Kamitakatsu Shell Mound

Kamitakatsu Shell Mound is an archaeological site in Tsuchiura with multiple layers of shells and artifacts from ancient settlements. The site spans a substantial area and contains numerous objects from different periods of human habitation.

The site represents a settlement from around 4,000 to 3,000 years ago during the late Jomon period. It received national historic site status in 1977 and has been protected as important evidence of this ancient period.

The excavated objects demonstrate the craftsmanship of Jomon communities through stone tools, clay figurines, and bone needles. These items offer insight into how people shaped their daily lives and the materials they worked with during this period.

The Tsuchiura Archaeology Museum displays findings through documents, dioramas, and educational programs. Visitors can learn more about the discoveries and understand how people lived in this ancient period.

Analysis of the shell layers reveals that inhabitants primarily collected shellfish between early spring and early summer. This pattern shows how people organized their food gathering around seasonal availability.