Fossil and Nature Experience Center

sightseeing

The Iwadonokyūryō (rocky hills) around this experience center are comprised mainly of the Toki River layer group, strata accumulated in the sea 10 to 15 million years ago, which contain a wide range of fossils. This experience center is the only facility in the prefecture where visitors can experience digging up fossils, such as shark teeth, from 15 million-year-old conglomerate rock. Together with the lecturer, challenge yourself to dig up fossils using a sieve, hammer and chisel! Most of the fossils you find can be brought home, with some exceptions. Since the fossil digging takes place inside the facility, activities can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

Basic Information

Location
Higashimatsuyama Bandōyama 13
TEL
0493-35-3892

Business hours / Fee

Business hours
9:00 ~ 17:00
Regular holiday
Monday of every week (in case of a holiday, the following day), New Year's Holiday (December 29th to January 3rd)
Fee
In the City: Elementary, Middle School Students 500 yen, General 700 yen Out of the City: Elementary, Middle School Students 700 yen, General 1,000 yen

How to get there

Public transport
Take the bus headed for Kami Kumai from the west exit of Takasaka Station and Get off at “Kaseki to Shizen no Taikenkan”
Approximately 10 minutes via taxi from the west exit of Taksaka Station of Tobu Tojo Line and roughly 15 minutes via taxi from Higashi Matsuyama Station
Car
Approximately 10 minutes from Higashimastuyama Interchange of the Kan-Etsu Expressway to the direction of Kawagoe・Kawajima
Parking
Free: Yes
Available for Large Buses
Fee: None

Other

Internet Wi-Fi
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Duty-free shop
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Credit card
VISA:×_x000D_
JCB:×_x000D_
MASTER:×_x000D_
その他:×

Universal design

AED installation
General / Wheelchair Shared Elevator
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Wheelchair rental
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Floor with handrail
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Stairs with handrail
Wheelchair-accessible slope
Stroller rental (There may be a charge.)
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Sign language support
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Braille explanation
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Voice guidance
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Wheelchair parking
Breastfeeding room
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Compatible with diaper changing tables
Wheelchair lift
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Baby keep or baby chair
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Map

Nearby spots

Saitama Kodomo Doubutu Nature Park
Saitama Kodomo Doubutu Nature Park

At the vast site that spreads 46 hectares towards Hiki Hills, popular animals such as the giraffes, red pandas, koalas, as well as the ecological park of Humboldt penguins known as the “Penguin Hills” can be enjoyed. Adjacent to the park, there is a path to take strolls and a path for those interesting in cross country. This is the only zoo in Japan in which Eco Houchoo’s Gundi, Hyrax, and the world’s smallest deer, Pudu, and the Quokka, which joined to commemorate the park’s 40th anniversary, can be seen. Winter’s seasonal tradition: “Capybara Hot Spring” is very popular as well.

Iwadono Kannon Shoboji
Iwadono Kannon Shoboji

Known as Iwadono Kannon, Shōbōji’s official name is Iwadonosan Shōbōji. At the Bando 33 spot pilgrimage’s 10th Holy Place, people have prayed from ancient times, which lead to the achievement of a constant stream of people. During the age of civil wars, when the forces of Takeda took on Matsuyama Castle, it is said that the honjin (an officially appointed hotel with accommodations for a daimyo and his procession) was established. When you pass the row of houses that hid what used to be a constant stream of people, the Niōmon gate comes into view. If you climb up the stone steps you can see the city’s oldest bell tower and a temple built by wood dedicated to Kannon as well as a large Ginkgo tree. ※ Seasonal Information: The yellowing of the leaves of the large ginkgo tree estimated to be over 700 years-old is best in early December.

Inahoterasu
Inahoterasu

JA Saitama Chuo's Higashi Matsuyama direct sales center "Inahoterasu" is an open building constructed with local wood and natural material. The name was chosen through a contest where locals participated and came with suggestions. Inahoterasu symbolizes how the ears of rice (=inaho) will light up (=terasu) a bright future for people. Here you can find a wide variety of souvenirs from Higashimatsuyama City, such as processed pears and chestnuts, yakitori rice crackers, and other sweets!

Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels
Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels

Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels was built by the collaborative husband and wife artists Toshi and Iri Maruki to create a place where their work "The Hiroshima Panels," 15 panels depicting the effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, could be viewed by anyone at any time. In 1966, they moved to Shimogarako, Higashimatsuyama City, opening the Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels the following year, and spent more than 30 years completing all 15 panels. The museum also holds special themed exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and other events on the theme of war and life.

Yakyu Inari Shrine
Yakyu Inari Shrine

It is said that Minamoto no Yorinobu, on his way to defeat Taira no Tadatsune in the Heian period (794-1185), had a dream that a god on a white fox gave him a bow and arrow, aiding his win in the battle, thus spurning him to establish this shrine out of gratitude. Yakyū Inari Shrine is designated as a prefectural cultural property for its gongen-zukuri style, with highly sophisticated carvings inside and out. Known for the god of good harvest, prosperous business and the arts, and most notably as the god of victory, many baseball players visit the shrine to pray due to the shrine being named "Yakyū" (baseball). The peony gardens are at peak bloom alongside wisteria and azaleas during mid-April.

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