Prefectural Natural Monument: Whale Fossil at Anazawa
Whale Fossil Exhibition Revealing the Ocean from About 15 Million Years Ago
The Anazawa Whale Fossil is a fossilized toothed whale discovered during erosion control work in the Anazawa River in the Shiga district of Matsumoto City. It was designated a Natural Monument of Nagano Prefecture in 1973.The vertebrae and ribs excavated from the mudstone layer (Bessho Formation) formed approximately 15 million years ago are preserved and displayed in their original state at the time of discovery. This valuable geological heritage allows visitors to see the fossils up close at the site, quietly telling the story of how this land was once covered by the sea.
Information
- Address
- 1236-1 Otaira, Toride Matsumoto City
- Access (Car)
- Approximately 20 minutes from Matsumoto IC
- Parking for Large Buses
- None
- Parking for Regular Vehicles
- None
*Note: Business hours and closures are subject to change.
