Experience a Day Living in Ancient Japan in the Jomon Period
A journey back in time to the roots of Japan: the art, culture and food of the Jomon period.
Highlights
Dress in traditional Jomon period clothing- simple outfits during the day, and colorful festive clothes in the evening
Connect with nature through gathering wild ingredients and hunting with a bow and arrow
Learn all about the time period from local guides with extensive knowledge
Enjoy a meal featuring local, gathered ingredients prepared over the traditional earthenware pottery
10 meals
Experience Details
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!
Inclusions
A visit to the Tokamachi City Museum
Jomon food and drinks
Lectures and tour from local tour guides
Exclusions
Transportation to site
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at the Tokamachi City Tourist Information Center. Address: 251-17 Asahicho, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture More information will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Some of the experience takes place in the forest and mountain area, so please wear sturdy shoes
If rain is forecasted, raincoats and rain boots are recommended
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Known as the prefecture of rice and sake, Niigata is a popular area for skiers and onsen-goers that also offers stunning natural attractions in every season.
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10 meals
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