Shirataki Geopark was certified on September 14, 2010 , it is one of the Geopark of Japan . Usu Toyako in Hokkaido , it will be the third continued to Samani -cho Apoi . Including the Japan of obsidian Origin " Shirataki region " is a park of the earth feel the earth and human connection that field engaru whole area . Completion

This is an archaeological cultural property center in the former village of Shirataki, which is archaeologically famous as one of Japan’s largest sources of obsidian. It is on the ２nd floor of the Engaru Town Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center. Obsidian consists mainly of natural glass. Its tendency to fracture into sharp edges was used to make sharp arrowheads (stone arrowheads), knives, and razors from the Paleolithic period through the middle of the Yayoi period, when metal tools became widespread. For people at the time, it was an extremely important resource essential to daily life and hunting. Since its source can be identified through compositional analysis, it also provides important clues for uncovering trade routes with distant regions. Obsidian from Shirataki has apparently been excavated as far away as Niigata Prefecture and, recently, even Kyoto Prefecture. There is a charge to tour the museum, but alongside the National Treasure-designated 「北海道白滝遺跡群出土品」, various pieces of obsidian excavated around Shirataki are on display. In the activity area, there is also a fee, but under an instructor’s guidance you can make spear points by flaking obsidian into thin pieces with deer antlers and shaping it, as well as obsidian pendants and tonbo stones. The prices are affordable, so adults can enjoy it as well as children.

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I visited because I wanted to see obsidian I learned how obsidian forms and how it was used in the past. I also got to touch actual obsidian Several thousand excavated 北海道白滝遺跡群出土品 (National Treasures) were also on display There was a mammoth tusk too But I would have appreciated slightly clearer exhibits. For example, arranging them chronologically or showing how they were actually used Visited on a Friday in month 4 0 visitors before me

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Shirataki in Engaru Town is Japan’s largest source of obsidian, and large quantities of stone tools made from obsidian have been excavated from sites dating back twenty thousand years. An enormous number of obsidian stone tools from the National Treasure-designated Shirataki archaeological sites are displayed and can be viewed up close. There is also a section of anime-style illustrations depicting the lives of ancient people.

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Japan’s oldest National Treasure! I think they should promote it more. I was amazed by the way obsidian was worked—they used animal bones! There are incredible discoveries. Go, see it, and experience it for yourself.

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