Shizuoka Prefecture
Iba Museum
In Hamamatsu City, a rich on-site display of mainly Yayoi materials from a ditch-fortified village site; earlier Jomon materials are also shown. The site lies on oldest of several ancient sand-dunes that run parallel to the coast at this point. The site park is a green oasis for early morning joggers. Access: a short bus or taxi ride from JR Hamamatsu station; bus-stop name is Iba Iseki Iriguchi (10 mins from site). Tel. 053 454-1485.
Shijimizuka Ruins
A village of the late Jomon era has been reconstructed on the site, which is large enough to give a good sense of the original natural landscape. There is a wonderful semi-underground display of dense layers of shells and occasional animal bones, and a mix of both round and rectilinear house types. The adjacent Hamamatsu City Museum is reached by walking through a forest remnant, and introduces the history of the Hamamatsu area from the Palaeolithic period (20,000 years BP), through Jomon and Yayoi to the present day. This park and museum alone would make a stop in Hamamatsu worthwhile. Access: 432-8018 Hamamatsu City, Tsuka, 4-22-1. Tel. 053 456-2208, fax 053 456-2275. See also map at bottom of linked page.
Susono City
Official city website briefly introduces Jomon history olf the city and Mt Fuji region. Mentions Uekawa Remains in Kanazawa, Maruyama Remains in Kumomyoh, and Hirabayashi Remains in Tomizawa. Earthenware from the Obata Remains in Momozono can be seen in the Mt. Fuji Material Center.
Toro Ruins and Historical Museum
A remarkably well preserved Yayoi village site. The adjacent museum explains how life changed from Jomon to Yayoi periods. Located about half-way between Shizuoka JR station and the coast.