Hiraide Ruins The nationally designated Hiraide Ruins rank among Japan’s major archaeological sites. They lie about 2 kilometers southwest of JR Chuo Line Shiojiri Station on the vineyard-covered Kikyogahara plain. The site stretches in a belt along the Shibukawa stream flowing from Hiraide spring, extending roughly 1 kilometer east to west and 300 meters north to south. Full-scale excavations begun in 1950 revealed that people lived at Hiraide from the Jomon period through the Heian period. Numerous dwelling remains and associated artifacts were unearthed. These rich finds formed a fundamental body of material for studying prehistoric and ancient culture in this region, and the site was designated a National Historic Site in 1952. Subsequent excavations have uncovered more than 290 dwelling and building remains to date. ◇Hiraide Museum The museum displays clay figurines, pottery, stone tools, and iron implements excavated from the Hiraide Ruins, along with artifacts from other local sites. Highlights include prefectural treasures such as the green-glazed water jar, the Shibamiya bronze bell, the Irisawa tile tower, and distinctive Jomon pottery from Shinshu. ◇Historical Park Around the museum lies the Hiraide Kofun Group, three burial mounds thought to belong to powerful local leaders who once governed the Hiraide settlement. You can also see a pit-dwelling reconstruction that was the first of its kind restored anywhere in Japan. ◇Hiraide Archaeological Park Hiraide Archaeological Park reconstructs villages from the Jomon, Kofun, and Heian periods under the theme “Five thousand years of Hiraide.” Fifteen reconstructed dwellings and buildings stand in the park, and visitors can enter some of them. Recreations of Jomon, Yayoi, and Heian period dwellings let you experience changes in structure and building materials firsthand and feel how people’s daily lives evolved over time. ◇Guidance Building The guidance building houses a learning corner, rest area, and observation room, creating a relaxed space for visitors to learn about the Hiraide Ruins. Hands-on programs related to prehistoric and ancient life—such as fire making and magatama (curved bead) making—are offered and remain popular with local children. On the second floor, an observation room offers a panoramic view of the archaeological park. ◇Practical Information <Historical Park and Hiraide Museum> Address: 1011-3 Soga, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0263-52-1022 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Closed: Mondays, the day after national holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Parking: Cars 50 spaces / Large buses 10 spaces (free) Admission: Adults 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students free / Groups of 20 or more 240 yen per person Access: 15-minute walk from JR Shiojiri Station or get off at Hiraide Museum on the Soga community bus line <Archaeological Park and Guidance Building> Address: 388-2 Soga, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0263-52-3301 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays, the day after national holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Parking: Available (free) Reception hours: 9:00–11:00 and 13:00–15:30 Admission: Free (materials fees may apply for some activities) Access: 15-minute walk from JR Shiojiri Station or a 6-minute walk from Hiraide Gate on the Soga community bus line