Uenohara Site: A Window into Japan's Early Jōmon Period Settlements
Located in the Kokubu neighborhood of Kirishima, Kagoshima, the Uenohara Site stands as one of the most significant archaeological landmarks in Japan. As a designated National Historic Site, this expansive 36-hectare area offers a profound look into the lives of people during the Jōmon period—a prehistoric era characterized by distinctive pottery and hunter-gatherer lifestyles. The site reveals evidence of some of the oldest permanent settlements in the country, providing researchers with invaluable data on how early societies organized themselves.
A Settlement Shaped by Volcanic History
The Uenohara Site is situated on the Uenohara Plateau at an elevation of approximately 260 meters, overlooking Kinko Bay (also known as Kagoshima Bay). The geography of the plateau is defined by thick layers of pumice and volcanic ash deposited by eruptions from nearby Mount Sakurajima. These volcanic layers have acted as a natural chronological marker for archaeologists.
By studying the 17 identified layers of stratification, researchers have been able to date the site with remarkable precision. On the north side of the plateau, ruins were discovered directly beneath a pumice layer that fell approximately 9,500 years ago, a date confirmed through mass spectrometer analysis. The settlement itself was strategically laid out along a shallow natural valley, with structures spreading out along two primary roads.
Life in the Jōmon Period
The archaeological findings at Uenohara suggest a highly organized and stable society. The settlement featured a complex arrangement of living and utility spaces, including:
- 52 Pit Dwellings: These square or rectangular structures featured rounded corners, with floor areas ranging from three to ten square meters.
- 16 Storage Pits: These were arranged in an orderly manner, indicating advanced food management.
- 65 Stone Collection Remains: Found primarily on the south side of the plateau.
On the southern side of the plateau, remains dating to approximately 7,500 years ago (the late early Jōmon period) suggest specialized areas for cooking and food preservation. The sheer volume of artifacts is staggering, with more than 150,000 pieces of earthenware, stone tools, and accessories recovered from the site. Among these are large pot-shaped Jōmon earthenware and polished stone axes. In 1998, the pottery excavated from this site was designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Key Facts
- Location: Kirishima, Kagoshima, Japan (Kyushu region).
- Site Type: Settlement trace from the Jōmon period.
- Total Area: 36 hectares (89 acres).
- Historical Status: Designated as a National Historic Site of Japan in 1999.
- Major Finds: Over 150,000 artifacts, including National Important Cultural Property pottery.
- Key Features: 52 pit dwellings and 16 organized storage pits.
Visiting Uenohara Jōmon-no-Mori
Today, the site is preserved and managed as an archaeological park known as Uenohara Jōmon-no-Mori. To protect the original ruins, much of the site has been backfilled, but visitors can explore reconstructed pit buildings that bring the ancient settlement to life. The park also serves as a vital hub for scientific study, housing the Kagoshima Prefectural Buried Cultural Properties Center.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Period | Early Jōmon period |
| Primary Structures | 52 pit dwellings, 16 storage pits |
| Artifact Count | 150,000+ pieces (earthenware, stone tools) |
| Current Use | Archaeological park and museum |
| Access | Publicly accessible (approx. 20 mins by car from Kokubu Station) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Uenohara Site unique?
The site is significant because it contains some of the oldest evidence of permanent settlements in Japan. The organized layout of storage pits and dwellings suggests a stable, advanced society existed there much earlier than in other regions.
How do scientists know the age of the site?
Archaeologists use the volcanic stratification from Mount Sakurajima to date the site. By analyzing the layers of pumice and ash, and using mass spectrometer analysis, they have confirmed specific dates, such as the 9,500-year-old layer on the north side.
What kind of artifacts were found at the site?
Excavations have yielded over 150,000 items, including polished stone axes, stone tools, accessories, and a vast collection of Jōmon earthenware, some of which is recognized as a National Important Cultural Property.
Can I visit the ruins today?
Yes. The site is maintained as the Uenohara Jōmon-no-Mori park. While the original ruins are backfilled for protection, the park features reconstructed pit dwellings and exhibition facilities for the public to explore.
Where is the Uenohara Site located?
It is located in the Kokubu neighborhood of Kirishima City, in the Kagoshima Prefecture of the Kyushu region, Japan.