Okadaira Shell Mound, Archaeological midden in Miho, Japan
Okadaira Shell Mound is an archaeological site on the coast containing eight distinct accumulations of shells and debris spread across a plateau. The site preserves layers of settlement remains that help us understand how people lived along this shore.
The site was established during the early Jomon period when sea levels stood considerably higher than today. Multiple layers of shells and artifacts show that people returned to this location repeatedly over generations.
The artifacts reveal how Jomon communities organized their daily lives around fishing and shellfish gathering. The pottery and tools on display show the practical skills people developed for coastal survival.
The site is accessible on foot from a nearby bus stop with a walk of about thirty minutes. A reconstructed village area and informational displays help visitors understand what archaeologists have learned from the excavations.
The mound's name reflects how shell accumulations shaped the landscape as distinctive landmarks in ancient times. The site now stands as one of many such archaeological monuments in Japan that document prehistoric coastal living.
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