菊名貝塚, Archaeological site in Yokohama, Japan
The Kikuna Shell Mound is an archaeological site filled with layered deposits of shells, animal bones, and stone tools from prehistoric times. The site preserves evidence of what people hunted, gathered, and how they lived thousands of years ago.
The mound dates to the Jomon period, when people first established long-term settlements in this coastal area and developed stable communities. The layers built up over centuries as successive generations returned to this resourceful location.
Excavated pottery and tools reveal how ancient inhabitants gathered shellfish and organized their daily lives around coastal resources. These objects show the practical knowledge and craft skills people developed to thrive in this environment.
The site sits within residential neighborhoods and is accessible by foot from nearby streets, with preserved sections visible for direct observation. Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the layers, and wear comfortable shoes since the ground can be uneven and muddy.
The mound contains multiple species of shellfish, indicating that ancient residents deliberately collected different types rather than gathering whatever they found. This selective harvesting shows they understood their marine environment and planned their food gathering carefully.
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