Letʼs take a trip to

the wonderful
Jomon world!
the wonderful
Jomon world!

http://jomon.co

A story guide to Japanese heritage:
The starry-skied Jomon world of the Central Highlands

Discovering
the Primitive Cultureof the JapaneseArchipelago.
In the Central Highlands, your mind can travel to the time of the
Jomon people, while tracing the roads where they carried valuable

A depression on a mountainsideremaining from the Jomon Period.
Hoshikuso Pass Obsidian Mining Site.

obsidian, visiting the ruins of the Jomon villages, and appreciating
primitive artworks such as the Jomon venus, that symbol of female
vitality, as well as ﬁnely crafted animal-shaped artifacts.
Let s time travel back to the origin of Japanese culture which has
always been close to Mother Nature, and has been kept deep in theheart of the Japanese people.
The Central Highlands region.

01

02

What isJapan Heritage?
It is a certiﬁcation systemdesigned by the Agency of
Cultural Affairs. It aims torevitalize local communities
through promotion of theircultural assets and traditional customs.
There are stories with traditions and customs that haveroots in the local history andlocal climate. And they havebeen handed down for generations. We certify thosestories as Japan Heritage.
And we would like to introduce the attractive material
or intangible cultural properties to everyone, both inJapan, and abroad.

03

04

STORY01

The Allure of
the Shining Black Stone.

The culture of manufacturing in the Japanese archipelago,which produces sophisticated and diverse tools, has its roots inthe creation of the modern human stone tools that came fromthe continent about thirty thousand years ago.
One of the best known materials for stone tools is obsidian,which is a type of natural volcanic glass. The obsidian producedin Shinshu is of very high quality. Since it s easy to process andcreates a sharp edge when broken, it was widely used all overJapan as a material for making various stone tools such asarrowheads and knives.
The fact that, at a time when there were no means of transportation like today, a large quantity of the obsidian produced in
Shinshu has been found to be distributed nationwide tells usthat this natural resource was highly valued as the oldest brandin Japan.

05

Obsidian from Hoshigato

06

STORY

01

Shinshu Obsidian
was distributed nationwide!

What is Obsidian?
I wanthigh-quality
obsibian.

Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass produced when magma cools
down rapidly near the surface. It was utilized to make stone
implements such as knives and arrowheads since it breaks intoa shell-like form with a razor-sharp edge.
Both practical and beautiful, this mysterious shining blackstone must have been precious to the people of prehistoric

The Deer Huntersʼ
Favorite!?

Sannai-Maruyama site

It has been found in
Sannai-Maruyama site
in Aomori which isaround 600km away!

times. With more than 100 mines, the volcanic Japanese archipelago is one of the biggest producers of obsidian in the world.
Some of the largest and most representative sites in the mainland are the Shinshu Obsidian Mining Sites .
Moreover, it is known that the obsidian in this area has been
distributed in various parts of the country, with top quality as
well as good production. Obsidian from the Shinshu area has
been excavated from some Jomon archaeological sites such as
the Sannai-Maruyama site in Aomori prefecture, and the Tatesaki site in Hokkaido which is beyond the Tsugaru Strait. That saround 600 km as the crow ﬂies! That s an amazing fact considering the lack of transportation in those days.
This tells us that the Jomon people, just like us, desired to own
and use excellent implements.

07

It was distributed nationwide
and used to make hunting
implements.
08map A- ❿map A -

Primitive and Ancient Peoples
Experience Museum

Takayama, the Stardust Village

Obsidian Experience Museum

3670-3 Daimon, Nagawa,Chiisagata-gun, Nagano
３８６-０６０１☎ 0２６８-４１-８０５０

Wide-scale distribution
supported local craftsmanship■Admission

Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥100
High School Students and older: ¥300
9:00 ‒ 16:30■HoursMondays (except holidays, in which case the following day will be closed),■ClosedNew Year Holidays, No closures in August■http://www.hoshikuso.jp/

1581 Daimon, Nagawa,Chiisagata-gun, Nagano
３8６-０６０１☎ 0２６８-６８-４３３９■Admission

Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥100
High School Students and older: ¥200
9:00 ‒ 17:00■HoursMondays (except holidays, in which case the following day will be closed),■ClosedNew Year Holidays■http://www.hoshikuso.jp/

This small museum is located by the Daimon River; on the site of a Jomon-era obsidian mining community.
The town of Nagawa is located on the Sea of Japan-side of the obsidian mountain, which forms the watershedof the area. A variety of earthenware from regions such as Hokuriku, Kanto and Tohoku were excavated fromthe historic ruins of the Jomon period, along with the local-style wares from the southwest foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. It indicates that this region, as the homeland of obsidian production, used to play a signiﬁcant role as acrossroads of cultural exchange. As the predecessor of the Obsidian Experience Museum, the facility iscapable of accommodating up to eighty people, and offers Jomon ware making experiences and the viewingof actual artifacts,

The interactive museum is located at the foot of the Hoshikuso Pass, the production site for obsidian. The
museum introduces 30,000 years of obsidian s history, which dates back to the Paleolithic period and all theway through the Jomon period, along with abundant stone artifacts excavated around the site. The
experience room holds a maximum of 180 people, and offers twenty interactive events to choose from.
Programs, such as the museum s one of a kind stone tool making activity, let participants experience thewisdom of the Jomon period.
Permanent
Exhibit

Permanent
Exhibit

From Collecting in the River to the Mining of Obsidian

The Obsidian Experience Museum stands at thefoot of the Hoshikuso Pass

The Takayama archaeological site groups from the Paleolithic
period are located directly below the Hoshikuso Pass and theyshow the traces of people at the time collecting obsidian pieces
eroded off the mountain in the river. After the rocks in the riverbed were exhausted, the Jomon people climbed up the mountainand started mining the resources underground.

A reconstructed residence, and the Jomon ware
artifacts excavated from the settlement ruins near thesource of the Chikuma River, exhibited in the museum.

Traces of Cultural Exchange in the
Homeland of Obsidian

An excavation at the Onitan Historic Ruins
unearthed Jomon ware in various designs: createdin areas of Suwa； the southwest foot of Mt.
Yatsugatake; the Hokuriku, Tohoku and Kanto
regions；along with the local wares unique to thearea. The homeland of obsidian was alsoa crossroad of cultural exchange.

From the Birth of Obsidian to
Wide-scale Distribution

09

Obsidian is a natural glass that isformed when magma solidiﬁes, is easy
to process and was a popular material
for making sharp stone tools. Exquisitely crafted stone tools and theirbrilliance convey the respect people
had for their life-supporting tools.

Obsidian and Tool Boxes fromthe Paleolithic and Jomon
Periods

People of the Paleolithic and Jomon
periods are known for their craftsmanship. The origins of the basic tools
we use today date back to the Paleolithic period; and obsidian rocks were
utilized for tools that required sharpedges.

Tourism
Information

The high-quality obsidian specimens
produced in Nagano area were widelydistributed throughout the Kanto area
heading to the Kansai region, and as
far as Hokkaido. The dispersion ofruins concentrated around the
production site in Mt Kirigamine andthe way they spread, indicate theroutes on which obsidian rocks weretransported nationwide.

The Brilliance of Craftsmanship
Seen in Obsidian

Onitan Historic Ruins ‒ The Center of Obsidian Mining
Management and Large-scale Distribution

The Onitan Historic Ruins are located at the entrance of the
Daimon River Valley that runs through the obsidian mountain at
the southwest foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. As the hub for the obsidian distribution, the historic ruins, dating mostly from the mid-Jomon period, show traces of a village with a facility for ceremonies
in the center.

Incense Burner-Shaped Earthenware from the
Nakamichi Historic Ruins ‒ Holding the Light of Life
The Nakamichi Historic Ruins wereanother major village near the source of
the Chikuma River. The lamp-shaped
earthenware decorated with the designof a mother holding a child in her arms
exempliﬁes the culture of the area,connecting both the obsidian distribution,and the respect the villagers had for thecontinuation of life.

Nagawaʼs special product is the hot topic in town!

“Dattan Soba” (Tartary Buckwheat Noodles)

The home of the Primitive and Ancient Peoples Experience Museum, Daimon, Nagawa, is also a
popular place for Tartary buckwheat cultivation. The Daimon-produced Tartary buckwheat noodle ischaracterized by its delicious taste and lack of bitterness, despite its high content of the ﬂavonoid
rutin ‒120 times more than typical buckwheat noodles. Highly recommended to try when in town.

10

STORY

02

From the Jomon Obsidian Mining
Site to the Whole Country!

There are obsidian mining sites deep in the woods of the Central
Highlands, where the Jomon people continued mining formillennia.
When you visit the mining site at Hoshikuso pass in the volcanic
mountain range of Kirigamine, you can still see the vestiges ofJomon-era mining as a crater-like depression in the center ofancestors looked up at the stars in the night sky and believed

the circular bank, even after thousands of years have passed.

that these pieces of obsidian were pieces of the stars that fell toThis mysterious landscape was formed by the accumulation of

the earth, and so these place names were born.

gravel that was thrown away beside the mining pit, building up

Even now, after thousands of years have passed, standing in

to a depth of over 5 meters. Underneath the ground, a wooden

the pass under the brilliance of the night sky, you will still see

fence erected to prevent landslides of the gravel still remains

the everlasting twinkle at your feet.

exactly as it was ﬁrst built 3,500 years ago. This reminds us of
the hardship the people had to face and their great passion to
obtain better stone material.

11

The shining black stones were transported from village tovillage. Eventually the roads that connected the villages
became known as the Obsidian Road . At the foot of Mt. Yat-

Some of the obsidian mining sites that were found in the high-sugatake, large villages sprang up in places where people could

lands have names with the word, Hoshi , which means stars;

collect an enormous amount of obsidian. Those villages becamesuch as Hoshikuso pass and Hoshigato .

meeting places for Jomon people from remote regions who

There are a lot of glittering pieces of obsidian scattered oversought high quality Shinshu obsidian and an exchange network

the highlands which are over 1,500 meters in altitude. Our

between eastern and western Japan was formed.
12map A- ⓭map A- ⓮National Historic Site:

The Hoshigato Obsidian Mining Site

Higashimata, Shimosuwa, Suwa-gun, Nagano☎ 0266-27-1627(Shimosuwa Lake Suwa Museum)■Not open to public on regular basis. Please join a study
tour conducted by the town of Shimosuwa (schedule tobe determined).

Though the Hoshigato Obsidian Mining Site was discovered in 1920, the fact that it was an obsidian mineduring the Jomon Period was not known until an investigation carried out from 1959 to 1961. During anotherinvestigation conducted by the Shimosuwa Board of Education from 1997 to 2013, 193 Jomon Period
obsidian mining sites were found distributed across an area of 32,000 m2 along with the remains of mining
pits from both the early and late stages of the same period. The site was designated as a National Historic Site
on March 10, 2015.
Highlights

Hoshigato Museum Yanoneya3289 Shimosuwa,
Suwa-gun, Nagano
393-0015☎ 0266-27-0001■Admission

Adults: ¥600, Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥300

(Includes admission to the Clock Studio Gishodo)

Mar to Nov: 9:00 ‒ 17:00 / Dec to Feb: 9:30 ‒ 16:30■HoursOpen year-round■Closed■http://konjakukan-oideya.jp

Hoshigato Museum Yanoneya showcases the archeological artifacts excavated in the town of Shimosuwa,
mainly from the historic Jomon Period Hoshigato Obsidian Mining Site. It aims to give visitors a deeper
understanding of the historic relationship between humans and obsidian. Exhibitions include a life-size
diorama that faithfully reproduces the Jomon Period obsidian mining pits discovered at the Hoshigato Obsidian Mining Site, panoramic illustrations of how the mining was thought to have been done, and actual obsidian
relics excavated in Shimosuwa.
Permanent
ExhibitThis is toric site.
the his

Hoshigato Ruins Historic Overview
The Obsidian Mining Site From the Jomon Period

The obsidian mining site from the Jomon Period is located on
the eastern slope of Mt. Hoshigato, the largest source ofobsidian in the Nagano area.

The pits from which the Jomon people mined obsidian
still remain as visible depressions in the earth after thousands of years have passed.

Obsidian Mining Pits
From the Early Jomon
Period (approx. 5,700
years ago)

The Jomon people mined
the obsidian contained
w i t hin d e p o s i t s f r o m avolcanic eruption. The sizeof the pit is just big enoughto ﬁt one person.

