Gishodo Clock Workshop — Discover the History and Technology of Time
Gishodo Clock Workshop introduces the development of clocks and watches through exhibits and practical experiences. The Suwa region has cold winters, relatively low humidity, and a high rate of clear weather, conditions that were considered suitable for precision manufacturing. These circumstances helped the local precision industry develop, eventually earning Suwa the nickname “Switzerland of the East.”
One of the museum’s most impressive exhibits is the Suigun Yishōdai, a large water-powered astronomical clock tower. It is presented as the world’s first complete restoration of this type of water-driven astronomical clock. Recreated after approximately 900 years, the mechanism comes alive in a demonstration held at the top of every hour, allowing visitors to appreciate the remarkable engineering behind ancient timekeeping technology.
A Hands-On Watchmaking Experience
The first-floor clock workshop offers watch- and clock-assembly experiences suitable for both children and adults. Programs range from beginner courses using watches and clocks to more specialized courses focusing on mechanical watches.
The workshops are guided by former engineers from Seiko Epson and its predecessor, Suwa Seikosha. Their instruction makes it possible for beginners to take part with confidence. By assembling a timepiece with your own hands, you can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms behind something that is normally taken for granted in everyday life.
Exhibits and a Large-Screen Theater
The second-floor exhibition room, “The History of Humans and Time,” traces the evolution of timekeeping from sundials to mechanical clocks and modern precision watches. Models can be operated to demonstrate how different types of timekeeping devices work, making the history easier to understand.
A theater featuring a 200-inch screen also presents films about the Onbashira Festival and the history of Shimosuwa. The presentations provide an introduction to the region’s traditional culture as well as its technological development.
Hoshigato Museum Yanoneya — Exploring Obsidian and Jomon Culture
Housed within the same complex, Hoshigato Museum Yanoneya focuses on the close relationship between Shimosuwa and obsidian, particularly the Hoshigato Obsidian Source Site, which is designated as a National Historic Site of Japan.
Obsidian was an important material for making stone tools from the Paleolithic period, around 300,000 years ago, through the middle of the Yayoi period. Hoshigato was known for its high-quality obsidian, and stone from the area was transported and traded across wide parts of Japan.
A Full-Scale Reconstruction of an Obsidian Mine
One of the highlights is a life-size diorama reproducing an actual mining tunnel. It gives visitors a vivid impression of how obsidian was extracted during the Jomon period and helps bring an ancient mining landscape to life.
The underground theater screens a film titled “The History of Shimosuwa Created by Roads,” which runs for approximately 12 minutes. It explains the development of obsidian trade and the ways in which transportation routes contributed to the growth of the local community.
Touch Obsidian and Learn About Ancient Trade
The first-floor exhibition introduces the belt of obsidian source areas and the characteristics of obsidian from different locations. On the second floor, illustrations explain how obsidian was mined during the Jomon period.
At the hands-on “Try It Yourself” corner, visitors can actually touch obsidian and experience its distinctive texture and sharp edges. Exhibits of artifacts excavated in Shimosuwa also offer clues to the lives of ancient people and the extensive trading networks that connected the region with other parts of Japan.
Relax at the Foot Bath and Cafe
After exploring the exhibits, visitors can take a break at the museum’s foot bath, an especially pleasant way to relax during a day of sightseeing around Shimosuwa. The facility also provides tourist brochures and digital displays introducing seasonal attractions and sightseeing information from around the town.
A Journey Across Thousands of Years of Suwa History
Shimosuwa Konjakukan Oideya offers a rare opportunity to experience two very different chapters of local history in one place: the sophisticated precision technology that made Suwa famous for watchmaking, and the ancient obsidian culture that dates back to prehistoric Japan.
Interactive exhibits and watch-assembly workshops make the museum enjoyable for visitors of different ages, while the obsidian displays provide an intriguing look at prehistoric technology and long-distance trade. The contrast between ancient stone tools and precision mechanical watches is particularly fascinating, showing how people in the Suwa region have used knowledge, technology, and local resources throughout history.
Located in the historic town of Shimosuwa, the museum is also well suited to a wider sightseeing itinerary. Combine a visit with Suwa Taisha Shrine, the historic streets of Shimosuwa, and the shores of Lake Suwa to gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s religious traditions, craftsmanship, and long history.