Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
The Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan span 10,000 years of history. They tell the story of Japan’s prehistoric people, from the earliest use of pottery to the emergence, development, and maturity of sedentism. Artifacts unearthed at the sites demonstrate a sophisticated design sense and provide evidence of trade between communities. They include lacquered bracelets, jade beads, clay figurines (dogu) with expressive facial features, and ornate earthenware vessels in a multitude of styles. Each site has yielded new discoveries that shed light on life in prehistoric northern Japan.
Seventeen archaeological sites comprise the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, and two additional locations are considered associated sites. The sites are defined by their diverse surrounding natural environments. They are located on the coast, beside rivers, and on hilltops. Most of the archaeological sites can be explored freely and many have on-site museums that display artifacts and introduce life in the Jomon period (13,000–400 BCE). Start at the earliest site, Odai Yamamoto, or begin by visiting a stone circle; the sites can be explored in any order.