Gunma Prefecture
Gunma Archaeological Research Foundation
An excellent introduction to archaeological research in this region. Although the English content is not comprehensive (this cannot be expected for a major site such as this), an English index does cover the entire Japanese website - a good compromise and a model we recommend for similar sites. Unfortunately, the "Guide to the sites and monuments of Gunma" has not yet been translated.
Gohara dogu
In 1941, an important dogu figurine was discovered next to Gohara Station in Agatsuma Town. Since then she has become a symbol of the area, and in 1965 she was declared a National Treasure. Today she is a resident of the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, Tokyo. At Gohara Station, a signboard in Japanese explains her history (see last photo at link above), and at a dangerous intersection nearby, she is presented as a larger-than-life guardian for traffic safety.
(Thanks to Dreamise for thinking about this dogu; PJM 26.9.03)
Kasakake Ruins
Remains of a Jomon settlement are located near Azami Station in Kasakake Town, Gunma. Nearby Iwajuku ruins are believed to date from Palaeolithic period. The landmark Torreya Tree in the same area belongs to a Japanese species, (T. nucifera) that was probably a source of edible kaya nuts in prehistoric times, as in the present.
CONTACT and COPYRIGHT
Dr Peter Matthews, National Museum of Ethnology, Senri Expo Park, Suita 565-8511, Japan. Tel. +81 (6) 6876-2151. Fax +81 (6) 6878-7503. Email: info (at-mark) researchco-op.co.nz
The layout of this site, and all texts by P. J. Matthews (PJM), are copyright of The Research Cooperative 2001-4 (all rights reserved). The copyright for original contributions (photos and texts) by other contributors (individuals or organisations) is retained by each contributor concerned. All material presented here may be copied for personal use and reference, and for teaching purposes.
Aikawa Archaeological Museum
Houses the collection of AIKAWA Yukiga, with an extraordinary number of Jomon materials, and a library archaeological literature. Open: 9:30 - 16:30. Closed: Monday and New Year's Holiday (Dec.29 - Jan.3). Location: 6-10 Sanko-cho, Isesaki-city, Gunma Pref., 372-0046. Tel. 0270-25-0082. No website found. Reference: Yakimono Network.
Gunma Prefectural Museum of History
This museum is popularly known as "Gunma no Mori Hakubutsukan" (The Gunma Forest Museum) because it is located in a huge park with many trees. Exhibits archaeological and other historical materials from all periods in Gunma prefecture. The Jomon display, although small, has interesting material. Access: 239 Iwahana-machi, Takasaki-city, Gunma Prefecture 370-1293. Tel. 273-46-5522. Open: 9:30 - 16:30. Closed: Monday and New Year's Holiday (Dec.27-Jan.5). A bus from JR Takasaki Station stops at the park gate, opposite an excellent curry rice and ramen restaurant.
Kanra Ancient Art Museum
Exhibits archaeological materials of Jomon and other periods from Gunma region. Appears to be famous for Kofun period materials. Open: 9:00 - 16:30. Closed: Monday. Access: 1326 Shirakura, Kanra-machi, Kanra-gun, Gunma Pref., 370-2213. Tel. 0274-74-2159. No website found. Reference: Yakimono Network.
