Jomon Culture Guide
The beginning of the Jomon Culture
15,000 years ago, the ice age which lasted tens of thousands of years came to an end. The earth's temperature rose, and nature began to show its seasonal colors in the Japanese islands.People chose to live with the fertile lands. They rowed out to the seas, climbed the mountains and gathered into villages.Thus started the Jomon Culture.
Jomon Life
The Jomon people observed their surroundings, the ocean, mountains and rivers, and invented crafts and technologies to fit their environment.Such knowledge was accumulated in the villages, and sent out to the world through trade. From the wisdom gained from their surrounding nature sprang the Jomon culture.
The Jomon Spirit
Tools were not the only discoveries found in the Jomon sites. Artifacts holding the spirit of the Jomon era were also uncovered. A clay tablets with impression of feet. A Hollow Clay Figure （Chuku-Dogu） named Kakku, a national treasure. Hear their whispers bringing us memories of the past.
Towards World Heritage designation.
Today the Jomon culture is gathering attention from around the world. Among the many civilizations in history that rise and fall, the Jomon culture lasted for over 10, 000 years.Being precious treasures of humanity, the 15 Jomon ruins distributed in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku, including Hakodate's Ofune Ruins, are enlisted in the proposed list for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site （envisioned for 2015）
Facility Information
- Museum Outline
- Museum Information
Facility Information
The Hakodate Jomon Culture Center is a museum exhibiting Hokkaido's first national treasure, the Hollow Clay Figure （Chuku-Dogu）, and various other clay and metal instruments. The museum which is also a roadside station, offers a menu of five hands-on activities.
Museum Outline
- ［Address］
- 551-1 Usujiri-cho Hakodate City Hokkaido 041-1613
- ［Phone］
- +81-（0）138-25-2030
- ［Hours of Operation］
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
（closes 4:30PM November 1 to March 31）
- ［Closed］
- on Mondays （closed the next day if Mondays are national holidays）, every last Friday of the month, New Year's holiday.
- ［Parking Lots］
- 5 Large Vehicles, 33 cars, 2 for disabled persons.
Admission Fees
| Admission Fees | Individuals | Groups （For groups of 20 or more visitors） |
|---|---|---|
| General | 300yen | 240yen |
| Students and Children | 150yen | 120yen |
| Preschool Children | Free | Free |
| Hakodate citizens of 65 | 150yen | 120yen |
- ※For Group visits a representative must purchase admission for the group and the group must enter together.
- ※Hakodate citizens of 65 or older and disabled persons have free admission.
- ※Elementary/junior high school students residing in or in schools with Hakodate have free admission.
Museum Information
1F
AExhibition Room 2
Various tools and vessels made of clay, stone and bones, hold the wisdom and ingenuity of the Jomon, as well as their vertical cave housing and storage pits. From these artifacts, we can explore the life of the hardy Jomon.
BExhibition Room 3
Various tools and vessels made of clay, stone and bones, hold the wisdom and ingenuity of the Jomon, as well as their vertical cave housing and storage pits. From these artifacts, we can explore the life of the hardy Jomon.
CExhibition Room 4 ［DOGU］
This clay figure found in the Chobonaino Ruins is hollow inside, its surface fine and thin with exquisite patterns. This figure, which became the first to be designated as a national treasure in Hokkaido, will be on permanent exhibition here.
2F
DExhibition Room 1
Your entrance to the world of Jomon. Adaptive to the severe environment, the prosperity of Jomon culture endured for over ten thousand years. The Jomon culture is a unique Japanese culture unprecedented throughout the world.
EHands-on Lab
Hall for study sessions and various hands-on activities such as Angin knitting and Magadama （comma-shaped bead） crafting. Activity menus are available without reservation. Contact us for further information.
FRoadside Station
Jomon Roman Minamikayabe
Information area regarding local specialties and souvenirs. Restrooms, parking lots and pay phones are available 24 hours. This is the only Roadside station in the nation to hold a national treasure integrated with a museum facility.
ACCESSMAP
ACCESS
- HAKODATE JOMON CULTURE CENTER
- ［Adress］551-1,Usujiri-cho,Hakodate-city,Hokkaido,JP
-
［Hours of Operation］9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
（closes 4:30PM November 1 to March 31） - ［Phone］+81-（0）138-25-2030
Traffic access