Lake Suwa ̶ Landmark for the Jomon People!?

Column13

The largest lake in the Nagano area, Lake Suwa has a circumference ofapproximately 16 kilometers. Visible from virtually all of surrounding
mountains, the lake may have served as a landmark for the people dwellingin the area. The Sone Ruins can be found on lake bed on the eastern side.
Large amounts of stone artifacts were excavated from these ruins, including ﬁnely crafted arrowheads, which could very well be the origin of thecraftsmanship tradition in the Suwa area.

Obsidian Rock Mined
From This Site

A large amount of obsidian was excavated from amining pit from the Final
Jomon Period. Eachpiece is approximately 3
to 8 centimeters inlength with some sharp
broken edges due toimpacts mining.

Lake Suwa (view from Tateishi Park)

This area isthe Sone Ruins

Yanoneya is located in the Shimosuwa-shuku area among
the historical spots adjacent to the keyhole-shaped
Aotsuka tumulus.

Life-sized Dioramaof a Jomon Period
Obsidian Mining Pit

This exhibit showcases a faithful,life-sized reproduction o f one o f the
Jomon Period obsidian mining pits excavated at the Hoshigato Obsidian Mining
Site, the only suchsite in Japan.

Wada Pass and the Path of History
Pronominal to Nagano area s obsidian, the Wada Pass was thestarting point for the nation-wide trading of obsidian rock fromthe Paleolithic and Jomon Periods and continued to play asigniﬁcant role in the movement of people and goods even after
ancient times. Crossing the pass at the elevation of 1,531
meters was the hardest point in the Nakasendo road and many
people still visit the location today to experience its history.

This exhibit features panoramic illustrations that reconstruct
how the Jomon people may have mined obsidian based on
the surveys conducted at the excavated obsidian mining
sites. You will also ﬁnd other artifacts excavated from the
Hoshigato Obsidian Mining Site.

Kamegaoka-style Pottery:
Cultural Exchange and theJomon People

Pieces of the Kamegaoka-stylepottery brought from the Tohoku(Northeast Japan) area, were excavated from the Tsuchida Ruins in
Shimosuwa, suggesting the cultural
exchange through obsidian trading
between the people of the Suwa andTohoku regions.

View of the Suwa area from the top of the Wada Pass

The top of the Wada Pass

14

A Mecca for Jomon Culture

Experience the History of Obsidian ‒【 Historic Site of Chino 】

map A - ⓯National Historic Site:

Hoshikuso Pass Obsidian Mining Site
3670-3 Daimon, Nagawa,Chiisagata-gun, Nagano 386-0601☎ ０２６８-４１-８０５０(Inside the Obsidian Experience Museum)

Uenodan Stone Age Ruins

The Hoshikuso Pass of Mt Kirigamine gets its name from a local name for obsidian which literally means star
droppings. What the local legend described as the pieces of shining stars covering the pass were actually
accumulated scrap pieces of obsidian left over from Jomon mines. The ruins located behind the Obsidian
Experience Museum are open to public as a historic park. An outdoor exhibition where visitors will be able toobserve what is underground is planned to be opened in 2021.

National Historic Site:

Komagata Historic Ruins (Designated January 16th, 1998)

Highlights

The Komagata Historic Ruins is located on the delta at the southern foot of Mt. Kirigamine, at the elevation of 910 meters, and is south-facing with good sunlight.
Soaring behind the ruins is Mt. Kirigamine, the largest production site of obsidian on themain island of Japan, which holds many ruins of obsidian mining sites from the Jomon
period, including the designated national historic ruins of the Hoshigato Obsidian Mine.
The Komagata Historic Ruins is located approximately 10 kilometers below the famous
production site, and has been long known as a place where numerous obsidian rocks,
and the ﬂint arrowheads made from them, can be discovered. The excavation research
has proven that the site was a large-scale settlement that existed throughout the earlyto late Jomon periods, and unearthed a large amount of obsidian stone tools and stonedebris. The Komagata Historic Ruins were designated as a National Historic Sitebecause of its high scholarly value as a successful stoneware production site, and the
distribution hub, both utilizing obsidian from Mt Kirigamine during the Jomon period.

Crater-shaped Traces From Jomon Period Mining

Mining Areas Covered by
Glittering Pieces of Obsidian

Underneath the depressions, deep
obsidian mining pits that were dug
down from the surface of the earth
during the Jomon period werediscovered along with massive layersof removed soil piled around them.
The outdoor exhibition facility will
allo w visit or s t o s e e the ac tualremains of these pits.

Ikenodaira Goza Rock Ruins

The white layer of earth containing
obsidian rock was discovered 3 to 5
meters underground and is thought tobe the volcanic ash layer originatingfrom a pyroclastic ﬂow that came downfrom the Wada Pass 870,000 years ago.
The unevenness at the upper part of thelayer was created by mining works
7,000 and 3,500 years ago.

(Designated on September 27th,1962)

The mass of andesite rock sticking out from the northern shore of Lake
Shirakaba is known as Goza-ishi (literally, resting bench rock ). The
chasm in the rock had been utilized as residence, and many artifacts havebeen discovered, including stone tools from the Paleolithic period; as well as
earthenware, stoneware and animal bones from the Jomon period. Locatedclose to the obsidian production site, the area is considered to be one of thehubs for obsidian distribution during the Paleolithic and Jomon periods. The
origin of its name comes from the legend that the deity of Suwa Daimyojin
Shrine once sat on the rock to rest, while another legend claims that it was
Takeda Shingen, a famous warlord from the Age of Provincial Wars, who had
sat on it on his way to the famous battle of Kawanaka-jima.

White Volcanic Deposits
Containing Obsidian and theUneven Mining Landscape※You are not allowed to take home any obsibian at Hoshikuso Pass. Please be sure to put it back to where it was, after observing.

15

Nagano Prefectural Historic Ruins:

ColumnFrom the pass to the forest, there
are many spots where pieces ofglittering obsidian peek throughpatches of grass. Innumerable andshining like stars in the sky, thesepieces of obsidian could be thefragments touched by the Jomon
people who mined them.

The Jomon people used to mine obsidian by digging into the sideof Mt. Mushikura located to the east of the Hoshikuso Pass.
The crater-shaped depressions lined up in staircase-like
succession are the traces left behind from these former mining
sites.

The Obsidian Mining Pit and theRemoved Soil

(Designated on October 14th, 1942)

The Uenodan Stone Age Ruins are located on the low tableland extending fromthe foot of Mt. Tateshina, at 970 meters elevation. With the Daimon Road
running through the west side, the site is very close to the obsidian production
site at Mt. Kirigamine. The ﬁrst excavation research was conducted in 1941,
and remains of large stone-surrounded hearths from both mid- and late Jomon
periods were discovered. Most of the Jomon Ware excavated was from thelate-to-last stages of the period, and showed inﬂuences from the culture of
Tohoku and Kanto regions. Dogu (earthen ﬁgures), pulley-shaped earrings,
and earthenware bells were also unearthed. The Uenodan Ruins is along-standing historic site, ranging from the early to the last stages of the
Jomon period. It has long been known for its abundant ﬂint arrowhead samples,
and the raw materials, obsidian stones, were brought in from the production site
in Mt. Kirigamine. The Uenodan Ruins are also located at a strategic trafﬁcjuncture, and it is considered to be an important historic ruin that may havebeen the hub of cultural exchange between Eastern and Western Japan for along period of time, through its cultural inﬂuence and distribution of obsidian.

■Admission Free
9:00 ‒ 16:30■HoursMondays (the following day if a holiday), Nov to Apr■Closed■http://www.hoshikuso.jp/

It takes about 30 minutes to walk the path from the
Obsidian Experience Museum to the Hoshikuso Pass
obsidian mine.

map A - ⓰National Historic Site:

Giant Obsidian Rock Outcrop in Mt. Yatsugatake〈Mt. Tsumetayama Obsidian Production Site〉
The Mt. Tsumetayama (a.k.a., Reizan) Obsidian Production Site is
located on the west side of the Mugikusa Pass that connects Mt.
Yatsugatake from east to west. Though it is impossible to locate
obsidian rocks in the mountain from a distance due to the dense forestthat covers the site, there are two gigantic outcrops of obsidian, about
10 meters each in height. Countless pieces of obsidian can be foundscattered around the surrounding mossy outcrops in the area.

16

map B - ⓱What were Jomon peopleʼs
lives like?

National Historic Site:

Kinsei Historic Ruins Park
105 Yato, Oizumi, Hokuto,
Yamanashi, 409-1502, and other places☎ 0551-42-1375(Hokuto City Ofﬁce Science Section)■Admission■Hours■ClosedFree
Always open to public
Always open to public
Restrooms closed from December to March■https://hokuto-maibun.com

The historic Kinsei Ruins is the remains of a village in the last stage of the Jomon period, approximately 3,000
years ago. The stone-built altar for memorial ceremonies for the ancestral spirits was constructed around atomb, making the landscape of the village unique. After designation as a National Historic Site in 1983, thehistoric park was developed. The shallow pit dwellings have been reconstructed with mud walls. A large
number of obsidian rocks were unearthed, suggesting the village s connection to the mining at the Hoshigato
Obsidian Production Site Ruins.

“The
Hoan ea llow Doguthat rthen fig ” isureis cempt ompletel
y
y ins
ide!

Highlights

A major feature of the Jomon period is the existence of pottery.
Excavation Site of the Hollow Dogu
Kinsei Historic Ruins Parks
A lot of historic ruin lives at!
ple's
you can feel Jomon peo
Tomb Inside theStone-Built Altar

The circular spacesurrounded by stones
is the reburial grave.
This photograph wastaken in 1980, when
it was excavated.

Stone Pole Erected
at the Altar

The stone pole wasmodeled after a malesymbol, and also
symbolizes the ancestral spirits.

17

The Hollow Dogu was unearthed at the stone-built altar. It isalso referred to as the Dogu-shaped vessel, and is on exhibit
along with other excavated artifacts at the Hokuto City Archeological Data Hall.

After the invention of pottery, people were able to eat new foods
that could not have been eaten until then. This groundbreaking
invention is said to mark the beginning of the Jomon period.

Excavated Dwelling Sites

Dwelling sites are not in the
pit-style. Although mud-walls
were chosen for their reconstruction, the true form of
their structure is, as yet,known.

2-ton Megalith

A large granite stone transported from Kamanashi Riverover 5 kilometers away wasplaced on the stone-built
altar. It suggests that many
people must have participated in the ritual to carry thestone.

CLOTH
ING

They likely used yarn made from hemp or the stems of the Ramie

plant, as well as furs.

It is thought that they hunted in the forest or, gathered nuts thatthey processed in pottery, as their principal foods. By gathering

FOOD

wild vegetables in spring, seafood in summer, nuts or fruits inautumn and hunting deer or boars in winter, they maximized theblessings of the four seasons.

Jomon people generally lived in pit-dwellings. They dug into the

HOME

ground to make a ﬂoor, and added low walls and roof. It wasbasically a kind of shack or hovel.

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STORY

03

Letʼs go to the graceful villages of
Yatsugatake.

The Jomon people of the Central Highlands lived in a diverse
environment covering an altitude difference of 1,000m. About
5,000 years ago, this ﬂourishing mountain culture made thebest use of the natural resources and had the largest number ofvillages in Japan.
As you head down from the Jomon mine towards the village, thebroadleaf forest becomes a brightly colored mixed forest. At the
Togariishi Historical Site in Nagano, which preserves theappearance of a Jomon village with replicated pit houses, youwill ﬁnd yourself back in the atmosphere of those days. The
village was surrounded by a variety of useful trees, such as
chestnut, that were planted for food, construction material, andfuel. Trees that didn t bear fruit were cut down, and instead,trees that provided food, such as acorns and nuts, were plant-

Yosukeone Historical Siteed.
In the bosom of the great forest, there were a large number ofvillages where families gathered and travelers were welcomed.

