Ōgushi Shell Mound, Archaeological park in Mito, Japan.
Ōgushi Shell Mound is an archaeological park in Mito situated on a raised plateau between two river valleys. The site contains exposed layers showing ancient deposits of shells and organic remains from thousands of years ago.
Excavation work began in 1936 and uncovered thousands of artifacts including pottery and stone tools from early Jōmon times. These discoveries documented how people lived and worked at this location around 6000 years ago.
The site displays reconstructed pit dwellings that show how Jōmon people lived in simple shelters and relied on gathering from rivers and seas. Visitors walk through these structures to understand daily routines and survival methods of these early inhabitants.
The park is accessible by public bus from Mito Station and has walking paths throughout the grounds. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing as portions are open to the elements and the elevated location can be windy.
A 15-meter-high statue on the grounds references ancient local legends about a mythical giant associated with the location. This statue bridges the gap between archaeological evidence and folklore, showing how such sites remain woven into local storytelling.
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