[New audio guide now available!] How to enjoy the Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum, where you can experience the magnificent history of the Earth

70,000 years of history resting at the bottom of the lake: "Varves"

Have you ever heard of the word "varves"? Varves are striped layers that form on the bottom of a lake, and one stripe forms in one year because the color of the sediments changes with the seasons.

Stripes of annuals

Lake Suigetsu, located in the center of the Mikata Five Lakes in southwest Fukui Prefecture, has been discovered to have varves dating back 70,000 years. There is no other place in the world where varves from such a long period of time remain uninterrupted. Although it is not well known in Japan, it is attracting attention around the world as "Lake Suigetsu."

The Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum introduces these varves from various perspectives.

The Appeal of the Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum

1. Extensive exhibits on varves

There are various exhibits that make use of the characteristics of varves, such as the "Varve Theater," where you can experience the experience of diving to the bottom of the lake through video, and the "Lake Suigetsu 70,000 Years of Varve Gallery," where you can see 70,000 years of actual varves like stained glass.

Lake Suigetsu 70,000 Year Varves Gallery

The exhibition introduces various topics related to varves, such as how the varves of Lake Suigetsu came to be used as a global standard "yardstick for measuring age," and varves collected from all over the world.

You can also get a close-up look at the precious original copy of "The Rhythm of Solar Radiation on Earth and Its Application to the Problem of Ice Ages" (by Milutin Milankovich), a book that is said to be the most important classic in paleoclimatology.

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"Rhythms of solar radiation on Earth and their application to the ice age problem"

2. A location surrounded by beautiful nature

Wakasa Town, where the Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum is located, is a naturally rich area overlooking the Mikata Five Lakes, which are registered under the Ramsar Convention, and the beautiful Sea of Japan. It is also recommended to take a short trip from the museum to see Lake Suigetsu, where the varves were discovered. Take a deep breath in front of the tranquil and beautiful scenery.

Overlooking Lake Suigetsu

3. A new audio guide experience

The Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum is now offering a new audio guide using mixed reality technology. The explanations that draw you into the long varves on display and the presentation that evokes images of the various eras engraved in the varves allow you to learn more about varves in a fun and in-depth way.

*This experience requires a smartphone that is compatible with the specified app.

[Audio Guide of the Future] A tour of the Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum with your ears

Click here for the special project page

A journey through the romance of history

There are many other attractions, such as Cafe Shima, where you can enjoy Shima-Shima gourmet food within the facility, and the architecture designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, which was meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. Be sure to visit the Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum, where you can experience the grand history of the world.

Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum

919-1331 122-12-1 Torihama, Wakasa-cho, Mikata-Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Pre...

This is a museum where you can learn about varves, which were discovered in Lake Suigetsu in Fukui Prefecture and are used worldwide as a me...