Photo courtesy of Yamagata Prefectural Museum
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A comprehensive museum where you can explore Yamagata’s nature, history, and culture all in one place.
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.
Displays include the fossil’s original unearthed state and a skeletal specimen of the Yamagata Daikaigyu Photo courtesy of Yamagata Prefectural Museum
The National Treasure dogu figurine, Jomon Goddess, was excavated from the Nishinomae Ruins in Funagata Town, Yamagata Prefecture Photo courtesy of Yamagata Prefectural Museum
Located inside Kajo Park in central Yamagata City Photo courtesy of Yamagata Prefectural Museum
Educational Materials Museum (former main building of Yamagata Normal School) Photo courtesy of Yamagata Prefectural Museum
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No, it is not.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
Yes, there are (100-yen coin required, refunded after use).
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
No, it is not allowed.
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Is there a smoking area?
No, there is not.
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Is there parking?
Yes. 10 spaces available free of charge.
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Is there an elevator?
No. Some areas are barrier-free.
