Yamagata Prefectural Museum

Opened in 1971, this comprehensive museum stands inside Kajo Park in Yamagata City and features departments covering geology, animals, plants, archaeology, history, and folklore. Its three exhibition rooms present permanent displays where visitors can learn about the nature, history, and culture of Yamagata Prefecture. Exhibition Room 1 introduces how Yamagata was formed, along with its forests and climate change. Exhibition Room 2 covers history from the Paleolithic and Jomon periods to rice-growing life. Exhibition Room 3 focuses on local culture and toys from the modern era onward.

The museum also houses and displays valuable materials, including the National Treasure dogu figurine known as the “Jomon Goddess” and fossils of the Yamagata Daikaigyu, a mammal from Approx. 10 million years ago discovered in the Mogami River, making it well worth a visit. Highlights include creative exhibits that make learning fun, such as rock, mineral, and fossil specimens, as well as a hands-on activity area where visitors can touch real materials.

The museum also has two affiliated facilities: the Nature Study Garden, centered around Biwa Swamp, a designated Prefectural Natural Monument, and the Educational Materials Museum, housed in the former main building of Yamagata Normal School. The former main building of Yamagata Normal School is a valuable structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.