Shōmyōji Shell Mound

Shōmyōji Shell Mound is an archaeological site in Kanazawa-ku where layers of shells, pottery fragments, and tools from different periods are stacked on top of each other. Excavations have uncovered human skeletal remains and everyday objects dating from prehistoric through medieval times.

The site documents human settlement from the Jomon period through the Heian era and shows major shifts in population makeup. The transition between eras is visible in the layers and helps explain how society changed over time.

The site shows how ancient communities gathered food from the ocean and which fish species were regularly eaten. You can see from the layered shells what resources mattered for daily survival.

The location is an active archaeological research area where visitors can view the exposed layers and finds. It is best to check access conditions and visiting hours in advance, as excavation work may affect public entry.

Scientists examine genetic markers in the skeletal remains to understand how much the population shifted between periods. These genetic studies reveal that a profound transformation occurred that goes beyond simply changing tools and pottery styles.