
Shakado Pothole Museum
Discover ancient Japanese history at the Shakado Pothole Museum, conveniently located at a highway rest stop. Explore Jomon pottery and enjoy scenic m...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

Shakado Pothole Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Japanese history at the Shakado Pothole Museum, conveniently located at a highway rest stop. Explore Jomon pottery and enjoy scenic mountain views.
"An excellent trove of Jomon pottery, perfect for a short stop directly from the highway rest stop below."

🚗 Quick Road Trip Stop
Perfect for a short break on the E20 highway; combine with your travel plans. 🚗
⏳ Short Visit Recommended
Allow 20-30 minutes to see the collection; it's not a full-day attraction. :stopwatch:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 600 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
eps4.comlink.ne.jp/~shakadoHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Jomon Pottery Collection
Explore thousands of years of history through an impressive array of ancient Japanese pottery.
Scenic Mountain Views
Enjoy panoramic views of the Kofu area and surrounding mountains from the museum's vantage point.
Highway Rest Stop Convenience
Easily accessible directly from the Shakado PA rest stop on the E20 highway.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Break with Culture
Focus on Jomon Pottery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Quick Road Trip Stop
Perfect for a short break on the E20 highway; combine with your travel plans. 🚗
⏳ Short Visit Recommended
Allow 20-30 minutes to see the collection; it's not a full-day attraction. :stopwatch:
🌸 Spring Hanami Option
Visit in spring to enjoy cherry blossoms (Hanami) alongside the museum. :cherry_blossom:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Quick Road Trip Stop
Perfect for a short break on the E20 highway; combine with your travel plans. 🚗
⏳ Short Visit Recommended
Allow 20-30 minutes to see the collection; it's not a full-day attraction. :stopwatch:
🌸 Spring Hanami Option
Visit in spring to enjoy cherry blossoms (Hanami) alongside the museum. :cherry_blossom:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Shakado Pothole Museum for its impressive collection of ancient Jomon pottery and its incredibly convenient location at a highway rest stop. It's ideal for a quick, enriching cultural stop during a road trip, offering scenic views as a bonus. Some note that it's a brief visit, best suited for those looking for a short cultural interlude rather than a full-day excursion.
"Amazing experience! The museum is new and beautiful, with a very large collection of Jomon pottery."
Victoria Dmitrichenko (Vika)
"Excellent trove of Jomon pottery. Good for a short stop - and can be accessed directly from the high-way rest stop below.
Jomon pottery is a fascinating look into the life of various cultures found throughout Japan- The Shakado holds a vast array of Jomon pottery from the 4th and 5th millennia BC. It also has a great view out over the Kofu area and surrounding mountains. You can go through the collection quite quickly (20 - 30 minutes is plenty), so don't plan on making it a day-trip. However, it's definitely work a visit. An interesting feature is that you can walk up stairs from the Shakado rest stop on the E20 below (at least the outbound stop) and combine a break from driving with a bit of very interesting culture."
marc prosser
"Located in Sakado PA AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS."
Mari In japan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located at the Shakado PA (Parking Area) on the E20 highway. You can access it directly from the rest stop, making it an ideal stop for travelers on this route.
Yes, ample parking is available at the Shakado PA rest stop, which serves the museum.
While primarily designed for highway travelers, checking local bus routes that might service the area near the Shakado PA would be necessary. Public transport access might be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Specific opening hours can vary, but it's generally accessible during rest stop operating hours. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or specific closures before your visit.
Entry to the museum is often included with your stop at the rest area, or it may have a nominal fee. Confirming the admission policy upon arrival is recommended.
While reviews suggest it's a quick visit, the exact admission fee can vary. It's best to inquire at the Shakado PA information desk or check their official website if available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient to explore the collection. It's designed for a brief, enriching stop.
The museum's primary draw is its extensive collection of Jomon pottery, offering a fascinating look into ancient Japanese cultures.
The museum is located at a highway rest stop, so amenities like restrooms and food options are available. In spring, the area is also known for cherry blossom viewing (Hanami).
Jomon pottery refers to the earthenware produced by the Jomon people, an ancient culture in Japan that lived from approximately 10,000 BC to 300 BC. It's characterized by its distinctive cord-marked patterns.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask staff if photos are permitted, especially without flash, to respect the artifacts.
The Jomon pottery pieces themselves are unique subjects. Additionally, the scenic views of the Kofu area and surrounding mountains offer great photographic potential.




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