Guide
Kita Kogane Shell Mound is a significant archaeological site located in Date City, Hokkaido, representing a settlement from the Jomon period. The site contains various historical features, including shell mounds, pit dwellings, and ritual sites. At the adjacent Kita Kogane Shell Mound Information Center, visitors can view a collection of precious excavated artifacts that provide a visual understanding of the culture and daily life of the time. The exhibition space is designed with glass display cases, offering a calm and contemplative environment for viewing the historical items.
This site is a settlement dating back to the early to middle Jomon period. Archaeological excavations have uncovered not only shell mounds but also ritual sites near water sources, pit dwellings, and burial sites. These findings serve as vital evidence of how ancient people interacted with nature and their specific ritualistic and social structures. Through the displayed artifacts and the structural reconstructions of dwellings, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape of ancient Japan.
The primary draw of the Kita Kogane Shell Mound is the immersive exhibition within the Information Center. The center displays highly valuable artifacts housed in glass cases, alongside reconstructions of Jomon-period shell mounds and burial sites. Detailed explanatory panels and photographs allow visitors to visualize the daily scenery of the era from multiple perspectives. Additionally, the facility occasionally hosts special exhibitions and lobby-based educational lectures.
The facility is open from April 1st to November 30th each year. Please note that the center is closed during the winter season (December 1st to March 31st). The most pleasant time to visit is from spring to autumn when the weather is mild. Visiting in the early morning is highly recommended, as the quiet atmosphere allows for a more peaceful and focused-minded observation of the exhibits.
Educational programs and guided tours are available for those wishing to learn more deeply about the site. These programs require advance reservations; specifically, a detailed application must be sent via FAX at least two weeks prior to your desired date. These programs offer a unique way to learn about the lifestyle and world of the Jomon people through structured learning.
The area around Date City is rich in both historical remains and beautiful natural landscapes. The area surrounding the Kita Kogane Shell Mound Park has been carefully preserved and developed as a site of significant historical context.