Tōkamachi City Museum 【十日町市博物館】

The Sasayama exhibit features artifacts from the Jōmon period (14,000–350 BCE) recovered between 1980 and 2013, including “flame-style” pottery that was designated the first national treasure in all of Niigata Prefecture.

Textiles Collection

The history of weaving in the Tōkamachi area dates back to the Jōmon period. Fabric imprints were found on the bases of pottery excavated in the Shinano River Basin, the oldest discovery of its kind in Japan. The collection also showcases the techniques and implements used in the production of Echigo chijimi crêpe, which is made from ramie plant fibers.

Snow Country Collection

The Tōkamachi area receives an average of 2 meters of snow each year and is part of the “snow country” (yukiguni), a region characterized by heavy snowfall. This exhibit showcases the traditional clothing, food, housing, and tools that have been used as part of daily life in this harsh environment.