Nagano Prefecture
Hall for First-hand Experience...(of Jomon)
Ancient houses and remains of the Jomon Period (10,000 B.C. to 400 B.C.) are on display. Experience making earthenware, stoneware and bone-or-horn utensils.
At Nagato Town, Chiisagata County. Contact town office: tel. 0268-68-4339, fax 0268-68-4343, email - webmaster@town.nagato.nagano.jp - Homepage (in Japanese): www.town.nagato.nagano.jp/taikenkan/index.html
Hiraide History Park, Shiojiri
Location of a mid-Jomon village, in what is claimed to be one the greatest archaeological sites in Japan. Reconstructed dwellings nicely placed among trees. Hiraide Archaeological Museum is adjacent (has a very large collection of earthenware and clay figures).
Idojiri's Jomon Potteries, Fujimi
An online exhibition of Jomon pottery from a range of sites in Nagano Prefecture. Produced by MUSE (a Texnai company project) in cooperation with the Idojiri Archeological Museum, Fujimicho, Nagano, Japan.
Togari-Ishi Ruins
Website not known. Well known ruins of a Jomon settlement. The adjacent Togari-Ishi Archaeological Museum houses large collection of materials from this site, including the 'Venus of Jomon' (a designated National Property). Archaeological literature is also displayed. Access: Togari-Ishi Archaeological Museum, 4734-132 Higashi-dake, Toyohira, Chino-city, Nagano Pref., 391-0213. Tel. 0266-76-2270. Open 9 am - 4.30 pm. Closed Tuesday, and some national holidays.
Yatsugatake sites
These sites, on the flank of Mt Yatsugatake in Nagano Prefecture, have revealed lithic industries dating from the Late Palaeolithic to the Incipient Jomon. The Yatsugatake Palaeolithic Research Group offers an excellent website, with maps, photos, and publications.
Jomon earthenware, stone artefacts, and archaeological literature can be seen at the Yatsugatake Museum. Access: 17217-1611 Hara-mura, Suwa-gun, Nagano Pref., 391-0100. Tel. 0266-74-2701.