Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 5, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get there from Yamagata Station?
About 10-15 minutes' walk from the west exit of JR Yamagata Station brings you to Kajo Park. Enter through the Higashi-Ote Gate and the museum is on the south side. You can also come by bus or car; it is about 10-15 minutes from Yamagata-Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway.
Experiences / Events (2)
Are there exhibition talks or lectures?
Exhibition talks and lectures are sometimes held alongside special exhibitions. They usually require advance booking and have limited places, so please check the official website or call if you would like to attend.
Are there hands-on events for children?
Hands-on classes are held from time to time, mainly during the summer holidays. Workshops such as making magatama beads and Job's tears crafts are popular. Please see the official website for the latest event information.
Nearby sightseeing (1)
Can I combine a visit with Kajo Park?
Yes. The museum stands within Kajo Park, the site of Yamagata Castle, so you can see it together with historic remains in the park such as the Higashi-Ote Gate and the Ninomaru Higashi-Ote Gate. The park is also famous for its cherry blossom in spring.
Exhibits (3)
What is the Jomon Goddess?
It is a clay figure from the middle Jomon period, excavated from the Nishinomae site in Funagata Town, Yamagata Prefecture, and designated a National Treasure in 2012. At about 45 cm tall it is among the largest in Japan, with a slender, refined form. It is on permanent display, so you can see it at any time.
What is the Yamagata Daikaigyu fossil?
It is the fossil of a new species of sea cow (order Sirenia) found in Yamagata Prefecture, the only individual known in the world. The actual specimen is on display and has drawn international attention as a discovery.
What is the difference between the special exhibitions and the permanent exhibition?
The permanent exhibition presents the nature and culture of Yamagata Prefecture as a whole, across six sections: geology, plants, animals, archaeology, history and folklore. Special exhibitions run for a limited period on a particular theme, and may carry a separate admission charge.
Time needed (1)
How long does a visit take?
Seeing the permanent exhibition takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow more if a special exhibition is on. Combined with a walk in Kajo Park, a visit of about 2 to 3 hours works well.
Prices (2)
Is admission free on Tohoku Culture Day?
Free admission days are sometimes held for Tohoku Culture Day (usually in late October). Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much is admission?
Adults 300 yen, university and vocational school students 150 yen, and high school age and under free. Visitors with a disability and their carers also enter free. Special exhibitions may carry a separate charge.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
There is free parking inside Kajo Park, which museum visitors may use.
Other (6)
How much is admission?
Adults 300 yen, university and vocational school students 150 yen, high school age and under free. Visitors with a disability and their carers enter free.
When is it closed?
Mondays (the following day when Monday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period.
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.
How do I get there?
About 10-15 minutes' walk from the west exit of JR Yamagata Station. Enter Kajo Park through the Higashi-Ote Gate and the museum is immediately to the south. By car it is about 10-15 minutes from Yamagata-Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway.
What is the address?
1-8 Kajocho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
What are the opening hours?
9:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00).