19

20

STORY03

The rural landscape created by the Japanese, who are said to be

We can see those nostalgic landscapes in the highlands of cen-an agricultural people is often thought of as originating in thetral Japan when we view the historical sites and rich nature,

Yayoi Period, since rice farming began in that era. But longwhich seem unchanged since those ancient days. Past the

before that, some thousands to tens of thousands years ago,

forest surrounding the village, ﬂows a large river into which

there was a different landscape. It is that landscape of forests

gathers pure water ﬁltered through the mountain foothills.

and mountains that is the true roots of Japanese culture, stored

Standing by the river, Mt. Yatsugatake or South Japan Alps candeep in the memories of the Japanese.

be seen rising behind the forest, where a panoramic view ofJapanese nature throughout the four seasons emerges. Freshwild vegetables spring up at once, as soon as the snow has
melted, and spring approaches from the lower foothills towards
the high peaks. When the deep, green forest of summer turns toautumn colors, accompanied by cool winds blowing through thevillage, we receive the news of mushrooms growing, acorns andwild grapes bearing fruit. In this ever-changing scenery, Jomon
people learned of the bounty of nature, and cultivated thewisdom to store the foods required to survive the harsh andquiet winter season. Many food products and traditions were
cultivated and passed down through generations of people who
faced the greatness of nature over thousands of years.
From the village at the Umenoki Historical Site, which is thegateway to the Central Highlands, we can look out over themountain ranges spreading out in layers. The Jomon people who
moved from the Kanto plains (around Tokyo) to the distantmountain ranges, must also have stood here, excited andhappy, with their hearts full of the blessings of nature from thedeep mountains.
Kinsei Historical Site

21

22

map A-

map A-

National Historic Site:

Town-Designated Historic Sites:

Idojiri Historic Ruins

Sakai, Fujimi,
Suwa-gun, Nagano
399-0101

Harvest Festival at the Jomon Kingdom inthe Highlands

Ochiai, Fujimi,
Suwa-gun, Nagano
399-0214■Admission Free
Open year round■Closed■http://userweb.alles.or.jp/fujimi/idojiri.html

The Idojiri Historic Ruins is located on the ridge, where the fountain of Idojiri wells up on the east side.
Blessed with scenic views of Mt. Fuji, the mountains of the Southern Alps and Mt. Yatsugatake, the location issurrounded by a rural landscape unchanged since olden times. After the ﬁrst excavation unearthed anenormous amount of splendid earthenware in 1958, the Idojiri Historic Ruins Preservation Society wasorganized. It was designated as a National Historic Site in June 1966, as a historic ruin representative of the
mid-Jomon period in the Central Highlands.
Varietyof Amazing
Earthenwar
e wiBeautiful Sh thapes
and Patterns!

Highlights

Tonai and Idaira Historic Ruins■Admission■Closed

Free
Open year roundTonai Historic Ruin is located on a ridge between Kikkake and Mujinasawa Rivers, stretching across the areaof 25,000 m2. Four investigations have been conducted since the ﬁrst excavation took place in 1953, andover thirty dwelling sites have been unearthed. Some of the excavated artifacts have been designated as
National Important Cultural Properties. Idaira Historic Ruin is located on the left bank of Mujinasawa River,and the core portion of a typical circular settlement was discovered there during an excavation in 1986.
Jewels made of jadestones were also unearthed from what seems to be a grave.
O
Highlights

Earthenware from the Dwelling Site
#4 of the Idojiri Historic Ruins

Present Idojiri Historic Ruins Park
(National Historic Site)

Shown above are parts of the collection of earthenware
unearthed during the ﬁrst excavation. It was rare at the time forsuch highly crafted earthenware to be excavated in such large
numbers, and led to the formation of the Idojiri Historic Ruins
Preservation Society and the Idojiri Archeological Museum.

The Unearthed Circular Settlement(Idaira Historic Ruin)

Jadestone Jewels

The land around this historic site isdeveloped as a botanical garden forenvironmental conservation purposes. With ancient lotus ﬂowers
blooming in summer, it is a popularspot many people like to visit.

23

Incense Burner-shaped Earthenware

Excavation at the Idojiri HistoricRuins

The incense burner-shaped earthenware was excavated from dwelling site
#3 at the Idojiri Historic Ruins, and is23.5 centimeters in height. Exceptionally unique in its shape among artifacts
found in the same era, the incense burner-shaped earthenware is believed tohave held a sacred ﬂame.

The excavation at the Idojiri Historic
Site was led by Mr. Fusakazu Miyasaka, who also carried out the excavation at the Togariishi Historic Ruins.
Local farmers and high school
students participated in the excavation. It was the beginning of Oraatou(Our own) Archeology.

(Town-Designated Tangible Cultural Property)(in 1958. Photographed by Mitsuru Muto)

n Exh
ibit
Arche at the Ido
jirological Mu iseum

Tonai Historic Ruin Dwelling Site #32

These jewels were excavated from a number of pits,
which are believed to begraves. The fact that thosejadestones were produced in
the basin of Himegawa Riversuggests that jade trading
was widespread in theregion.

Botanical Garden for Aquaticand Wetland Flora, where
Ancient Lotus Flowers Bloom

Present Idaira Historic Ruin

Enormous amounts of stoneware and earthenware wereexcavated from Dwelling Site #32. Especially, this cylindrical earthenware idol became well known both at home
and abroad, as one of the most representative pieces ofJapanese Jomon Ware.

Tonai Historic
Ruins being
excavated (1984)

Though the area of
excavation was
limited, remarkable
results came one
after another.

One day in the Village of
Idaira (Reconstructed illustration

Present Tonai
Historic Ruin

This illustration depicts thevillage of Idaira, based on
results from excavation. It
accurately shows how people
lived then, with their dwellings encircling the grave.

After some of the ruin
became part of thetown, it was designated as a Historic Siteof the Town in 2006.

by Masao Kasahara)(Town-designated historic
site)

24

Permanent
Exhibitmap A -

ok
Let’s loa little closer!

Idojiri Archeological Museum❶ Cylindrical earthenware idol

(Dwelling Site #32, Tonai Historic Ruin/National Important
Cultural Property)

The cultural heritage of Idojiri conveys
the spirit of the ancient times

7053 Sakai, Fujimi,
Suwa-gun, Nagano
399-0101☎ ０２６６-６４-２０４４■Admission

Adults/High School Students：¥300 (¥310 after October 1st, 2019),
Elementary and Junior High School Students：¥150
9:00 ‒ 17:00■HoursMondays and the day after public holidays■Closed■http://userweb.alles.or.jp/fujimi/idojiri.html

Overlooked by the gorgeous Mt. Fuji to the south, and with the mountains of the Southern Alps such as Mt.
Kai-Komagatake and the three peaks of Mt. Ho-o soaring in front, the Idojiri Archeological Museum stands on
the southern foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. Originally established and operated by the Idojiri Historic Ruins
Preservation Society, the jurisdiction of the museum was transferred to the town s education board in 1965.
Nine years later, the archeological museum was opened in the present location, on the ridge adjoining the
Idojiri Historic Ruins. Its unique research and exhibitions, on such topics as Jomon farming theory and Jomon
iconography, set the museum from any other historic museums nationwide, and is well worth taking a look.

❸❹

An exquisite piece that is the pinnacle of earthenware
modeling. The slender cylindrical earthenware boasts
a head complete with a pair of eyes, a back represented by an inverted triangle, and curling arms thatstretch from round shoulders that bulge out. The
design is thought to depict a ﬁgure of a god.

What dothose
strangepatterns
express?

❷ The Originator Goddess Figure(Dogu ﬁgure from the Sakaue Historic Ruin/National Important
Cultural Property)

❶

❻

❷

❼

❸ 7 Pieces of Jomon ware from the Sori Historic Ruin

(Dwelling site #4, Sori Historic Ruin/ Nagano Prefectural Treasure)

All seven pieces were excavated together from the dwelling site
#4 of the Sori Historic Ruin, which is within the Idojiri Archeological Museum building. With the large, swirling water-ﬂame
patterned pot heading the list, all seven pieces were designatedas Nagano Prefectural Treasures, as a good example of a set ofstyles in the mid-Jomon period.

❹ Half-Human Half-Frog Patterned Earthenware with Holed Brim(Special Remnants of the Tonai Historic Ruins/National Important Cultural Property)

The present archeological museum built near the Sori Historic Ruin.

❺

Among numerous earthenware pieces with a holed brim, this is
one of the best-known pieces. Carved into the surface are aﬁgure of a half-human half-frog spirit and a design that symbolizes the Jomon understanding of astrology are considered to
depict the worldview of the days.

❺ Dogu Figure with a Snake on Its Head

(Dwelling Site #16, Tonai Historic Ruin/ National Important Cultural Property)

Though the lower half of its body has been destroyed, a coiled
snake can be clearly recognized on top of its head. It is an
unprecedented clay ﬁgurine that has attracted a lot of attention
since its discovery.

❻ Large, swirling water-ﬂame patterned pot(Dwelling site #4, Sori Historic Ruin/ Nagano Prefectural Treasure)

The collection of Jomon ware isoverwhelming in both quality andquantity25

Understanding stoneware as tools

National Important Cultural Properties:
Artifacts excavated from the Tonai
Historic Ruin

Being larger than a typical dogu from the later half ofthe mid-Jomon period, this excellent piece is extraordinary for its kind. With its face tilted upwards as if
gazing at the sky, and its chest thrust out, you canfeel the vitality and the joy in the vigor of life in theunconstrained posture of the ﬁgure.

This piece is also designated as the Nagano Prefectural Treasure along with six other earthenware pieces excavated together. This exquisitely balanced, three-dimensional pot captures
the minds of all who see it. From this piece we get the name❽❾Suien-mon (water-like ﬂame pattern), which is used for the
many other earthenware pieces that followed.

❼ Earthenware with Human Figure Painting(Todonomiya Historic Ruin/Town-Designated Tangible Cultural Property)

This large-sized earthenware ﬁgure is full of curvaceous gracefulness, and has paintings of human ﬁgures painted around thebottom with pigments similar to sumi ink. The image depicted isthought to be the scene of a woman giving birth to a baby, and isa unique and precious example of a representational painting .

❽ Deep Pot with Frog and MIzuchi (Mystical beast) Patterns(Dwelling Site #54, Sori Historic Ruin/Nagano Prefectural Treasure)A large bucket-shaped earthenware pot with a ﬂat mouth. Stylized
forms of a mystical aquatic beast, the mizuchi , just about to bite
at a cute, semi-spherical frog attract the eyes of the viewer.

❾ Five-Layer Deep Pot with Twin Eyes

(Dwelling Site #14, Tonai Historic Ruin/Town-Designated Tangible Cultural Property)

The ﬁve-layered shape of the pot and its profound, deepbrown-colored surface make it a breathtaking piece. Pictograph-like patterns and their composition are especially remarkable, as if they are telling a secret story.

Deep Pot with Vertical Division-Pattern(Dwelling Site #14, Tonai Historic Ruin/Town-Designated Tangible Cultural Property)

Excellent piece with a slender shape, elegant and delicate pattern
and light brown-colored surface. The vertical division-pattern is a
popular pattern seen on various types of earthenware around the
middle stage of the mid-Jomon period. This piece is an extremelyrare example, showing outstandingly ordered patterns.

26map B -map A-

National Historic Site:

Kirigamine Highland and Wetlands

Umenoki Historic Ruins Park

6315 Asao, Akeno,
Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0201☎ 0551-25-2019(Hokuto City Center for
Buried Cultural Property Investigation)■Admission Free
■Hours８：30 ‒ 17：00■ClosedMondays, the day after public holidays,
and New Year s Holidays (Guidance Facility Only)■http://www.hoshikuso.jp/

The Umenoki Historic Ruins Park is the remains of a village from the mid-Jomon period some ﬁve thousand
years ago. The dwelling area contains; traces of pit houses lined up in circle like a donut; stone-paved houses;
hot stone cooking pits by the river; and paths from the Jomon period, that were all discovered in a set. The
discoveries were designated as a National Historic Site on March 18th, 2014. In order to recreate thevillage-scape of the Jomon period, local volunteers reconstruct one Jomon residence every year.
Permanent
ExhibitInterior ofresidence isinreconstructed
great detail!

The three wetlands of Kirigamine Highland are high moors, where dead plants such as sphagnum moss did
not fully decompose, and so became peat, and accumulated over time. They were designated as a National
Natural Monument in 1960, and named the Kirigamine Wetland Plant Community.

Yashima Visitor Center
Azamikan

Kirigamine Nature
Conservation Center

10618 Yashima-Shitsugen, Shimosuwa,
Suwa-gun, Nagano 393-0000

7718-9 Kirigamine, Shiga, Suwa,
Nagano 392-0008☎ 0266-52-7000☎ 0266-53-6456■Admission■Hours■ClosedFree
9：30 ‒ 16：30
Closed in winter.
Open from late April to mid-November■http://shimosuwaonsen.jp/yashima/■Admission■ClosedThe visitor center situated next to Yashima Wetland,
run by Shimosuwa Town, displays an exhibition that
explains the origin of the wetlands, a diorama, as well
as videos which introduce the history and nature of
Kirigamine Highland.

