Guide
The Kabayama Site is a significant archaeological site from the mid-Jomon period located in Inase-cho, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture. Designated as a national historic site in 1977, the area is now developed as a historical park. The most striking feature of this site is the "stone circle" (haiseki iko) arrangements. The site is divided into two levels: the lower level contains more than 32 stone arrangements, characterized by a unique style where a single upright stone (tateishi) is placed at one end. This layout provides vital clues into the rituals and spiritual beliefs of the people at that time. The upper level features the remains of pit dwellings, allowing visitors to witness the traces of daily life during the Jomon period.
Discovered in 1950, the site has undergone numerous archaeological excavations. Situated on a plateau at an elevation of approximately 80 to 100 meters, the site consists of the lower stone circle clusters and the upper settlement area. Some stone arrangements have even contained stone plates, leading researchers to suggest that these were not merely burial sites but centers for ritualistic ceremonies. The stone arrangement style is thought to be related to other famous Jomon sites, such as the Oyu Stone Circles in Akita Prefecture. Ongoing research, including soil analysis beneath the stones, continues to shed light on the lifestyle and worldview of the ancient inhabitants. This site is an invaluable cultural heritage for understanding how settlements and cultures were passed down from the mid-to-late Jomon period.
The primary attraction is the collection of stone arrangements scattered across the slopes and flat areas. The unique design—featuring a single elongated granite stone standing upright with multiple stones arranged radially around it—is visually captivating and believed to have served as a monument. Additionally, the reconstructed pit dwellings in the upper settlement area allow visitors to learn about the structure of ancient homes and the expansion of living spaces. These remains are preserved not just as archaeological data, but as part of the landscape, offering a sense of ancient aesthetic beauty.
As this site is maintained as a historical park, it is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the layout of the stone circles and the reconstructed dwellings.
As a developed historical park, the site offers a visual learning experience through the reconstructed pit dwellings. By observing the precise placement of the stone circles and the shapes of the stone arrangements, visitors can gain a tangible understanding of how people thousands of years ago shaped their environment and created sacred spaces.
The Kabayama Site is located on the left bank of the Kitakami River, at the foot of the Kitakami Mountains. It is situated approximately 7 kilometers south of the Kitakami city center, nestled within a natural landscape. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park while imagining the ancient landscapes of the Jomon era.
This site is a historical park. Please follow the local guidelines and rules when visiting the site to preserve the historical environment.