Mitsusawa Kaizuka, Archaeological midden in Yokohama, Japan.
Mitsusawa Kaizuka is an archaeological midden site in Yokohama spread across several neighborhoods on elevated land. The layers contain shell deposits, animal bones, and tools from the Jomon period, with most sections measuring between 30 and 40 centimeters deep.
A British archaeologist discovered the site in 1905 and initiated excavations that continued into the following year. These early investigations established the foundation for understanding early human settlement in the area.
The site reveals how Jomon-period people lived here and relied on seafood, with shells and bones telling stories of daily meals and tool-making. These remains show us the earliest settlement patterns in this area.
The site sits on elevated land above a nearby river valley, which is useful to know when planning a visit. Most preserved layers are relatively thin, so taking time to observe the details makes the experience more rewarding.
Findings from this location were split between two museums on different continents, showing how discoveries from early 20th century work were shared internationally. This division is uncommon for excavation projects from that era.
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