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The flyer can be downloaded from “here.”

Specially brought to the museum from Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, are strata dating back approximately 90 million years to the Mesozoic Cretaceous period. Waseda University has been conducting excavation research in this area since 2012. In past fossil excavation experiences, “premium fossils” such as dinosaur fossils, including sauropods, as well as crocodile fossils, 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 a valuable research material. In return, the discoverer’s name will be recorded, and a commemorative gift will be presented. We refer to academically important fossils as “premium fossils”!

Event Dates:
Saturday, July 4; Sunday, July 5; Saturday, July 11; Sunday, July 12; Saturday, July 18; Sunday, July 19; Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26; Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2; Friday, August 7 – Monday, August 10
A total of 18 days

*Held in light rain; canceled in the event of severe weather.

■ Time: ① From 10:30 a.m. / ② From 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: Rakuda Park on the rooftop of the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum
■ Participation Fee: Adults: ¥1,600, including museum admission / Junior high school students and younger: ¥800
■ Application Opens: From 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6

*Applications for the “related workshops” listed on the back of the flyer will open at 11:00 a.m. on the same day.
*From 2026, applications for the related workshops will also be accepted online rather than by phone.
■ How to Apply: Please apply through the Fossil Excavation Experience 2026 dedicated website, which will be published on the top page of the museum website at 10:00 a.m. on June 6.
*Notifications will be sent to the email address you register. Please register an email address that can receive messages from us.

■ Organized by: Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum Foundation
■ Cooperation: Ren Hirayama Laboratory, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University; Kuji Amber Museum
■ Supported by: Yamanashi Prefectural Board of Education; Hokuto City Board of Education; Yamanashi Nichinichi Shimbun / 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 cancel at the last minute.

We look forward to receiving your reservations.