About the Fossil Excavation Experience 2026!
Specially brought to the museum are strata from Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, dating back approximately 90 million years to the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era, where Waseda University has been conducting excavation research since 2012.
In past fossil excavation experiences, “premium fossils” such as dinosaur fossils (sauropods), crocodiles, shark teeth, and turtle shells have been discovered. What kinds of fossils will be waiting for you this year?
*If you discover a premium fossil, it will be donated to Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, as it is considered a valuable specimen. In return, the discoverer’s name will be recorded, and a commemorative gift will be presented. We call academically important fossils “premium fossils”!
Dates: July 4 (Sat), July 5 (Sun), July 11 (Sat), July 12 (Sun), July 18 (Sat), July 19 (Sun), July 23 (Thu)–July 26 (Sun), July 30 (Thu)–August 2 (Sun), August 7 (Fri)–August 10 (Mon)
Total: 18 days
*Held rain or shine; canceled in the event of severe weather.
■ Time: ① 10:30 a.m.– ② 1:30 p.m.–
■ Capacity: 60 participants per session
■ Program: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes per session, including an introductory lecture of about 10 minutes
■ What to bring: Work gloves, a hat for sun protection, and drinks
■ Instructors: Ren Hirayama, Professor at Waseda University; Masato Watanabe, Waseda University; and others
■ Venue: Rooftop Rakuda Park, Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum
■ Participation Fee: Adults: ¥1,600, including museum admission / Junior high school students and younger: ¥800
■ Application Opens: Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m.
*Applications for the “Related Workshops” listed on the back of the flyer will open on the same day at 11:00 a.m.
*From 2026, applications for the related workshops will also be accepted online instead of by phone.
■ How to Apply: Please apply through the dedicated website for the Fossil Excavation Experience 2026, which will be published on the homepage at 10:00 a.m. on June 6.
*Notifications will be sent to the email address you register. Please make sure to register an email address that can receive messages.
■ Organized by: Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum Foundation
■ Supported by: Ren Hirayama Laboratory, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University; Kuji Amber Museum
■ Endorsed by: Yamanashi Prefectural Board of Education; Hokuto City Board of Education; The Yamanashi Nichinichi Shimbun and Yamanashi Broadcasting System
*As there may be people waiting for cancellations on the day of the event, please be sure to contact us even if you need to cancel at the last minute.
We look forward to receiving your reservations.
