Experience a Day Living in Ancient Japan in the Jomon Period

While Japan is well known for its stunning and diverse archipelago and bustling modern cities, its rich history shines through its regional food and local culture. Divided into different periods throughout history, one of Japan’s oldest periods is the Jomon period (14,500 BC to 300 BC). Experience Japan’s ancient culture and discover Jomon era history for yourself during this unique Niigata dining experience! Travel back in time as you try on traditional Jomon period clothing, hunt and gather local food, and taste Jomon style cuisine.

Choosing from similar outfits as seen on Jomon statues, to begin with guests will be able to try on their own traditional Jomon style dress to wear during the experience. Like you were living in the Jomon period, your guide will lead you into the local mountain region to search for edible plants. After you soak up the beautiful view while gathering, you can also try your hand at hunting! You can learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, aiming at stationary targets.

Next, you will visit the Tokamachi City Museum to learn more about Niigata during the Jomon period. Through a range of interactive activities, you can imagine what life was like 2000 years ago in Niigata. Surrounded by an impressive collection of intricate Jomon period artifacts and nationally-treasured earthenware ‘kaen’ style pottery, you can get a snapshot into the lifestyle of Japan’s ancient civilization during this time.

To round out your day experiencing the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, you will enjoy a high-end feast inside an open-air restored pit house. Made from local ingredients hailing from the Jomon era, you will gather around a traditional earthenware hotpot filled with vegetable nabe to share. Connect with each other and the past as you enjoy a warming local meal and conversations around the fire. Experience a day in the life of ancient Japan’s Jomon period during this unique dining experience in Niigata!