Chojagahara Archaeological Museum

At the Center of the World’s Oldest Jade Carving Culture

The Chojagahara Archaeological Site was the site of a number of massive settlements over 3,500 to 5,000 years ago. It covers an area of 13.6 hectares, and is about three times the size of Tokyo Dome. The people who lived in these settlements, known as the Jomon people, collected jade from the nearby rivers and coast. Recognizing its durability and beauty, they used it in the crafting of tools and jewelry. This eventually developed into the first example of jade carving known in the world. Today, the Chojagahara Archaeological Site is recognized as one of the largest neolithic sites in Japan’s Hokuriku Region and is registered as a National Historic Site of Japan.

Due to its size, it is estimated that not even 10% of the settlement site has been unearthed. A few dwellings have been reconstructed as an archaeological park nearby, while the Chojagahara Archaeological Museum exhibits a massive collection of Jomon earthenware, stone tools, jade beads and other historical artifacts unearthed at the site and similar sites around Itoigawa.

Visit to experience the Jomon spirit at the Chojagahara Archaeological Museum!

◆ Chojagahara Archaeological Museum
Adults: 300 yen, 200 yen if entering with a group (20 people and above)
High School Students and below: 200 yen, 100 yen if entering with a group (20 people and above)

Joint Admission with Fossa Magna Museum:
Adults: 800 yen, 700 yen if entering with a group (20 people or more)
High School Students and below: 400 yen, 200 yen if entering with a group (20 people and above)
Entry is free for people with a disability or those on welfare.

◆ Chojagahara Archaeological Park
Admission is free.