Otaru Temiya cave

Otaru Travel Guide 2023
The BEST Things to Do in Otaru, Japan|Otaru Day Trip

About 1,600 years ago, the Jomon Period had already ended in the main island of Japan, and the Yayoi and Kofun Periods were underway. In Hokkaido, however, the hunting and gathering lifestyle known as the "Zokujomon Period" was still in full swing. The wall sculptures in Temiya Cave are valuable carvings made by the people of that period.

Temiya cave

There are 34 motifs that can be seen today in the cave, most of which are repeatedly inscribed in the shape of the letter "Y".
The Hugoppe Cave (Yoichi Town: designated as a national historic site) is the only other cave site in Japan with such inscriptions.

Temiya cave

Looking at neighboring countries, it is known that the rock paintings are similar to those from the Amur River basin and Lake Baikal area.
In the Amur River basin, people used to paint figures on rock walls to pray for successful hunting, and it is thought that the seal paintings in Temiya Cave were carved for the same purpose.
This suggests that the people of that time were in contact with the people of Northeast Asia across the Sea of Japan.

The possibility that the people of Otaru in the Continental Jomon Period may have interacted with the people of Northeast Asia and Siberia across the sea gives us a sense of eternal romance.

Facility name
Otaru Temiya Cave
Address
〒047-0041 1-3-4, Temiya, Otaru City
Phone
0134-24-1092/0134-33-2523(Otaru City Museum Main Building)
Opening hours
9:30~17:00
Regular closing day
Tuesday
Website
>Click here to visit our website.




Chocolate in the shape of a sea bream

Tai monaka chocolate with 23 lucky spots in Otaru decorated on the packaging. Chocolate and rice puffs are added to the 100% glutinous rice monaka dough, which is baked using traditional techniques.

Chocolate in the shape of a sea bream


Otaru Travel Guide Category List



First recommendation for Otaru.

Shop on Otaru North Canal.

Highlights of the North Canal.

Spectacular view of Otaru.

Spiritual place in Otaru.

Delicious restrants in Otaru.

History and literature of Otaru.

Historic buildings in Otaru.

First trip to Otaru|3hour tour course|Touring Otaru

First trip to Otaru|6hour tour course|Touring Otaru

First trip to Otaru|1day tour course|Touring Otaru

First trip to Otaru|2day tour course|Touring Otaru

Otaru Street Walking Map
Otaru Canal Walking Guide

Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

Original products that convey the attractions of Otaru are developed and sold in a storefront converted from the former Otaru warehouse headquarters, which is said to be the oldest business warehouse in Hokkaido, located in the Otaru North Canal area. The shop tells the story of Otaru's prosperity in the pioneering days of Hokkaido and the history of the Kitamaebune, and displays and sells processed seafood and agricultural products from the port of call and Hokkaido, as well as original products by craftsmen and artists associated with Otaru.

Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

Facility name
Otaru Department Store UNGA↑
Address
〒047-0031 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City
Phone
0134-65-8150
Opening hours
11:00~18:00
Regular closing day
None
Website
>Click here to visit our website.

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