Minoh Park Insect Museum

A historic insect-focused museum opened in 1953, located in “Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park” in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. You can learn about a wide range of insects, from species that live in the park to rare varieties from overseas.

Inside the museum, around 20–30 live species are on display, and you can observe insects up close on land and in water, including Japanese rhinoceros beetles, stag beetles, diving beetles, and giant water bugs. The insect specimens and rare foreign insects are also well worth seeing. In the year-round butterfly greenhouse “Hōchōen,” butterflies gracefully flutter among the flowers right beside you. Sometimes they even land on your clothes or hat—an experience that’s sure to bring a smile.

There’s also a video theater inside the museum screening original insect-themed animations and quizzes, and the kids’ room has insect and wildlife encyclopedias and picture books you can read freely. On Sundays, hands-on experiences are also held, creating a space where learning and play come together. It’s a great spot for families to take their time and experience the fascinating world of insects in nature.