What to know
The Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall (野口英世記念館, Noguchi Hideyo Kinenkan) honors Noguchi Hideyo, a renowned researcher who made significant contributions to the development of a yellow fever vaccine. He is also credited with discovering the causative agent of syphilis in 1911. Born in humble circumstances in Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture, near Aizu-Wakamatsu, he rose to become a respected doctor nominated for the Nobel Prize.
Many people recognize Noguchi Hideyo as the face on the former 1000 yen bill. Inside the memorial hall, a robot replica of him comes to life when visitors approach, engaging in friendly conversation.
The memorial hall tells the story of Noguchi's life and displays personal belongings of him and his family. It highlights his values, including perseverance, and aims to inspire future generations. Visitors can enter the house where he was born, experiencing a typical Meiji Period Japanese home in Fukushima Prefecture.
The hall is a ten-minute bus ride from JR Inawashiro Station (300 yen, one bus every 2-3 hours). Take a bus bound for Aizu Recreation Park and Enichiji Temple (会津レクリエーション公園・慧日寺) and get off at the Hideo Noguchi Memorial Hall bus stop (野口英世記念館).
Inawashiro Station is accessible via the JR Banetsu-sai Line from Aizu-Wakamatsu (30 minutes, 530 yen, hourly trains) or Koriyama (40 minutes, 720 yen, hourly trains).
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from November to March)
- Closed
- December 29 to January 3
- Admission
- 1200 yen (~$7.68) (from mid March through November)
- English name
- Original name
- Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.