Guide
The Kamo Iwakura Site is a significant Yayoi period archaeological site located in Kamo-cho Iwakura, Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture. It was discovered in 1996 during the construction of a farm road. The most remarkable feature of this site is the discovery of 39 bronze bells (Dotaku), the largest number ever found at a single location in Japan. Due to their immense historical value, these bells have been designated as National Treasures. When they were discovered during excavation, the fact that they were found in their original, undisturbed burial state provided invaluable academic data regarding ancient ritual burial practices.
The discovery began in October 1996 during road construction. Because work was immediately halted upon discovery, the exact arrangement and state of the bells were recorded with high precision. The production of these bells dates back to the middle to late Yayoi period. The collection includes bells made using stone molds (an older technique) and those made with clay molds (a newer technique). Some features are similar to sites in the Kinki region, suggesting widespread cultural exchange and the existence of highly skilled workshops. These artifacts serve as vital records for unraveling the history of the ancient Izumo region.
The most striking aspect of the Kamo Iwakura Site is the "nested" burial style, where smaller bronze bells were placed inside larger ones. This is an extremely rare phenomenon in Japanese archaeology. Furthermore, the surfaces of the bells are adorned with exquisite patterns, such as flowing water and "kesa-tasuki" (diagonal stripe) designs. Some bells even feature detailed depictions of animals, including human-like faces, dragonflies, deer, wild boars, and even sea turtles. These artistic motifs provide deep insights into the natural world and the ritualistic roles these objects played in ancient society.
The site is surrounded by a beautiful, natural environment. While there are no specific seasonal restrictions, it is best to visit during daylight hours to clearly see the outdoor excavation areas. To fully appreciate the history, we highly recommend visiting the Shimane Prefectural Museum of Ancient Izumo History after seeing the site, as the detailed artifacts and National Treasure bronze bells are on display there.
At the site, you can observe the actual locations where the bronze bells were buried and see the traces of the ancient ritual forms. By comparing the physical site with historical documentation, you can observe the intricate details of the "face" and "dragonfly" motifs. You can also deepen your understanding of the technical evolution from stone molds to clay molds through the educational displays and literature available.
Nearby is the Kōjingaya Site, where a large number of bronze swords were discovered. The two sites are located only about 3km apart, and researchers have noted a close relationship between them due to similar markings (such as the 'X' mark) found on the artifacts. Most of the bronze bells from this site are now preserved and exhibited at the Shimane Prefectural Museum of Ancient Izumo History, making it easy to transition from the archaeological site to a professional museum viewing.