The 'Jomon Venus' clay figurine (Dogu) is a National Treasure and represents a pregnant female, highlighting the period's focus on fertility rituals.
The 'Masked Goddess' figurine was discovered in 2000 and was later designated a National Treasure due to its unique, elaborate form.
The Togariishi site is one of the largest and most well-documented settlements from the Middle Jomon period in Japan.
Excavations at this site provided the primary evidence that Jomon people lived in relatively stable, semi-sedentary societies rather than solely nomadic groups.
The museum grounds include reconstructions of pit dwellings based on actual archaeological floor plans found on-site.
The facility is positioned at the base of the Yatsugatake Mountains, which provided abundant obsidian and forest resources to prehistoric inhabitants.
The Chino City Togariishi Jomon Archaeological Museum houses artifacts from the Jomon period, specifically focusing on the Togariishi and Yosekura archaeological sites. It is world-renowned for preserving two National Treasures of Japan: the Jomon Venus and the Masked Goddess clay figurines. The museum displays excavated items such as stone tools, pottery, and residential remains that clarify the prehistoric lifestyle of the Yatsugatake mountain range region. The facility serves as a gateway to the neighboring outdoor excavation site where reconstructed Jomon-style pit dwellings are located. The permanent exhibition explains the social complexity and settlement patterns of Jomon hunter-gatherers. The museum is located in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture, integrated into a park-like setting. It provides insight into the long-term occupation of the central Japanese highlands during the middle Jomon period.
The life-sized replica of the Jomon Venus displayed in the main lobby or the outdoor reconstructed pit dwellings.
Walk the outdoor loop trail to view the reconstructed pit dwellings and the actual excavation pits preserved in the ground.
Check the museum's website for temporary exhibition updates, as they often rotate smaller artifacts not shown in the main gallery.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality replicas of the Jomon Venus.
Do not attempt to explore the hiking trails surrounding the museum without proper footwear if there has been recent rain.
Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year period.
Photography rules vary by exhibit; look for posted signs before taking pictures of National Treasures.