The visitor center at Kirigamine Highland in Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park, run by Nagano
Prefecture, presents an exhibition about the nature,animals, plants and history of Kirigamine Highland. They
also offer guided tours and programs for groups.

Free■Hours 9：00 ‒ 16：00
Closed in winter.
Open from 15 April to 15 November
Closed on Wednesdays during opening season■http://www.lcv.ne.jp/˜kirivc/kirigamine.htm

Yashimagahara Wetland

Distant view of the Umenoki
Historic Ruin (Photographed in
2003)

Each
white circle isthe trace ofpit dwellings.

Reconstructed
residence built by
local volunteers

Pit dwelling reconstructed in 2018.
Half-covered roof
allows the exhibition ofits structure.

toYou can listen

the details!

Exhibition at the
Guidance Facility

The guidance facility isannexed to the historicruins park, exhibitingsome earthenware andstoneware excavatedat the Umenoki Historic
Ruin.

27

Reconstructed Pit Dwelling

The Umenoki Historic Ruins Park contains a reconstruction of asoil-roofed pit dwelling. Pit dwellings of the North-American indigenous people and the results of excavation from various sites wereused as reference in the reconstruction.

The Jomon Path that
Leads to the RiverA path w as found on thesteep slope facing north. It ispresently reburied forpreservation purposes, andthe park tour is built on thesame route to follow theancient path.

Earthenware with
Hanging Handle andHuman Face Decoration

It is believed that this earthenware with a hanging handle
was used in the rituals for thedeity of ﬁre. Human faces
decorate both front and backof the vessel.

Yashima pond

There are many remains of obsidianstone processing to be found aroundthe mid-point between Shimosuwa
Town and the Obsidian Mining Site in
Nagawa-machi. The wetland is about 4
km around and you can observe about
400 kinds of subalpine plants throughout the year.. The wetland is raised in adome shape by the action of plants
carbonizing into layers of peat.

Day lilies on Mt. Kurumayama

Kurumayama Wetland

Mt. Kurumayama which is the highest
mountain in Kirigamine Highland, and is
known as one of the 100 Famous
Japanese Mountains, has elevation of
1,925m, and has an attractive 360
degree view. We can look down over
the National Natural Monument; Kurumayama Wetland, that is situated northof Mt. Kurumayama.

Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center

An unearthed pit
Yachibozu in the wetland

Odoriba Wetland

Known locally as the Walnut Marsh ,the Odoriba Wetland is surrounded bym an y r e m ain s o f o b s i di an s t o n eprocessing. From the northern slope
we can see the base of Mt. Yatsugatake and beyond, Mt. Fuji.

Jacoppara Historical Site

Many pits were found in the area
running south from Kirigamine Highland
and the forests in this area were also
hunting grounds. If you go down along
the river, you will reach the Komagata
Historical Site in the Yonezawa region
or the Tanabatake Historical Site in
Chino-city.

28

map A -map A-

National Historic Site:

Kawakami Village Culture Center

Omiyama Historic Ruins

944-3 Oaza Omiyama, Kawakami,
Minamisaku-gun, Nagano ３８４-１４０５☎ ０２６７-９７-２０００(Kawakami Village Culture Center)■Admission Free
During daylight hours■HoursOpen year-round (Caution required during winter)■Closed■http://www.vill.kawakami.nagano.jp348-9 Oaza Omiyama, Kawakami,
Minamisaku-gun, Nagano ３８４-１４０５☎ ０２６７-９７-２０００

The Omiyama Historic Ruins are the remains of a village from the mid-Jomon period, around 4,500 to 5,000
years ago. During excavations carried out from 1955 onwards, remnants of structures including 51 dwellingsites and some stonework were unearthed alongside numerous artifacts. The large-scale settlement locatedat an elevation close to 1,300 meters attracted much attention, and it was designated as a National Historic
Site in 1966. Just taking a stroll within the ruins brings back the atmosphere of the Jomon Period.

Free
9:00 ‒ 17:00
Mondays (except holidays, in which casethe following day will be closed), New Year s Holidays■http://www.vill.kawakami.nagano.jp

The Kawakami Village Cultural Center opened in 1995 as a complex with a music hall, a library, and an exhibition room. A permanent exhibition room is set up on the second ﬂoor, displaying historical materials from the
Paleolithic era of Kawakami Village. Stoneware from the Paleolithic period excavated from the historic sites of
Misawa, Kashiwadare and Babadaira ruins, the Jomon period artifacts unearthed at the Higashihara A andOmiyama Historic Ruins, gold mine-related materials from the mid- to early-modern periods, and materials
related to the modern-day forest industry are among the collection, which aims to help visitors learn about thehistory of Kawakami Village.
Permanentsing
Showca erious pieces
Exhibit
st
y
m
!
o
tw
enwareof earth

Highlights

The exhibition focuses on the Jomon ware collection unearthed at the Omiyama Historic Ruins

Dwelling site

Reconstruction of a pit dwelling within the Historic
Ruins Park

■Admission■Hours■ClosedEarthenware excavated from theOmiyama Historic Ruins

Excavated dwelling sites have been reburied, and are now
recognizable as crater-shaped depressions.

A pottery group with patterns common to the
Suwa and Yamanashi areas.

Cup-shaped
Earthenware

Seemingly a vase-likevessel, this piece ofearthenware may
carry some special
signiﬁcance.
(Village-designatedTangible Cultural
Property)

Surveys for redevelopment have been carried out since2016 in order to conﬁrm the preservation status of thedwelling sites excavated from late 1950s to early 60s.
Sites are reburied after the inspection.

29

Central Square

There is an empty space without any dwellings in the central
area of the ruins. Remains of homes are found in a ringaround the open space.

ColumnRecent Survey Status

Human Faced Incense
Burner-shaped Earthenware(Mask-like Incense
Burner-shaped Earthenware)

An incense burner-shaped pottery
that looks like a human face is themost excellent piece among all theartifacts excavated from theOmiyama Ruins, and was possiblyused as a kind of lamp. (Nagano
Prefectural Treasure)

Earthenware with Hanging
HandleOnly a few pieces of this typewere excavated from the Omiyama Ruins, and is not considered
likely to have been a piece fordaily use, but rather a special
kind of vessel that may symbolize the spirituality of the Jomon
period. (Village-designatedTangible Cultural Property)

Crystal produced in the
Kawakami Area

During the Jomon period, various
rocks were used as materials forstone tools. Crystals are also
used, and there are crystal
production sites in the village.

Did the Jomon people eat these fruits!? This is also a Japan Heritage Cultural Asset.
Ishinashi (literally, Rock Pear a.k.a., Aonashi)
Because the village of Kawakami is in a cold zone, the locals have a long tradition of cherishingtrees that bear edible fruits and there are huge trees such as Ishinashi, Japanese Horse Chestnut
and Chinese Apple in the village today. Their existence shows us the Jomon spirit of making gooduse of natural resources. Ishinashi got its name from the stone-like hardness of its fruits, eventhough it originally was a type of Aonashi, or Chinese pear.

30

STORY

04

Shussan-Mon (Giving Birth),
pot excavated from the Tsugane-Goshomae Historical SiteLetʼs visit the Jomon people
gathering in the forest.

The Jomon people developed a pottery culture that is unique inJapan and abroad, depicting in three dimensions the ﬂow ofwater, plants and trees that grow in the forest, and the ﬁguresof people and animals that lived in their world. This is theultimate in Jomon art.
Pots for daily family use depict such things as the face of baby
just about to be born from its mother, or scenes of singing anddancing. A pot showing a mother s face peering into the contents, seems to be watching over, looking forward to the foodsimmering inside.
The work left by the Jomon artist "Forest Artist", portrays ascene of daily life at the time. The various expressions of the
Dogu

clay ﬁgurines, and the pot showing the faces of afamily, seem to stare out now, and back into thousands of yearsof time and space.

31

32

Permanent
Exhibitmap B -

Hokuto City
Archeological Data Hall
2414 Yato, Oizumi,
Hokuto 409-1502☎ 0551-20-5505■Admission

ows usese pots sh
th
f
o
h
c
Ea
view!
an amazing world

Is it pus?
an Octo❸ Hollow Dogu Figurine excavated fromthe Kinsei Historic Ruins

Snake?

Excavated from the remains of a stone foundation, this earthenware has a strange shape inwhich the lower part of the body is omitted, andthe legs are placed under an open-mouthed,octopus-like head. Showing signs of theinfluence from the Goggle-eyed Dogu, it is anextremely rare, almost unprecedented dogu
piece.

Adult: ¥200 (¥100)
Elementary and junior high school students: ¥100(¥50)* Prices inside brackets are group rates for twenty people or more

■Hours
9:00 ‒ 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)■ClosedMondays, days following public holidays, and New Year s holidays■https://hokuto-maibun.com❸❹

A pregnant
dogu?

The city of Hokuto stretches along at the foot of beautiful mountains such as Mt. Yatsugatake, Mt.
Kai-Komagatake and Mt. Kayagatake, and has played an important role in history in various periods: during
the Jomon period when brilliant earthenware culture prospered; the Heian period when state-owned stock
farming was conducted; and from the Kamakura until the Warring States period when numerous castles werebuilt. The Hokuto City Archeological Data Hall unravels the history of the city through over 1,000 archeological artifacts excavated from local historic ruins, along with artifacts unearthed from the National Historic sites
including the Kinsei Historic Ruins and the Yato Castle Ruins.

The Hokuto City Archeological Data Hall is located in Oizumi-cho, the partof the city where the ruins of the Jomon period are the most concentrated.

A large, snake-like abstract pattern is attached
to a vessel decorated with an arrangement ofsquares and triangles. The abstract snake
pattern is ornamented with ﬁne, delicate
triangle pressed patterns like scales, making
the piece highly impressive.

❺ Earthenware with Childbirth Design,
excavated from Tsuganegosho-mae
Historic Ruins

The vessel is decorated with the face of amother on its rim and the face of a child on
both the front and back of its body. This pieceis straightforward evidence that indicates how
the Jomon people connected the image of thewomb with earthenware.

The cutest
dogu ever!

Mini-Venus, Small-type Dogu
excavated from the Swanoharu
Historic Ruins❹ Earthenware with Abstract Pattern,
excavated from Teradoko Historic Site❺

Givingbirth!?

A small Dogu, about 5.4 centimeters inlength. Though tiny, the ﬁgurine is wellequipped with the characteristic features ofthe early stages of the mid-Jomon period,
features such as the short arms stretchedwide, almond-shaped eyes and the triangularpattern around its navel.

❻ Earthenware with Human Face andHandles, excavated from Chikuu
Historic Ruins #1❻

This piece was unearthed intact, lying under acovering of soil inside a dwelling site. The
bulging body suggests the form of a pregnant
woman. Two-ﬁngered hand-like designs canbe seen near the neck part.

❶ Earthenware with Handles andWater-ﬂame Pattern, excavated fromthe Tsuganegosho-mae Historic Ruins

Two large decorative handles rise up way
beyond the rim of the vessel, taking forms ofcircles and S-shapes like mist over the water.
Its dynamic form is the pinnacle of Jomon art.

❷ Earthenware with Dogu-shaped
Decoration excavated from the
Swanohara Historic Ruins

A three-ﬁngered dogu ﬁgurine forms the
body of this vessel featuring a perforated
brim, which, according to some theories, may
have been used as a sake-brewing tool. The
design of the hairstyle on the head of thedogu provides clues to the customs of that
time.

33

Earthenware with Twin-Circle
Pattern Decoration, excavatedfrom Ishiharada-North Historic
Ruins

❶

❷

A large, deep pot with animal images on
the rim and a projection with a twincircle-pattern, suggestive of a face.
Two abstract patterns resembling
aquatic animals decorate the mainbody.

Earthenware with Tower-Shaped
Handles, excavated from
Takamatsu Historic Ruins

The bent rim spreading away from themain body is equipped with four large
tower-shaped handles. Excellent bas-relief of vortexes and letter W patterns
decorate the rim and tower-shaped
handles.

