Korekawa Archaeological Institute/Museum

Directions and prices at the end of the post.

Taken from Hach's hometown website: Hachinohe is known for the abundance of relics from the Jomon period (circa 10,000 B.C. - circa 300 B.C.), and among the findings are the well-known ruins of Korekawa from the late Jomon period. This museum introduces life from the Jomon period using models and videos. In the information center are computer terminals to help obtain more detailed references of the ruins and findings. The adjacent Korekawa Archaeological Museum and Hachinohe History and Folk Museum display findings as well.

I had heard you couldn't take photos inside the exhibit area. This is not true. Akikosan asked and we were told just no tri-pods or flashes.... I took photos to my heart's content. 

 Akikosan went on this adventure with the children and I. We had a great time and finished the night off with American home-made pizza and watching Totoro together.  But first - the museum:

We got a tad bit lost....Akiksosan felt this was shameful no matter how I explained I always get lost and it's part of the adventure. She explained she is Japanese and can read the signs. It was HER GPS/Phone which led us over the mountain on very narrow, winding roads.... 

You can't really see how narrow the road is in the above shot....check this out - two way traffic....

We found the "adjacent" building first....and they directed us to the BIG building which houses the artifacts. It is free to look around the adjacent  building though there really isn't much here.... They told Akikosan, "Everyone gets lost coming here - even Japanese," and so she felt much better about being our human GPS again. ::grin:: 

This is a replica of the National Treasure you can see at the Korekawa Archeological Institution.  

Akikosan and kids

Because he could

At last.....Korekawa Archelogical Institute! 

The Jomon period is famous for it's cord pattern in weaving and pottery.  That was duplicated on the stair railing.

This was an AMAZING surprise....you put your hand over the little white hands and start a light show....

We moved on to a hologram show of life in the Jomon Period. This was easy to grasp even without a translator.

Ear decorations

Akiko pointed out how prominent and big the eyes are in all the drawings and that Japanese eyes are smaller. Just a fun point we wouldn't have noticed. 

The pottery is amazing...even more so as you realize how many thousands of years old it may be....the still strong colors of the red and black lacquer on some pieces  fascinated me. 

The hands on room was a hit with us....Stacia explores a model showing what was found at various levels of digging.

Sporting a thousand year old earring - look closely. 

Akikosan tries her hands at weaving

Vibrant colors

 The Gassyo Dobu (hands pressed in prayer - praying statue) They date this at 1000 B.C. 

 The left leg was found away from the rest of the statue. This led Zander to comment.....

"Ah, no wonder he was praying! Where's my leg?"

Akiksoan explained he was praying before he lost his leg.

You can read more about Japan's National Treasures here. This figurine is number 41 or 43 and below is the certificate.

Library 

Clay Tablet for writing

We headed home and I became a violator of Japanese Law. I'll have to blog that story tomorrow.  This was a great adventure. We loved spending time with Akikosan. We've not been able to see her much since our return from the states. 

Website - here ....

Phone 0178-38-9511

Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  (Entrance allowed until 4:30 p.m.)
Closed Mondays (closed Tuesday if Monday falls on a holiday)
Closed last day of every month

Fees: Adults ¥250, senior high and university students ¥150, elementary and junior high students ¥50

By Car: 

Take Momoishi toll road from Misawa to Hachinohe. (The trip requires 2 toll passes each way)

Turn right onto route 45.

Take route 45 to the first exit (Ferry Wharf/Hachinohe station)

Turn right under overpass. (Toward fish market)

Follow this road about 6.9 miles to route 340, turn right. (note: there are several landmarks that you go past i.e., yellow multi-story building (fish market) at the first traffic light; railroad tracks; bridge crossing the mebechi river; route 104)

Follow route 340 to the first signal  light past the two gas stations on left, turn left. (Note:  you will past a high school, a driving school, a elementary school all on your left side).

Follow this road down a hill and around a curve, at first traffic light, turn right.

The Jomon Gakushukan Archaeological Museum is approximately 200 meters on the right.  (Note: a small dirt/gravel parking area).

I think this map would be helpful (if nothing else someone at Lawsons can tell what you're trying to find)!

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...