Lost in time: wintry Shinano Village
千曲市の森将軍塚と長野県立歴史観の間に、古墳時代のムラが再創作された。科野のムラと言います。茅葺屋根の建物は５,６件があって、ムラの儀式の場も復元されて、小さな川も流れて・・・昔、昔、何千年前の昔の風景になっています。今日はお客様の送迎の途中で見まして、雪が少し残っていて綺麗でした。帰りは寄って、写真を撮りました。２件の小屋の茅葺屋根の中から煙が出ていて、いい雰囲気でした。
偶然、亀清旅館の違うお客さんとそこで行き会いました。森の将軍塚に入っていたそうです。すいていましたと仰いました。これだけな素敵な資料館と、復元された古墳時代のムラがって、人が少ないってもったいない。
In between the Nagano Prefectural History Museum and the Chikuma City Mori Shogunzuka Museum is a collection of recreated prehistoric buildings, the Shinano Village. There are 5 or 6 thatched roof dwellings and storehouses, as well as an elevated ceremonial building, all with a small stream running along side. With the covering of snow, it all makes for a mystical site -- you feel like you've slipped back through time. I spotted the village while taking some guests to their homes, and stopped by on the way back to take some pictures. Two of the buildings had cooking fires burning inside. It was ethereal to see the smoke stream through the thatched roof.
Just by coincidence, some other Kamesei guests were there, too. They had gone to see the Mori Shogunzuka museum. Apparently there weren't many people in it. What a shame that more people don't come and enjoy the wonderful museum and this fascinating little village.
科野のムラは亀清旅館・戸倉上山田温泉から車で約２０分；屋代駅から歩いて約２０分。The Shinano Village is about 20 minutes from Kamesei by car, or about a 20 minute walk from Yashiro Station on the Shinano Railway line.
科野のムラのＨＰはこちら。The Shinano Village website is here.
