Kumagusu, a great scholar in natural history Wakayama has ever produced, is also known to be a co-founder of folklore studies in Japan as well as a botanist and a slime mold scientist. He was also well versed in astronomy, mineralogy and religion. He left Japan at 19 and spent 14 years studying in US and UK. Proficient in more than 10 languages, he published a number of theses and articles at home and abroad. His erudition impressed scholars and researchers all over the world and earned him international recognition as a “Japan has Kumagusu.”

Minakata Kumagusu Museum was opened in April 1965 to commemorate and pass down the legacy of the maverick scholar to the next generations and promote scientific research and culture in society. The collections, including books, specimens and memorabilia, were donated by the Minakata family after his death and have been maintained by the museum.

  The museum has slopes, an elevator and toilet facilities for disabled visitors.