Togariishi, Yosukeone Ruins

Togariishi, Yosukeone Ruins is an archaeological site in Chino containing the remains of around 220 residential structures from the Jomon period. These dwellings were arranged around a central plaza at the base of Mount Yatsugatake in an organized settlement pattern.

The settlement developed during the Jomon period, showing early forms of human community organization in Japan. Archaeological investigations started in 1929 and revealed pit-dwelling foundations dating back thousands of years.

The clay figurines found here offer clues about beliefs and daily practices of people who lived thousands of years ago. These objects suggest spiritual rituals and the importance of certain symbols in their community life.

The Togariishi Museum of Jomon Archaeology is located on-site and displays over 2000 artifacts, including two Dogu figurines recognized as national treasures. The excavated grounds and the museum together provide a complete picture of this ancient settlement.

The settlement was an unusually complex community for its time, with its organized arrangement around a central plaza. This planning suggests that early Jomon people had a higher level of social cooperation than was long assumed.