FukushimaTravel

Experience the life of Hideyo Noguchi, the great man on the thousand-yen bill, through his childhood home and exhibits

About this spot

A memorial museum dedicated to the life of Hideyo Noguchi, the world-renowned medical scientist whose portrait appears on the thousand-yen bill. The grounds preserve his childhood thatched-roof home exactly as it was, where you can see up close the hearth where he suffered a severe burn on his left hand at age one and a half, and the floor pillar bearing his resolution inscription "If I do not achieve my ambition, I shall not tread on this ground again," which he carved before departing for Tokyo. The exhibition halls introduce the journey of a boy born into a poor farming family who overcame hardship to achieve worldwide recognition, using easy-to-understand materials and videos. Interactive corners featuring a lifelike talking Hideyo Noguchi robot and exhibits about the world of bacteria provide enjoyment for each generation—grandchildren learn through play while grandparents reminisce. This is the star of the course, offering the chance to experience the great man's birthplace and hometown of Inawashiro.

Tips

About 5 minutes by car from Inawashiro-Bandai Kogen IC with free parking. The museum is progressively becoming barrier-free, making it comfortable for visits with elderly family members. An adjacent tourist facility with restaurants and gift shops allows you to move directly on foot for lunch, making for an efficient itinerary.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Visiting in the morning when tour groups are fewer allows for a more relaxed experience with a smooth transition to lunch.