Deep Pot-type Earthenware
Excavated from Oyashiki
Historic Ruins

The egg-shaped body shows suchexcellent balance that is hard to believe
it was made by hand. Vortex and fern
patterns are combined to divide thesurface in sections, and empty spaces
are ﬁlled with a rope design, creating
beautiful contrast between patterns.

34Permanent
Exhibitmap B -

Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture*Closed from June 1st, 2019 to April 2nd, 2020 (estimated) due to renovation. Details including admission fees maychange after the renovation. Please refer to the website for more information.

764 Senbeiji, Ichinomiya,
Fuefuki, Yamanashi
405-0054☎ 0553-47-3333■Admission

Adults and college students: ¥200
Elementary, junior high and high School students: ¥100
9:00 ‒ 17:00 (Last Entrance at 16:30)■Hours■ClosedTuesdays (except public holidays) and days following public
holidays (except Saturdays or Sundays), New Years Holidays■http://www.eps4.comlink.ne.jp/˜shakado/

The Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture holds 5,599 pieces of important cultural properties including Jomon
ware, Dogu ﬁgurines and stoneware, and is one of the best Jomon culture museums in Japan. Over twenty
thousand people participated in the major excavation carried out prior to the construction of the Chuo
Expressway from February 8th, 1980 to November 15th the following year, unearthing close to thirty tons ofearthenware and Dogu statues.

d see
go an
sive
Let’s and expres
e
t
u
c
e
th
nes!
Dogu figuri

1,116 Dogu ﬁgurines

The 1,116 Dogu found at the Shakado Historic
Ruins was a unusually large number for a group of
artifacts to be unearthed from a single location.
The Dogu provide clues as to how the Jomon
people lived, through their expressive facial
expressions and patterned bodies. Each Dogu
ﬁgure brims with individuality and each is unique,conveying the spirit of the Jomon people fromwithin.

Witness the Jomon Earthenware

In the exhibition room, you can see some Important
Cultural Property Jomon pottery up-close. Some
unusually large pieces have a great presence,
while others display exquisite workmanship.

HEL

L
O!

The museum is surrounded by peach orchards, which go into full bloom in early April.

Earthenware with Water-ﬂame
Patterns

This collection focusing on water-ﬂame
patterned earthenware expresses thebeauty of the Jomon culture.

35

A reproduction of Jomon period life.

Numerous excavated dogu ﬁgures arealso on display.

The symbolic example of Jomon ware,
Earthenware with Water-flame
Patterns, excavated from the Shakado Historic Ruins has both beauty anda sense of strength in the curvy forms.
The high quality of craftsmanship andthe mysterious forms consisting of
numerous vortices are astonishing andinspiring even a few thousand years
after their creation.

Childbirth Dogu Figurine

Shaka-chan

Among the collection of 1,116 Dogu,
about 200 of them are just heads.
Among them, the most popular one has
earned the friendly nickname, Shaka-chan (literally, pretty Shaka ).
Its gentle expression with carefully
crafted oval eyes and round mouth
gives the viewer a warm feeling.

This mysterious Dogu is believed torepresent the moment of giving birth.
The protuberance from the groin isevidently depicting the baby's head
coming out. With a clear median lineon the belly, this statuette symbolizes the hope for new life that Jomon
people prayed for.

36Permanent
Exhibitmap A-Okaya Art &Archeological Museum
9-8 1-chome, Chuo,
Okaya, Nagano 394-0027☎ ０266-22-5854■Admission

Hirohata Historic Ruins and the
excavated Dogu ﬁgurines

Micro-sized Dogu Figurines excavatedfrom the Kajoji Historic Ruins

Communal area in the 1st ﬂoor lounge

Adults: ¥350, Children: ¥150

The Hirohata Historic Ruins is considered to have been a place for dailyliving, where Jomon people enjoyed
the riches of the mountains and rivers.
The Dogu excavated from here is in asquatting position and around 7 cm inheight. It represents the sitting birthpose, which was a common position forgiving birth in the ancient times.

This miniature Dogu, only 4 cm in height, wasunearthed from a highland village site overlooking Lake Suwa. Though small in size, minutedetails such as eyes, mouth, nose and digits on
hands and feet are clearly deﬁned. The similarities in shape between this Dogu ﬁgurine and theone from the Hirohata Historic Ruins suggestthat it may be depicting a scene of childbirth.

(separate fee may apply for special exhibitions)

10:00 ‒ 19:00■HoursWednesdays, days after public holidays, Dec 29th to Jan 3rd■Closed■http://www.okaya-museum.jp/

The Okaya Art & Archeological Museum was renovated and reopened in 2013 at the present location on
Dougakan-dori Street. The museum holds a collection of works by local artists, as well as artifacts from the
Jomon to Nara and Heian periods that were excavated in the historic ruins located within the city. The
archeology room exhibits the National Important Cultural Property: Deep Pot-Shaped Earthenware with
Human Face and Handles; as well as other artifacts such as Pregnant Female Dogu Holding a Jar, on
permanent display. It is a facility full of both ﬁne art and archeology.

Thefacin outwardg
an u head isnusu
style al.

Why is thon it...? ere a faceLeat the t’s lookartifact actualand think!

Designated Important Cultural Property - A
Jomon Beauty: Deep Pot-Shaped Earthenware
with Human Face and Handles, excavated fromthe Kaido Historic Ruins

Pregnant Female Dogu
Holding a Jar, excavatedfrom the Mekiri Historic
Ruins

A rare Dogu, posing with its
right hand on its hip, and holdinga jar in its left. Can you try to
imagine what was in the jar? A
lovely representation of a Jomon
woman that has been chosen as
one o f the r epr e s en t a ti v e
artworks of Cool Japan.

Deep Pot-shaped
Earthenware with Human
Face and Handles
excavated from the
Enokigaito Historic Ruins)

The juxtaposition of a beautiful
female ﬁgure at the top of thevessel and the violent snake that
represents a male symbol, shows
the overwhelming expressiveness of the Jomon people.

A Jomon beauty with almond-shaped eyes, a turned-up
nose, a small round mouth and a well-deﬁned waist. It is
designated as a National Important Cultural Property for its
unique style with the face looking outward, as well as thecompleteness of the reconstructed form - qualities whichmake it a very rare example, seldom found anywhere else.

The Okaya Art & Archeology Museum was reinvented as a base for culturally-focused community development.

The Nashikubo Historic Ruins National Historic Site, andaccessories made of amber and jade

The Nashikubo Historic Ruins are the closest remains of a settlement have been found to an obsidian mining site. Many Jomon
people gathered here in search of high quality obsidian rocks,
making the site the hub for exchange between East and WestJapan. Evidence suggests that highly-sought rocks such as amber,jade and obsidian were brought here and distributed.

Raw obsidian stone from Simizuda Historic Ruins

Exhibiting excavated artifacts fromthe Jomon to Heian periods.

37

Various samples of deep pot-shaped
earthenware from the Jomon period.

The art gallery showcases ﬁrst-classartworks created by artists local to
Okaya City.

A gigantic obsidian rock that weighs 6.5 kg. It is one of the largest obsidian rocks unearthed from the ruins around the Wada Pass. It helps us toimagine how the Jomon people may have created their stoneware bybreaking the obsidian rocks they acquired from the rich mountain.

38

STORY

05

Dogu National Treasure,
excavated from the Nakappara Historical Site (the Masked Goddess)

Understanding the Spiritual Heartof the Jomon People
The Jomon people developed obsidian mines, opened traderoutes, and were skilled in growing chestnuts but it was still
important for them to pray to their gods when something went
wrong, or when to express gratitude in their daily life.
Above all, wishes for safe childbirth and the healthy growth ofchildren were entrusted in prayer to a dogu ﬁgurine in the shapeof a pregnant woman, that we call Venus or Goddess. When we
stand on Nakappara Historical Site, we can see a reconstructionof the Masked Goddess Dogu, exactly as she was at the moment ofbeing unearthed, having been long buried after her role in Jomon
life had ended. We can also meet many more unique faces of Venus
at the museum.
There are also examples of festivals based on astrological cycles,
at which Jomon people prayed for birth and rebirth. At places suchas the Kinsei Historical Site in Hokuto City, where the sun sets
directly on top of the mountain on particular days, such as thewinter solstice, Jomon people would set up altars and hold festivals at locations which command a good view of the phenomenon.
Through these simple rituals we can see the pure heart of the
Jomon people who lived in harmony with the working of nature, as
hunters and gatherers.
39

Dogu National Treasure,
excavated from the Tanabatake Historical Site (the Venus of Jomon)

40Permanent
Exhibitmap A -

Chino City Togariishi Museumof Jomon Archaeology
4734-132 Toyohira,Chino, Nagano
391-0213☎ 0266-76-2270■Admission

Deep bowl withsnake-shaped handles

The life-like snake decoration on
the edge of this pot seems as if
it s about to attack you. It is often
called the Symbol of the Togariishi Historical site, and it is said
that Fusakazu Miyasaka valued ithighly. In September 2018, it was
designated as a Prefectural Treasure of Nagano.

View from the gallery on theobservation platform

Adults：¥500 (¥400), High school students：¥300(¥200),
Junior high and elementary school students：¥200 (¥150)

Pendants made of jadestone andamber that cannot be produced in
the Chino area have been excavated from the mid-Jomon era
ruins. If they were taken in barter
trade, obsidian might have been
given in return.

( ) are prices per person for groups of more than 20 people■Hours■Closed

9：00 ‒ 17：00（Enter by 16：30）
Mondays, New Year Holidays（Dec29-Jan3),days following a public holiday (except Saturday or Sunday)■http://www.city.chino.lg.jp/togariishi̲m/

Jomon culture prospered on the beautiful and abundant foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake 5,000 years ago. The
Togariishi remains are the most representative archaeological site of the Jomon culture in the Yatsugatakearea. The Togariishi Museum of Jomon Archaeology exhibits more than 2,000 superb artifacts excavated fromthe Jomon sites at the base of Mt. Yatsugatake, including the National Treasures: the Venus of Jomon and theMasked Goddess.

The Jomon
peoplehad a great senseof beauty.
!
Venus indeed

n see
You ca c scenesti
a reali xcavationeof the site!

The
Venus
of JomonThe
MaskedGoddessThe Venus of Jomon, Dogu National Treasure
Excavated from the tanabatake Historical site

The exterior of the Museum. The building was renovated in 2000. The 2nd ﬂoor
contains an exhibition room and the Historic Park Center. The 1st ﬂoor holds the
Unearthed Cultural Properties Center.

Dogu National Treasures: The Venus
of Jomon and The Masked Goddess(Exhibition Room B)
Displaying the 2 dogu National Treasures, along with a replica of the excavation site, photos, and a further 8
supplementary artifacts also designated as National Treasures.

The dogu was excavated intact from the Tanabatake Ruins, lying
in a small hole in the village square. The characteristics of the
mid-Jomon period clay ﬁgurines of the Yatsugatake mountain
range, such as the large overhanging abdomen, are well-shaped
and excellent. Furthermore, having clear knowledge of when,
where, how, and by whom it was excavated, it was designated asa National Treasure in 1995. Height 27 cm. Weight 2.1 kgs.

Precious stone: obsidianSpecial Historic Landmark Togariishi
Stone Age Site (Exhibition Room A)
The Togariishi Historical Site, the ﬁrst
Jomon settlement excavated in history,
and the achievements of the archaeologist Fusakazu Miyasaka are presented here.

41

Interactions with faraway
placesJomon Culture in the foothills of Mt.
Yatsugatake (Exhibition Room C)
This room displays stone implements,
clay ﬁgures, ornaments and pottery
with fancy decorations and three
dimensional handles made in theprosperous mid-Jomon period.

The Life of Jomon People. (Exhibition
Room D)You can experience the lifestyle of the
Jomon period through the seasons via
models, videos and hands-on learning.

The archeological materials
from the Komagata Historic
Ruins site are displayed here.
You can see the raw obsidian,cores, and ﬂakes, and understand the stages of manufacturing of ﬂint arrowheads.

Become a Jomon Man!

Trying on Jomon clothingsuch as Kantoi is not justfun for kids but adults too.
Pretend to be a Jomon Man!

us
g
rio
rlin
ste
y
whi
A m k andmas ttern!
pa

The Masked goddess, dogu National Treasure.
Excavated from The Nakappara Historical Site

This large hollow dogu made in the late-Jomon period was
excavated from the grave having been buried with a deadperson's body. It's distinguishing characteristic is theinverted triangular mask. In virtue of its good condition andbeauty, it was designated as a National Treasure in 2014.
Height 34 cm. Weight 2.7 kgs.

