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Yamagata Prefectural Museum

山形県

3.9

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Yamagata Comprehensive Museum, conveying the history and culture of Yamagata

The Yamagata Prefectural Museum showcases the charm of "Yamagata" both within and outside the prefecture. It introduces the history of Yamagata Prefecture from various fields such as geology, botany, archaeology, and folklore. The national treasure "Jomon Venus," of which there are only five in the country, is a must-see.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Learn about the Nature and History of Yamagata Prefecture at the Permanent Exhibition!

画像引用：My favorite things about Yamagata

The permanent exhibition at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum introduces the changes in nature and human activity from the formation of Yamagata Prefecture to the present day, through various fields such as geology, botany, zoology, archaeology, history, and folklore. In the first exhibition room, the rich natural changes and characteristics of Yamagata are explained through themes such as "The Formation of Yamagata," "Science of Forests," and "Yamagata's Warm Currents and Snow." In the second exhibition room, the focus is on the lives and culture of Yamagata's farmers, samurai, and townspeople, from "Dawn of Yamagata" to "Life and Heart of Rice Cultivation." In the third exhibition room, the modern culture and lifestyle of Yamagata, which is connected to the present day, is introduced through themes such as "Street Customs" and "Yamagata's Folk Toys." Additionally, the museum also displays rocks, minerals, and fossils, allowing visitors to experience the diversity of the earth's history and nature through actual specimens that appear in textbooks and field guides. The Yamagata Prefectural Museum is a place where you can experience the charm of the region as it introduces a wide range of Yamagata Prefecture's nature, history, and culture.

Point 2

The Only Yamagata Dugong Fossil in the World!

画像引用：山形県公式観光サイトやまがたへの旅

The Yamagata dugong fossil on display at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum is a marine mammal from about 9 million years ago and is the only known example in the world. This fossil is an extremely valuable resource for studying the evolution of dugongs. The Yamagata dugong is a type of dugong and provides important information for understanding its unique morphology and ecology. The fossil was discovered in 1978 by two 6th grade elementary school students on the riverbed of Mogami River in Oe Town, Yamagata Prefecture. This discovery was a wonderful event that brought attention to the children's interest and curiosity in nature, leading to a scientific discovery. The Yamagata dugong fossil has since been exhibited at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, providing many people with the opportunity to learn about its valuable existence. The discovery of this fossil not only contributes to the understanding of the evolution and ecosystem of life on Earth, but also has great value as a natural heritage of the region. The Yamagata Prefectural Museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience the wonder of the history and evolution of life on Earth through this valuable fossil!

Point 3

Reproduction of a Farmhouse Diorama Exhibit!

画像引用：山形県公式観光サイトやまがたへの旅

The "Irori-bata of a Farmhouse" at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum is a diorama exhibit that faithfully reproduces the old farmhouse buildings. This diorama recreates the Yamagata of the era depicted in the drama "Oshin" and introduces the typical homes of rural villages. "Irori-bata" refers to the heating equipment used in farmhouses, and it is a fireplace built under the floor. In this diorama, the interior of a farmhouse is reproduced, with the irori-bata placed at the center. Furniture and furnishings are also faithfully reproduced to allow visitors to experience the life of old farmers. This exhibit not only introduces the rural culture and traditional life of farmers in Yamagata Prefecture but also plays a role in conveying the historical background and climate of the old era. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the warmth and daily life of the farmers at the time through the diorama and have a valuable experience touching on the history and culture of Yamagata.

Point 4

The National Treasure Jomon Venus, Created About 4,500 Years Ago

画像引用：My favorite things about Yamagata

The "Jomon Venus," housed at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, is a Jomon period figurine unearthed from the Nishinomae site in Funagata Town, Yamagata Prefecture. This figurine is an excellent work that demonstrates the pinnacle of Jomon figurine making and is highly valued for its academic worth. It has been designated as a national treasure and is the fourth national treasure figurine in the country and the sixth in the prefecture. The "Jomon Venus" was created about 4,500 years ago and is known as Japan's largest figurine. Its beautiful appearance and delicate carvings convey the rich expressive power of the people of the Jomon period. This figurine has been exhibited at international exhibitions in London and Paris and has received high praise both domestically and abroad. At the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, visitors can learn about Jomon culture and art through the "Jomon Venus." The exhibition of this valuable national treasure provides an opportunity for visitors to deepen their understanding of Jomon period life, faith, and figurine-making techniques.

