The National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is a research center for ethnology and cultural anthropology.

Topical Exhibits: Inuit Art of the Far North

Nature

The world of the Inuit is in the Far North. In summer, the land is under the midnight sun, and in winter, it is dark all day. Almost all year around it is covered with ice and snow, and from November to May the following year, the ocean freezes. Even in July the average temperature seldom exceeds ten degrees. In winter, on the other hand, the thermometer sometimes registers minus thirty degrees centigrade. In such a harsh environment, there are an amazingly large number of animals. In the ocean, seals, walrus, beluga (white whale), whales and fish pass by, while on the shore, there are caribou and Canadian arctic musk ox. Polar bears can be found near the ocean. In summer, wild berries bear fruit and migratory birds such as Canadian geese arrive.
 
Musk OxMusk Ox
 
Narwhal RisingNarwhal Rising