Facility Information
Opening hours：9:00 – 16:00
Closed：Mondays/Winter season
Admission Price：Free
*Those wishing to visit this exhibition must go via Hoshikuso no Sato Takayama Obsidian Museum.
Introduction to the Obsidian Museum
Welcome to The Hometown of Obsidians
The Obsidian Museum of Archeology is an interactive museum located at the northeastern edge of the Kirigamine Highlands in Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of Hoshikuso Pass, a nationally designated historic site. Visitors can learn about the latest excavation research results through actual stone tools, animations, and models in an easy-to-understand manner, as well as participate in experiences such as making stone tools themselves.
◆The Hometown of Obsidian: Takayama
Obsidian, sparkling like stars, is a beautiful stone. At some point in time, people began calling the obsidian source in Takayama ‘Hoshikuso Pass’ (Literally ‘Star Dung Pass’, meaning droppings from the stars).
Due to its sharp fracture edges and easy workability, obsidian has been used as a material for stone tools for approximately 30,000 years. Many people came to Takayama in search of this precious stone, which is only found in limited locations, and as a result, numerous large archaeological sites related to obsidian distribution remain across Hoshikuso Pass and the surrounding foothills. While obsidian has travelled far and wide across Japan, this land is its true hometown.
◆Enjoy the Beauty of Obsidian at Our Gallery!
Experience Making Jomon Period Tools
The Obsidian Museum features experience rooms where visitors can try their hand at making stone tools and magatama (comma-shaped beads), along with a variety of other hands-on activities. The facility can accommodate groups of up to 150 participants.
Discover the ancient ways of Japanese life through traditional crafting. Stone tool and magatama making are enjoyable experiences for both adults and children, allowing everyone to share a fun and engaging time together. We encourage you to give it a try!
Access
3670-3 Daimon, Nagawa-machi, Chiisagata-gun, Nagano 386-0601
TEL : 0268-41-8050
FAX : 0268-41-8052
1581 Daimon, Nagawa-machi, Chiisagata-gun, Nagano 386-0601
TEL : 0268-68-4339
FAX : 0268-68-4343
