What to know
The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara (Nara Prefectural Archaeological Institute) was founded by the Nara prefectural government to research and protect the region's many archaeological sites. Notably, the institute led the excavation of the Takamatsuzuka Tomb in the 1970s. Situated at the foot of Mount Unebi, one of the three Yamato mountains, the institute also houses a public museum.
The museum features three main exhibition halls. The first hall covers the Jomon Period (13,000 BC–300 BC) and the Yayoi Period (300 BC–300 AD), the second focuses on the Kofun Period (300–538), and the third spans from the Asuka Period (538–710) to the Muromachi Period (1338–1573). Alongside archaeological artifacts, the museum presents informative maps and dioramas.
The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara is a five-minute walk from Unebigoryo-mae Station. Alternatively, it is a 15-minute walk or a five-minute bicycle ride from Kashiharajingu-mae Station.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Closed
- Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday), December 28 to January 4 and irregular closing days for maintenance
- Admission
- 400 yen (~$2.56) during regular exhibitions.
- English name
- The Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara
- Original name
- Archaeological Institute of Kashihara
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.