Designated as National
Treasures alongside theMasked Goddess

These thin bowls were madeby carefully polishing thesurfaces and drawing patterns
with accumulated thin lines tomake it look black, a manufacturing method similar to that of
the masked goddess.

The history of themuseumFusakazu Miyasaka displayed
the artifacts on his veranda
to show them to visitors.If wesay his veranda was the veryﬁrst museum, the current one
is the ﬁfth generation.

42

map A-

map A-

National Special Historic Site:

Nakappara Historic Ruins

Togariishi Stone Age Historic Ruins

The Nakappara Historic Ruins viewed
from above

Toyohira, Chino, Nagano

Kohigashi, Chino, Nagano

A historic ruins from the mid-Jomon period, located on the plateau on the west foot of Mt. Yatsugatake at anelevation of 1,070 meters. An archeological survey was carried out in 1930 by a local researcher, Fusakazu
Miyasaka, which resulted in the excavation of numerous pit dwellings and hearth remnants, along withearthenware and stoneware revealing mid-Jomon culture and settlements that flourished in the Chubu
Highlands. It was designated as a National Historic Site in 1942, and as the first Special Historic Site from the
Jomon period in 1952. Moreover, north of the Togariishi Ruins and across a shallow valley with flowing natural
spring water, the Yosukeone Historic Ruins were also added to the designation in 1993.

The ruins are located atop a long and narrow plateau running from east to west at 950 m elevation, from thenorthern edge of the west foot of Mt. Yatsugatake, along the foot of Mt. Tateshina and the southern foot of Mt.
Kirigamine, It is a large-scale ruins that supported a civilization for approximately 1,500 years, from the midto the first half of the late-Jomon period. Since the first excavation carried out by His Imperial Highness Prince
Fushimi in 1929, over 200 pit dwelling remnants had been unearthed by 2001. About 3,300 other pits havealso been excavated, and the Masked Goddess Dogu, which was designated as a National Treasure in 2014,
was unearthed from one of the grave pits near the center of the ruins.

Highlights

Experienc
people's e Jomon
lives!

at!?
What's th
Mysterious column holes!

Highlights

Rows of square postholes

The part of the ruins around the grave pit where
the Masked Goddess was found were preserved,
and developed as the Nakappara Jomon Park in
2002.

The Togariishi Historic Ruins commands a view of the Yatsugatake Mountains quite possibly the same mountain views that the Jomon people enjoyed.

The Togariishi Stone

On the southern slope of the plateau where the ruins arelocated, there is a large pyramid-shaped rock about one
meter tall. The name given to the ruins comes fromrespectful nickname of this cherished stone: Togariishi-sama (literally, The Great Mr. Togariishi). The
depression in its shoulder is believed to be the spot where
the Jomon people used to sharpen their stoneware.

Reconstructing the Jomon
village

The first ever Jomon village to bereconstructed in Japan was developed
here at the Yosukeone Historic Ruins
by Fusakazu Miyasaka and the local
residents. There are currently six
restored dwellings that were built inline with the development of thehistoric park in 2000.

Reproduction of theunearthing of the Masked
Goddess.

The grave pit where the Dogu was
excavated has been preserved in
its original condition, and themoment of discovery is reproduced using a replica of the Dogu.

Residence #33

43

The excavated condition of theMasked Goddess

The Dogu was unearthed inside anoval-shaped grave pit, 201 centimeters
long, 105 centimeters wide, and 50
centimeters deep, with its head pointing
west, the left side of the body down andthe right leg detached from the body.

Revealing the Jomon Village

Miyasaka's idea that the Togariishi
settlement consists of two groups ofresidences to the north and south, witha space in between them that has no
dwellings, was the first time thestructure of a Jomon village had been
described. Thus, the Togariishi Historic
Ruins are said to be the origin of thestudy of Jomon settlements

Graves with covering bowls

Numerous shallow bowls and bowl-shaped
earthenware pieces, which were put on the headof the deceased, were discovered around thegrave pit. This style of burial method is referred
to as Hachikabuse Burial (literally, bowl-covered burial), and was commonly practiced in thearea around the present Nagano prefectureduring the late-Jomon period.

Fusakazu Miyasaka

After supporting His Imperial Highness
Prince Fushimi's excavation in the
Togariishi Historic Ruins in 1929, Miyasaka continued the excavation mostly
on his own and was the first to reveal
the structure of a Jomon settlement inJapan.

ColumnThis particular residence was excavated by Fusakazu Miyasaka together
with His Highness Prince Mikasa.
After reburying the pit, stones werearranged on top to indicate the size ofthe dwelling and the placement of thehearth.

Remains of 80 centimeter-widecolumns were discovered in eightholes lined up in a rectangular shape,
and these wooden pillars have been
erected based on that evidence.
Various opinions exist as to what
those pillars could be: a building, astorehouse, a mogari-ya (a kind offuneral facility), a cage for animals,or they may even point to the originof the Onbashira Festival.

Get your Jomon goods here in
the Jomon Kingdom, Chino City!
Chino City is full of various Jomon souvenirs withmotifs from the National Treasure dogu such as the
Venus of Jomon and the Masked Goddess, excavatedin Chino City! Sold at museum shops such as the
Togariishi Museum of Jomon Archaeology and others.

Mascotdolls

Salty yokan
with agar-agar

Chopstick rests

Cookies44Permanent
Exhibitmap B -❶ Artifacts excavated from the Ichinosawa Historic Ruins(Important Cultural Properties)

There are a number of excellent pieces showcasing the achievements of Jomon Period craftsmanship, including deep pot-shaped
vessels with large handles and decorations, carefully polishedearthenware with perforated brims, Dogu and stoneware.

Yamanashi PrefecturalArcheological Museum■Admission

923 Shimosone, Kofu,
Yamanashi ４００-１５０８☎ ０５５-２６６-３８８１❷ Deep Pot-Shaped Earthenware, excavated from theTonobayashi Historic Ruins (Important Cultural Properties)

This 72 cm tall, large earthenware vessel has a well-balanced
beauty. The carefully adjusted surface and the arrangement of
curved line patterns can only be described as superb. It has beenfeatured in exhibitions overseas four times.

Adults and college students: ¥210
(for groups with over 20 people: ¥170 per person),no admission fee for elementary, junior high and high school students❸ Artifacts excavated from the Andoji Historic Ruins

9:00 ‒ 17:00■HoursMondays, days following public holidays, and other pre-decided days
■Closed■https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/kouko-hak/(Designated Prefectural Cultural Properties)

This 83 cm tall, large earthenware vessel with four large handles
and swirling water-ﬂame design was intentionally destroyed andburied following a festival. The earthenware with decorations ofboar and snake is also well-known.

❶
Photo by T.Ogawa

Located within the Kaifudoki no Oka / Sone Kyuryo Park in the south of the Kofu basin, the Yamanashi
Prefectural Archeological Museum holds approximately 1,500 archeological artifacts, from Paleolithic
stoneware excavated within Yamanashi prefecture, to materials of the Meiji period on permanent exhibit.
Among them, there are many beautiful pieces from the Jomon period including the National Cultural Property
Designated artifacts excavated from the Tonobayashi Ruins, Ichinosawa Ruins and the Sakenomiba Ruins, aswell as the archeological findings from the Andoji and Kaido Mae C Historical Ruins.

Artifacts excavated from the
Sakenomiba Historic Ruins(Important Cultural Properties)

Consisting of vessels with various shapes anddiverse patterns, this collection of artifacts
demonstrates the evolution in Jomon warethat took place during the transition of villages
at the southern foot of Mt. Yatsugatake.

❷t
Check ou
and
te
a
c
li
e
d
the
erns
tt
a
p
l
beautifua
if cts!
on the art❸

Photo by T.Ogawa

Artifacts excavated from the Tenjin
Historic Ruins

This large gemstone made of jade from thelatter half of the early Jomon period is
considered to be one of the oldest of its kindin the nation. Raw obsidian stones wereamong various artifacts found, all of whichindicate interaction with other regions.

Touring the museum followed by enjoying the nature with stroll about theruins in the park makes a great combination!

❹

❺

❻

❼
Photo byT.Ogawa❹ Artifacts excavated from the Kabuppara Historic Ruins

The most famous of the group is the piece with large handles featuring a boar design, derived from the style of the water-ﬂame
patterned earthenware. Amber gemstones produced in the Tohoku
region were also excavated.

Crystals excavated from the
Kamikobuke Historic Ruins
Introducing the Important Cultural
Properties and the transition andlife of Yamanashi Jomon pottery

45

Large Jomon vessels used in festivals and for burials are on exhibit
outdoors.

Compared to obsidian, most crystals are
unsuitable for crafting, and among the excavated stoneware artifacts only about 30%
were crystal arrowheads, raw stones andbroken pieces of crystal.

❺ Artifacts excavated from the Uenohara Historic Ruins

An earthenware vessel with in the water-ﬂame pattern style, featuring a scroll design that resembles decorations on confectionary. It isconsidered to be a representative example of a water-ﬂame
patterned earthenware vessel, and was discovered alongside theartifacts excavated from the Andoji Historic Ruins.

❻ Artifacts excavated from Haranachi Nogyokoko-mae Historic Ruins

These unique artifacts reﬂect the characteristics typical of
the region, such as abstract animal patterns, clay vessels
with perforated brims, earthenware with featureless humanface decorations, as well as Dogu.

❼ Artifacts excavated from the Kaido-mae-C
Historic Ruins(Designated Prefectural Cultural Properties)

These artifacts tell about the beliefs and festivals of the
Jomon period. A piece of earthenware with a human facedecoration was buried along with a stone pole.

46

Permanent
Exhibitmap A-

Prefecture-designated Jomon Ware Vessels

Earthenware excavated from the
Kojinyama Historic Ruins(Jomon Period: Nagano Prefectural Treasure)

Located at the mountain foot on the western side of Suwa Basin, this major central
village ruin holds the most substantial of allsites in the city of Suwa, in both scale andcontents. Large-sized earthenware vessels
with especially superb forms and decorations were excavated in concentration,
which showcase the high quality of bothtechnique and artistry of the Jomon people.

Suwa City Museum
A collection of artifacts illuminating the dawn ofarcheological study in Suwa

■Admission

171-2 Nakasu, Suwa,
Nagano 392-0015☎ 0266-52-7080

Adults: ¥300, elementary and junior high school students: ¥150

(For groups with more than 20 people, adults: ¥200, elementary and junior high school students: ¥100)

Separate fees may apply for special exhibitions
9:00 ‒ 17:00
Mondays (days following public holidays),
New Year s holidays, during inventory periods■https://suwacitymuseum.jp■Hours■ClosedEarthenware with Perforated Brim,
excavated from the Odassho Historic
Ruins(Jomon Period: Nagano Prefectural Treasure)

Located in front of the Suwa-Taisha Shrine, which is the general headquarters of all Suwa-jinja shrines
nationwide, the museum focuses on Time, Nature and Belief in the Suwa Region . Displaying pricelessartifacts from various periods including a number of Nagano Prefectural Treasures and Suwa City DesignatedCultural Properties, the museum examines the climate and natural features of the Suwa Region that fosteredthe unique Jomon culture and history. It also introduces the local beliefs and practices of the Suwa region,
including the Onbashira Festival, which is believed to date back to the Jomon period.

One-of-a-kind pottery
with perforations andprojecting rim.

Lamp-shaped pottery
with snake decoration

apes ?
se sheo tho s symbolizdta
Wh patterndna(Jomon Period: Nagano Prefectural Treasure)

Artifacts excavated from the Sone Historic Ruins(Jomon period: Suwa area archeological resources)

Exterior of the museum

The collection includes earthenware with ﬁngernail-pressed designs from the beginning of the Jomon
period and stoneware such as ﬂint arrowheads. The
arrowheads have unique shapes with long-stems or
triangular shapes, which are not present in otherperiods. The fact that they were ﬁnely crafted anddiscovered in vast numbers indicates the possibility that
there was a ﬂint arrowhead production factory here.

Earthenware excavated from the
Chikatosha and Juninoki Historic
Ruins(Jomon Period)

Earthenware with Hanging Handles, excavatedfrom the Anaba Historic Ruins
A village ruins from the mid-Jomon Period, locatedwhere the Kakuma River from Mt. Kirigamine reaches
Suwa Basin. Various earthenware and stoneware were
unearthed from the Residence #18 site, in a condition
suggestive of some kind of ritual being conducted.
Especially, the earthenware with hanging handles withsnake-design decoration shows an artistic form
reminiscent of prayers for prosperity and fertility.

