Ojiro Ancient Experience Forest is a historical park located in Hiroi, Ojiro Ward, Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. The park was developed to help visitors learn about life in ancient Japan following archaeological excavations at the Uenoyama Site in 1986. Through reconstructed dwellings and hands-on activities, visitors can explore aspects of Japanese history from the Jomon period through the Kofun period.
Surrounded by the natural scenery of northern Hyogo Prefecture, the park offers an engaging way to discover how people lived thousands of years ago. It is particularly suitable for families, school groups, and travelers interested in Japanese archaeology and traditional culture.
Excavations at the Uenoyama Site took place between 1986 and 1987 as part of ground improvement work for the sports field at the neighboring Hiroi Rural Community Square. Archaeologists uncovered traces of dwellings dating to the Early Jomon period, approximately 7,000 years ago, along with fragments of Jomon pottery and stone tools.
These discoveries inspired the creation of Ojiro Ancient Experience Forest, where visitors could learn about ancient life not only through archaeological remains but also by experiencing reconstructed buildings and traditional activities. The site provides a tangible connection to the daily lives of people who inhabited this region in prehistoric times.
The park features reconstructed pit dwellings from the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods, as well as raised-floor storehouses associated with ancient Japanese communities. These structures were recreated with guidance from the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, helping visitors understand the different forms of architecture used in early Japanese society.
Pit dwellings were built partly below ground, with roofs supported by wooden posts, while raised-floor storehouses elevated goods above the ground. Together, the buildings illustrate how people adapted their homes and storage methods to their environment and changing ways of life. Remains and pottery fragments discovered at the Uenoyama Site are also preserved to help visitors connect the reconstructed structures with the archaeological evidence.
One of the park’s main attractions is its range of practical learning programs. Activities include making magatama, comma-shaped beads traditionally used in ancient Japan; learning how to start a fire using traditional methods; making pottery; and preparing and eating ancient rice varieties.
These experiences offer a chance to go beyond reading about history in textbooks. By trying traditional techniques, visitors can gain a more direct understanding of the skills, materials, and everyday tasks that shaped life in ancient communities.
Advance reservations are required for all programs. Applications must be made at least three days before the intended visit, so visitors should arrange their activities ahead of time.
Each spring, the park hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the blooming sakura. The combination of seasonal flowers, wooded surroundings, and reconstructed ancient buildings creates a distinctive setting for a spring outing.
The Hagi Festival is held around the middle of September, when the bush clover flowers in the park come into season. The event celebrates the seasonal landscape and offers an opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and local traditions.
From JR Yoka Station on the San-in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Akioka and get off at the Hiroi bus stop. The park is approximately a 10-minute walk from there.
The Ueyama Rice Terraces offer beautiful views of traditional terraced fields extending across the mountain slopes. Their appearance changes throughout the year, from fresh green growth in spring and summer to golden fields during the harvest season.
Kusube Gorge is another scenic destination in the surrounding area, known for its natural landscape of flowing water and forested terrain. A visit offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful countryside and discover more of northern Hyogo Prefecture’s natural environment.
Ojiro Ancient Experience Forest brings ancient Japanese history to life through reconstructed dwellings, archaeological discoveries, and practical cultural activities. Visitors can learn about life from the Jomon period to the Kofun period while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Ojiro countryside. Seasonal festivals and nearby attractions such as the Ueyama Rice Terraces and Kusube Gorge make the park a rewarding destination for anyone interested in combining cultural discovery with nature.