Shiudeyama Site, Archaeological site on Mount Shiudeyama summit, Mitoyo, Japan.
The Shiudeyama Site sits on a hilltop near Mitoyo and holds remains of homes and structures dating back more than 2000 years. Visitors can see reconstructed pit dwellings at the location and view the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands from observation decks.
The location served as a military outpost during the Yayoi period to monitor sea routes and shows evidence of both settlement and fortification structures. Large-scale excavation work in the 1950s revealed how people used this strategic mountaintop position.
The on-site museum displays pottery, stone and bone tools, and weapons that show what daily life was like for the ancient residents. The types of objects found reveal the craftsmanship and trade networks that were important to this early settlement.
Plan to spend enough time here since the museum has quite a bit to see and the site itself invites exploration. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on hillside terrain, and note that the location is open for visits throughout the year.
Researchers have found striking similarities between the building layouts here and an ancient site on the Korean Peninsula, suggesting trading connections between the regions. These architectural parallels shed light on how distant areas were linked through sea trade.
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