Earthenware with perforated brim is acharacteristic of vessels found in the Chubu
highlands, and they are from the mid-Jomon
Period. There are many opinions for their
possible use, including drum-like musicalinstrument and sake-brewing vessel. The
one unearthed from the Odassho Historic
Ruins has an extremely strange shape that
seems to be modeled after a leather bag,and is a valuable example for investigating
the use of mysterious earthenware vessels
with perforated brims.

Pottery believed to befrom western Japan(Otoshiyama-style pottery)

Village ruins from the early- to late Jomon
Period, located at the western shore of
Lake Suwa. Rows of wooden pillars thatsuggest the relation to the Onbashira Festival as well as earthenware vessels broughtin from the Western Japan were discovered.
The Lake Suwa Service Area on the Chuo
Expressway adjoining the ruins overlooks
the lake, Mt. Kirigamine and Mt. Yatsugatake.

Archaeological materials from the
Suwa Area collected by Eichi Fujimori,registered Tangible Cultural
Properties

Suwa area archaeological materials

Aramichi-style pottery

Eichi Fujimori, an archaeologist who wasborn in Suwa-City, collected many archaeological materials. These are very importantmaterials for studying the Jomon Period not
only in the Suwa area but throughout Japan.
Fujimori used a set of pottery found at theAramichi Historical Site as the basis for his
Jomon period farming theory.

Suwa Grand Shrine and Onbashira Festival

47

Permanent Exhibition Room #2: Eiichi
Fujimori Memorial RoomThis room introduces the life and achievements of Mr. Fujimori based on his diaryand the artifacts he collected.

Suwa Ancient Information Center
A number of specialized books on archeology and the history of Suwa are available
for viewing.

ColumnPermanent Exhibition Room #1
This room exhibits archeological materials such as Paleolithic obsidian stoneware and Jomon ware.

Suwa Grand Shrine has a very old history, and appears in literature from the 7th
century. It consists of four main shrines; 2 Upper Shrine (or Kamisha); and 2 Lower
Shrines (or Shimosha). At the Onbashira Festival, which is held every 6 years in theyears of the tiger and the monkey in the Chinese zodiac, townspeople drag big trees
down from a mountain, and erect them at the four corners of each of the fourshrines. It is thought that this festival originates in the Jomon Period, because tracesof wooden poles have been found at Jomon historical sites.

48

map A -map A-

National Historic Site:

Yatsugatake Museum of Art

Akyu Historic Ruins(Hara Village History Folk Customs Data Hall)17217-1611 Hara Mura,
Suwa-gun, Nagano 391-0115☎ 0266-74-2701

Take a walk on the wood chip-paved path around the ruins.

Kashiwagi, Hara Mura, Suwa-gun, Nagano■Admission■Hours■ClosedAdults: ¥510, elementary and junior high school students: ¥250
9：00 ‒ 17：00
Open year-round except New Year s holidays
and some other temporary closures■http://www.lcv.ne.jp/˜yatsubi1/

The remains of a village that ﬂourished during the early-Jomon period were discovered along with groups ofcircular stones, consisting of individual stone groups arranged in a donut-shape. The number of stones
collected is estimated to be from 100,000 to 300,000. Encircled by grave pits, there is what appears to be alarge ritual site in the central open space, with a 120cm long, prism-shaped standing stone pillar, and a seriesof stone rows lined up straight from the pillar. The standing stone shows traces of having being burnt,
suggesting that the rituals may have involved ﬁre. The Akyu Historic Ruins had been a place of daily life
throughout the early-Jomon period, and is an important site for the study of Jomon society, including theburial system and religious rituals. It tells us of the process of transition from place to live to place to pray,
as its residential area decreased gradually.

This museum is located in the highlands among the nature at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake, Exhibits feature thesculpture and paintings of local artist Takashi Shimizu, as well as works by calligrapher, Kakusen Tsugane,
another artist from the village of Hara Mura. Moreover, stoneware and the Jomon ware excavated from theHara Mura Historic Ruins, including the Earthenware with Handles and Human Face, are also on display. Get
in touch with the energetic ﬁgures created by the Jomon people, and experience a part of the Jomon culturethat ﬂourished in the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake.

Highlights

Permanent
Exhibit

The puckered
mouth isa great feature!

The innovative building was designed by the architect Togo Murano.
The outdoor exhibition of bronze sculptures is also eye-catching.

Jomon ware from Hara Mura, notexhibited on a regular basis

Earthenware with Handles and Human
Face has been kept in perfect condition

The Akyu Historic Ruins were excavated when the construction of the
Chuo Expressway began. The social movement to preserve it helped thesite achieve the National Historic Site designation. Before the opening of
the highway, the ruins discovered during the investigation werecompletely reburied.

The Earthenware with Handles and Human Facewas excavated from the hearth of a residence in
the Maeone Historic Ruins. Its face retains a
sense of innocence, with its almond-shaped eyes
and puckered-up mouth. The overall shape of thevessel gives the impression of a person carrying
a large pot in his arms.

Tourism
Information

The Akyu Historic Ruins from the early-Jomon Period,
representative of the ruins at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake

The Akyu Historic Ruins is a National Historic Site, and is considered
to be a turning Point in our understanding of the world-view of theearly-Jomon Period, due to the excavation of standing stones, stonerows and circular stone groups. The museum exhibits the artifacts
excavated, including earthenware and stoneware.

49

Hara Mura - Peaceful village scenery around the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake
Located at the west side of Mt. Yatsugatake, Hara Mura in Nagano
Prefecture is cool in the mornings and evenings in summer, and very
popular as a summer resort. There are about 60 attractive lodgings in
the village. Mountain vegetables, ﬂowers and local handicrafts fromthe village make great souvenirs.

The Jomon earthenware collection from
Hara Mura

Numerous earthenware pieces from the mid-Jomon period that ﬂourished in the foothills of Mt.
Yatsugatake, are on display. The collection of
Chubu Highland earthenware in various designs is
worth a look.

The Hara Mura Repository for Buried Cultural
Properties, adjoining the Akyu Historic Ruins,
holds artifacts excavated in the village, suchas Jomon earthenware. Though the collection
is not exhibited to the public on a daily basis,
viewings can be arranged by reservation.

The Yatsugatake Nature and Cultural Park at
1,300m altitude features a planetarium,
miniature golf course and strider bike area.

（☎0266-74-2681）
A buckwheat ﬁeld in early September withpanoramic views of Mt. Yatsugatake

Hara Mura Information Center ☎ 0266-74-2501

50

map B -map B -

National Important Cultural Property:

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum
1501-1 Narita, Misaka,
Fuefuki, Yamanashi
406-0801☎ 055-261-2631■Admission

Kofu City Fujimura Memorial Museum(Former Mutsuzawa School Building)

Adults: ¥510, College Students: ¥210

2-2-1 Kitaguchi, Kofu,
Yamanashi 400-0024*Free of charge for seniors over 65 years old and high school students or younger*Separate fee may apply for special exhibitions.

☎ 055-252-2762■Hours
9：00 ‒ 17：00■ClosedTuesdays, days following public holidays■http://www.museum.pref.yamanashi.jp■Admission Free
9：00 ‒ 17：00■HoursMondays, days following public holidays, New Year s holidays■Closed■http://www.city.kofu.yamanashi.jp/
bunkashinko/shisetsu/bunka/fujimura.html

The building housing the Kofu City Fujimura Memorial Museum was originally built in 1875 as the Mutsuzawa
School building in Mutsuzawa-mura, Koma-gun (present-day Kamezawa, Kai City). It was restored andreconstructed inside the precincts of Takeda-jinja Shrine in 1966, and was designated as a National Important Cultural Property the following year. The building was later moved again, to the north side of Kofu stationin 2010, when it was restored and reopened as a guidance facility for cultural interaction. Exhibitions consist
mainly of historical artifacts from the Meiji period to the present, introducing the charm of the city of Kofu tocitizens and tourists.

The overall theme of the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum is The People and Nature of Yamanashi . Opened
on October 15th, 2005, the history museum examines and displays the interactions between the rich natureand the people of Yamanashi. The museum aims to be a place for people of all ages can join across the generation divide, and to provide information and opportunities to learn about local history and culture.
Permanent
Exhibit

Permanent
ExhibitA masterpiece ofamswirling azing
patterns!

does
What rence
fe
if
d
e
th
en
betwe ions ofpress ces
x
e
e
h
t
o fa
the tw an?
me

Exterior of the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum
An elementary school classroom of the period has been recreated on thesecond floor.

The Nezu Pianos(donated by Kaichiro Nezu)

Climate and lifestyle in
Yamanashi

51

Geographical features of Yamanashi
are displayed as a 3D model, createdfrom high-definition satellite photographs.

Large, Deep Pot Earthenware,
excavated from the Katsurano
Historic Ruins(Ushiro Historic Ruins)【Japan Heritage】

Due to the construction of a funeral hall for thewider Higashi-Yatsushiro area, surveys wereconducted at the Kuyoji Ruins Historical Site in
Ubaguchi-cho
and at the Ushiro Ruins, which
くようじ
resulted in excavations of settlement remains fromthe Jomon and Kofun periods. This particular
earthenware was unearthed from a pit-dwellingsite from the Jomon period, along with numerous
other earthenware and stoneware artifacts. The
two faces which seem to express laughter andanger, may very well be expressing the agonyof giving birth and the joy of embracing a child.

(Yamanashi Prefectural Cultural Property)(Collection of the Fuefuki City Education Board)This deep pot-shaped earthenware fromthe latter half of the mid-Jomon period,
was excavated from the Katsurano
Historic Ruins. Vortex patterns cover
the entire surface of the cylindrical bodyof the vessel. It is a form reminiscent of araging current, giving a vibrant feel tothis exceptional masterpiece.

Kofu City Takeda Family Museum of History (Shingen Museum) has opened at the National Historic Site,former home to three generations of the Takeda family, famous lords in the Sengoku period.

Tourism
Information

Introducing a variety of natural features
including mountains, deltas and rivers,
and their affects on the lives of thepeople. The Jomon period is especiallyfeatured in the corner named In the
Natural Forest ‚ where we introduce
how wisdom and technology were
fostered in the abundant nature of
Yamanashi through the presentation of
artifacts, sound and images.

Yamanashi as a StageThe Nezu Pianos were pianos donated to local elementary schools
during the early-Showa period by
Mr. Kaichiro Nezu, a successful
businessman from the prefecture.
He donated approximately two
hundred pianos, based on his belief
that the profits gained from society
must be returned to society.

Deep Pot-shaped Earthenware
with Human Face Decoration

Address
Hours
Closed3-1-14 Ote, Kofu, Yamamashi
9:00 - 17:00
Tuesdays (or the following day if a public holiday),
29 ‒ 31 December
Admissions Permanent exhibition: Free. Special exhibition room: Adults ¥300,¥240 for groups of more than 20 people,
Free for high school students and younger,

AccessBy car: 20 minute drive via Alps Street from the Kofu Showa
Interchange (IC) on the Chuo Expressway
By train: About 10 minutes bus ride from Japan Railway(JR) Kofu station. Please get on the Yamanashi Kotsu bus
bound for Takeda Jinja shrine or Sekisuiji temple.

>> Opening on April 4th, 2019!

52

map B -map B -

Minami-Alps City Furusato
Bunka Denshokan(Hometown Culture Museum)2727 Yagoshima, Minami-Alps,
Yamanashi 400-0205☎ 055-282-7408■Admission Free
9：30 ‒ 16：30 (tbc)■Hours■ClosedThursdays (tbc), New Year s holidays■https://www.city.minami-alps.yamanashi.jp/
sisetsu/shisetsu/bunkazai-densyokan/

The museum exhibits archeological artifacts excavated from historic ruins in the city, such as Dogu figurinesand earthenware. The most famous one is of course, Ravi ,The Goddess of Fertility, a National Important
Cultural Property excavated from the Imojiya Historic Ruins. Daily necessities from the olden days are also on
display. There are also a variety of experiences available that do not require reservation.
*Currently under renovation. Expected to reopen in late May, 2019. Note that the information described here is subject to change.

