Omachi Alpine Museum

Located on a hillside is the Omachi Alpine Museum. The third floor is an observation deck where you can see a panoramic view of the Northern Alps. Telescopes are available for your usage, and an introduction to the Northern Alps will deepen your understanding of just why the locals gave the mountains its name. On the second floor of the museum, you can learn about the local geology, the creation of the mountains, as well as the mountains and its animals. The theme of the first floor is “mountains and people,” and as you’d expect from the name, you can find an abundance of information regarding the interaction between the Northern Alps and the locals. One facility you can’t miss out during your visit is the small zoo next to the museum (free admission). The most popular animal there is none other than Omachi’s representative Ptarmigan. Fun fact: the Ptarmigan can change the color of their feathers as the season changes to protect themselves in their habitat!