Point 5

Beautiful Educational Museum in Renaissance Style!

The main building of the former Yamagata Normal School at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum was opened in 1980 as the Yamagata Prefectural Museum Educational Materials Hall. This building was once used as the main building of the Yamagata Normal School, and the exhibition rooms reproduce the classrooms of that time. The building itself is a beautiful structure that incorporates the Renaissance style of the mid-Meiji period and has a high cultural value as a cultural asset. The Educational Materials Hall exhibits materials related to education from the Edo period to the present day. Through textbooks, teaching materials, and models of classroom scenes, you can understand the history of education in Yamagata Prefecture. Through this exhibition, you can deeply consider the changes and role of education. Along with the historical value of the building, the exhibition on education is also attractive!

Sightseeing

Museum Introducing the Nature, History, and Culture of Yamagata Prefecture

The Yamagata Prefectural Museum is a comprehensive museum that introduces the nature, history, and culture of Yamagata Prefecture. The main building was opened in 1971 in Kasumigajo Park in Yamagata City (the site of the historic Yamagata Castle). It has an educational materials museum (branch) and a natural learning garden as affiliated facilities, and conducts exhibition activities to widely disseminate the appeal of Yamagata Prefecture. The museum is composed of six departments: geology, animals, plants, archaeology, history, and folklore, and many valuable materials representing Yamagata Prefecture are exhibited and stored. Among the exhibits are the national treasure "Jomon no Megami" (Jomon Venus) and the prefectural designated natural monument "Yamagata Daikaigyuu Fossil". These exhibits provide visitors with the opportunity to deeply understand the natural environment and past culture of Yamagata Prefecture. The Yamagata Prefectural Museum protects the valuable heritage of Yamagata Prefecture and contributes to the preservation and inheritance of the region's culture and history by opening it to the general public. It has become a place for local people and tourists to explore, learn, and enjoy the appeal of Yamagata Prefecture!

Access

10-Minute Walk from JR Yamagata Station West Exit!

If you're using public transportation to access the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, it's about a 10-minute walk from the west exit of JR Yamagata Station. You can check the directions from the station to the museum on signboards or maps. If you're using a private car, you can reach the museum in about 15 minutes via National Route 13 from the Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway, covering a distance of about 5 km. Parking is available in the vicinity, making it convenient to visit by car.

Basic Information

	Address	1-8 Kasumicho, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata 990-0826
	Business Hours	Mon: 定休日 Tue: 9:00～16:30 Wed: 9:00～16:30 Thu: 9:00～16:30 Fri: 9:00～16:30 Sat: 9:00～16:30 Sun: 9:00～16:30
	TEL	023-645-1111
	Web Site	http://www.yamagata-museum.jp/

Average Review

3.9

5 Reviews

2024年07月31日訪問。 300円とお安いです。山形県の成り立ちが、わかりやすく展示されています。入り口入ってすぐに目につく紫水晶は個人寄贈とのことです。これを個人で所有していたことに、その方のスケール感に驚きです。夏の山形市内観光のクールスポットとしては、よいですね。

霞城公園内にあり、北口から車で入れます。場内に入ったら左手に進み、ロータリーをまっすぐ進むと左手にあります。駐車場は館の前にあり、10台程度止めれます。山形駅からも歩いて行ける距離です。全体的に、やや昭和感のある展示で、かなり展示物は古くなっています。ここのメインは、舟形町の西ノ前遺跡から出土した土偶「縄文の女神」と47点の土偶残欠(附:つけたり)も同時に発見され、国宝となっており、すべて展示されています。縄文の女神は、5つ割れていましたが復元すると高さ45cmあり、完全な形で出土した中では最大級の大きさです。頭部に上下6つの穴が開けられおり、後ろの4つの穴にどのような役割があったのか興味がつきません。縄文中期の遺跡から出土しており、その独特のフォルムは、当時の美意識を感じさせます。縄文時代の土偶の造形は、豊かな食生活から生まれたと考えられており、日本の中心は東日本だったことが伺えます。

山形城趾公園の敷地の中にある歴史博物館。少し年季の入った感じもあるが自然、動物、地勢、歴史と幅広い展示がある。最上川関連がだいぶ充実しており重要な川であることが感じられた。

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