Nirasaki City Folk Museum
786-3 Minami-Gejo, Fujii,
Nirasaki, Yamanashi 407-0004☎ 0551-22-1696■Admission■Hours■ClosedFree
9:00 ‒ 16:30 (Opens at 13:00 on Thursdays)
Mondays (except public holidays), Thursday Mornings,
days following public holidays, New Year s holidays■https://www.city.nirasaki.lg.jp/docs/2013021607668/

The City of Nirasaki commands dynamic natural views of Mt. Yatsugatake to the north, the three mountainsof Ho-o to the west, Mt. Kayagatake to the east and the sacred Mt. Fuji in south. Many ruins of the Jomon
villages have been discovered with the rich nature of the southern foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake in the
background. Artifacts left behind by our ancestors are the vestiges of the Jomon people, who kept their lively
way of life going for thousands of years.
Permanent
Exhibit

Permanent
ExhibitDid we
come
from
outer
space?!

The museum will be reopened asa pavilion ﬁlled with the appeal of
Minami-Alps City, while retaining
the impressive character of the
Jomon exhibition rooms. The
Dogu mascot character, Ravi ‚will welcome visitors inside.
(National Important Cultural Property)

205 artifacts consisting of earthenware,stoneware and Dogu were designated as
National Important Cultural Properties as agroup. The collection includes many excellent
pieces, such an earthenware vessel that has
Dogu figure decorations on both sides, a Dogu
figurine that has eyeballs, as well as a clay
artifact in the shape of a monkey.

53

Many Japan Heritage Cultural Properties are on display!

A Jomon landscape - the Meotoishi Historic Ruins and thesunset at Mt. Jizogatake

The Meotoishi Historic Ruins command a view of a unique mountain, known as
Mt. Jizogatake. On vernal and autumnal equinox days, the sun can be seen
setting on the peak of Mt. Jizogatake from the ruins. The location of the ruins
may be a clue to understanding how the Jomon people viewed the world.

Ravi, the Goddess of Fertility

Excavated artifacts from the Imojiya
Historic Ruins

ofile!
autiful pr
What a be ut from
o
it
k
c
e
s!
Ch
angle
rent
diffe

One of the most recognized works ofJomon culture, this cone-shaped
Dogu, excavated from the Imojiya
Historic Ruins. has been transported
overseas for exhibitions seven times.
With its characteristic pregnant female
shape, the large Dogu is popularly
known by the nickname Ravi, theGoddess of Fertility. It has been madeinto a mascot character and wasselected as the best Dogu character inJapan.

Dogu Figurine with Beautiful Skin,
Miss Ishinotsubo

The carefully polished surface is sure toleave you spellbound. Her facial expression
shifts between different emotions dependingon the viewing angle. The varied expressionsof this life-bringing maternal figure are amust-see!

Comto th pare iteM
Godd asked
ess!

Earthenware with Human
Body Design and
Perforated Brim,
excavated from the
Imojiya Historic Ruins(National Important Cultural Property)

The surface of this vessel isdecorated with reliefs of Dogu
figures, which seem to be
dancing. It is large with a somewhat magical atmosphere.

Obsidian rocks excavated from the
Osadaguchi Historic Ruins

Four large obsidian rocks were unearthed,with the largest one weighing 940 grams.
They are the largest obsidian stone coresexcavated within Yamanashi Prefecture, andare thought to be a product of Hoshigato.

A Dogu treasure trove! The
Mystery of the Meotoishi
Historic Ruins

Numerous Dogu have been excavated from around the uniquely shapedrock in the Meotoishi Historic Ruins,probably the greatest density in all
Japan. What were the Jomon people
thinking of as they handcrafted
them, one by one?

JOMON… as in the historicalperiod, or the castle gate?! ‒Nirasaki is known as the Homelandof the Takeda Clan, with historicsites such as the Takeda Hachimangu Shrine that enshrines thefamily deity of the Takeda family, as
well as the last of the Takeda
castles, Shinpu Castle. Keep youreye out for another Jomon, (this one
means the castle gate ) it's not tobe missed!

Masked Dogu ﬁgurine from theUshirota Historic Ruins: Uula

The famous masked dogu National Treasure,commonly referred to as the Masked Goddess,
is in the city of Chino, Nagano. She actually
has a sister in Nirasaki. The masked Dogu
excavated from the Ushirota Historic Ruins is
nicknamed, Uula. Take a look, and compare
it to the Masked Goddess.

54

List of Japan Heritage Cultural properties:
The Starry-skied Jomon world of the Central Highlands

map B -

Kasugai Local Museum and
Masako Ogawa Memorial Museum■Admission

170-1 Teramoto,Kasugai, Fuefuki,
Yamanasi 406-0013

NaganoAdults and College Students: ¥200(¥160 per person for groups of more than 20)

Elementary, junior high and high school students: ¥100

☎ 0553-26-5100■Hours■Closed(¥80 per person for groups of more than 20)

9:00 ‒ 17:00 (Last entrance at 16:30)
Tuesdays, days following public holidays, New Year s holidays (Dec. 27th to Jan. 5th)

The city of Fuefuki boasts numerous historic ruins from the final stages of the early-Jomon period to the endof the mid-Jomon period, around 5,500 to 4,500 years ago. Excavations have been carried out at the
Shakado, Katsurano, Sanko, Choshippara, Ichinosawa and Nishihara historic ruins. The Dogu excavated fromthe Katsurano Historic Ruins were given names such as Misakappa or Yahho, and became part of theJapan Heritage Cultural Properties group titled, the Starry-skied Jomon World of the Chubu Highlands . They
are on exhibit at the Kasugai Local Museum.

Brillirant
naming!

Permanent
Exhibit

h for
Hurra
Dogu!
❶

❷

❸

❹

❸ Misakappa❶ Part of an Earthenware vessel with a Pregnant
Female Dogu Figurine

Excavated from the Katsurano Historic Ruins, this piece
was a decorative part in a pregnant female-shape, from thebrim of an earthenware vessel. This piece was found alone
in the floor of a dwelling. No more was found of the vessel
this decoration should have been a part of at the site where
the piece was unearthed. The dwelling was found in a rather
unusual condition, having been covered with stones as if toconceal something.

❷ Dogu Figurine with Stiff Shoulders

Excavated from the Katsurano Historic Ruins, this figure is
identified as a "Posing Dogu" from the first half of the
mid-Jomon period. A pregnant woman massaging her own
fatigued shoulder is realistically depicted. A few other
Posing Dogu figures similar to this one were found at the
Katsurano Historic Ruins.

55

Excavated from the Katsurano Historic Ruins, this is a Dogufrom the beginning of the mid-Jomon period, in a shape of
Kappa, or a river sprite. Though missing a part of its footand one of its ears, it is in almost perfect condition. It was
unearthed just below the floor, almost in the center of adwelling, its body broken into two halves.

❹ YahhoExcavated from the Katsurano Historic Ruins, this is a
Banzai Dogu from the latter half of the mid-Jomon period.
Similarly to Misakappa, it found on the floor of a dwelling,
broken in two. The hole that represents the mouth continues down inside to where the stomach would be.
*Both Misakappa and Yahho were named by the students attending
Misaka-Higashi Elementary School at the time of the excavation.
*Objects are sometimes on loan to other museums and may not be on
display. Please make inquiries at the Cultural Properties section of the
Fuefuki City Office for details.
（Tel: 055-261-3342）

Chino City
The Venus of Jomon Dogu
The Masked Goddess Dogu
Togariishi Historical Site
Nakappara Historical Site
Uenodan Historical Site
Komagata Historical Site
Ikenodaira-Gozaiwa Historical Site
Yatsugatake Obsidian Mining Site
Mt. Tateshina, Mt. Yatsugatake
Fujimi-machi
Idojiri Historical Site
Artifacts of Tonai Historical Site
Artifacts of Sakaue Historical Site
Artifacts of Sori Historical Site
Tonai Historical Site and Idaira Historical Site
Pottery with Figure of a Human (Todonomiya Historical Site)
Hara Mura
Akyu Historical Site
Lamp-shaped Pottery with Face Decoration (Maeone Historical Site)
Suwa City
Sone Historical Site
Jakoppara Historical Sites
Yashimagahara Wetland, Kurumayama Wetland, Odoriba Wetland
Chikatosha Shrine, Juninoki Historical Site
Suwa area archaeological materials collected by Eichi Fujimori
Artifacts of house number 18 in Anaba Historical Site
Artifacts of Kojindani Historical Site
Artifacts of Odasho Historical Site (Special Shaped Pottery)Okaya City
Artifacts of Kaido Historical Site
Artifacts of Enokikakisoto Historical Site
Artifacts of Mekiri Historical Site
Artifacts of Kajoji Historical Site
Obsidian gemstone of Shimizuda Historical Site
Nashikubo Historical Site and its artifacts
Odasho Historical Site and its artifacts (dogu)

Kawakami Mura
Omiyama Ruins
Artifacts of Omiyama Ruins
Crystal Produced in Kawakami Village
Ishinashi (Pear Tree)

Yamanashi
Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Archaeology
Deep Bowl-Shaped Pottery (Tonobayashi Ruins)
Artifacts of Ichinosawa Ruins
Artifacts of Sakenomiba Ruins
Artifacts of Kaidomae Ruins
Artifacts of Andouji Ruins
Artifacts of Haramachi Highschool of Agriculture Ruins
Artifacts of Kabuppara Ruins
Artifacts of Tenjin Ruins
Uenohara Ruins
Kofu City
Deep Bowl-Shaped Pottery with Human Face Decoration (Ushiro Ruins)
Hokuto City
Umenoki Ruins
Kinsei Ruins
Artifacts of Tsugane Goshomae Ruins
Artifacts of Suwahara Ruins
Artifacts of Ishiharada Kita Ruins
Artifacts of Kinsei Ruins
Teradokoro 2nd Ruins
Artifacts of Chikuu Ruins
Nirasaki City
Artifacts of Ishinotsubo Ruins
Artifacts of Meotoishi Ruins
Minami Alps City
Artifacts of Imojiya Ruins
Osadaguchi Ruins

Shimosuwa-machi
Wada-Pass and The Historic Road
Hoshigato Obsidian Mining Site
Vermillion Colored Pot (Tsuchida ruins)
Yashimagahara Wetland

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum
Deep Bowl-shaped Large Pottery from the Katsurano Ruins

Nagawa-machi
Otomekura Ruins
Takayama Obsidian Mining Pits
Hoshikuso Pass Obsidian Mining Pit
Oiwake Ruins
Onitan Ruins
Incense Burner-shaped Pottery (Nakamichi Ruins)

Koshu City Shakado Ruins Museum
Artifacts of Shakado Ruins

Fuefuki City
Artifacts of Katsurano Ruins

56

A

B

Tomi City

NaganoYamanashi

Ueda City

Tateshina-machi

Hokuto City

Matsumoto City
Kirigamine Highland
and Wetlands❿⓯⓭

Kinsei Historic Ruins Park⓮⓰

Chino City⓰⓰

Umenoki Historic Ruins Park

Sakuho-machi

Kai City

Ikenodaira Goza Rock Ruins

Komagata Historic Ruins

Nirasaki City Folk Museum

Koumi-machi

Chino City Togariishi
Museum of Jomon Archaeology

Nakappara
Historic Ruins

Togariishi Stone Age Historic Ruins
Hara Mura

Akyu Historic Ruins

Yatsugatake Museum of Art
Fujimi-machi

Kofu City

Nirasaki City

Koshu City

Kofu City Fujimura Memorial Museum

Uenodan Stone Age Ruins

Suwa City

Suwa City Museum

Yamanashi City

Obsidian Experience Museum
Hoshikuso Pass Obsidian Mining Site

Shimosuwa-machi

Hoshigato Museum Yanoneya

Okaya Art &ArcheologicalMuseum⓱Primitive and Ancient Peoples
Experience Museum

Nagawa-machi

The Hoshigato
Obsidian Mining Site

Okaya
City

Hokuto City Archeological Data Hall

Saku City

Kasugai Local Museum and
Masako Ogawa Memorial Museum

Minamimaki Mura
Kawakami Village
Culture Center
Omiyama Historic Ruins
Kawakami Mura

Minami-Alps City
Furusato Bunka Denshokan
Minami Alps City

Yamanashi
Prefectural Museum

Chuo City

Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture

Yamanashi PrefecturalArcheological Museum
Fuefuki City

Tonai and Idaira Historic Ruins
Idojiri Archeological Museum
Idojiri Historic Ruins
Fujikawaguchiko-machi

Ina City

57

58