Kurumidate Site, Archaeological site in Kitaakita, Japan.
Kurumidate Site is an archaeological site in Kitaakita with the remains of numerous pit dwellings and work areas from ancient times. The grounds show where people lived and worked over 1500 years ago, with traces of homes, workshops, and storage structures.
The settlement was founded in the mid-6th century and was later buried beneath volcanic ash from Mount Haruna. This ash layer preserved the structures for centuries and made excavations possible starting in 1982.
The residents here farmed rice and grew crops while also raising animals, creating a way of life that balanced both activities. This mixed approach shows how people organized their daily work and fed their families in ancient times.
The site is reachable by car, taking around 30 minutes from the nearest major town. It is best visited in good weather and with appropriate footwear, as the grounds can be uneven.
Volcanic ash not only preserved the structures but also kept fine details that would normally be lost over time. This makes the site a rare source for understanding small details of daily life in that ancient period.
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