Kinsei ruins

Kinsei ruins spread across a ridge near Mount Yatsugatake's southern foot at an elevation of 770 meters and hold remains of many pit dwellings. The site preserves clay and stone objects from ancient times.

Excavations in the 1980s uncovered 41 pit dwellings from the late Jomon period, when climate shifts occurred in the region. This era marked changes in how people lived and where they settled.

The site contains ritual spaces marked by stone circles where hundreds of human-shaped clay figurines, ceramic ornaments, and wild boar remains were arranged for ceremonies. These objects show how important ritual practices were to the ancient community living there.

The grounds are easy to reach and offer pathways to explore the uncovered structures and display areas. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven, and bring sun protection as exposure is considerable.

At location B, layers from different periods overlap, with structures from the 16th and 17th centuries positioned above much older remains. This sequence allows visitors to see thousands of years of human use at the same spot.

Location: Hokuto

GPS coordinates: 35.84814,138.38523

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00