities for raising greater awareness about the region, as well as foster community-building around the Geopark.

It acts as a hub for nature schools, conveys tourists to other tourism facilities within the area, as well as trains guides and other personnel and promotes exchanges between guides and others.

This floor is dedicated to learning about the San’in Kaigan Geopark. Here we discuss the unique topography, climate, and cuisine of Kami-cho and the Japanese archipelago, which detached from the Eurasian continent some 20M years ago.

• – Information zone: See the looming steel of the Amarube Viaduct and the vast Ojiro cedar trees
• – Entrance: information counter, pamphlet area, and kids area
• – Geopark areas 1 & 2: dioramas, video, replicas, and panel displays describe the charms of the Geopark
• – Seminar room: airs promotional footage about the Geopark
• – Experiential workshops: try your hand at making marine products

Kasumi is a town of fishing commerce, which developed alongside the evolution of the sea routes here. This floor lets you learn all about its maritime culture. Learn about the history of the Kitamaebune shipping route, see traditional fishing implements, and see crabs, squid, and other creatures that inhabit the Sea of Japan.

• – Sea of Japan creatures area: see a wide array of taxidermy all in one spot.
• – Experience the fishery industry in Kasumi and various fishing methods, as well as how fishermen actually work.
• – History of fishing/Kitamabune area: learn about the history of fishing and how ships used to work in olden days.
• – Workshop area: this brightly-lit, spacious area is used for special programming
  (Details to be listed in the topics section as they become available)

The Kasumi east fishing harbor is right nearby.　Exterior view

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