Guida
The Uenohara Site is a highly significant archaeological location situated on a plateau approximately 250 meters above sea level in eastern Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is renowned as one of the oldest large-scale permanent settlements in Japan. Evidence shows that people were already living in settled communities here around 10,600 years ago (the early Jomon period). Today, the site is preserved as the 'Kagoshima Prefecture Uenohara Jomon Forest' historical park. Visitors can learn about the lives of people from thousands of years ago through the exhibition hall, reconstructed pit dwellings, and geological observation facilities.
The history of this site is incredibly long and complex, spanning from the early Jomon period through the medieval era. Around 10,600 years ago, a large-scale settlement had already formed, with 52 pit dwelling sites discovered. Evidence also suggests the site functioned as a ritual space approximately 8,600 years ago, serving as a spiritual center rather than just a living area. Furthermore, around 4,400 years ago, 'pit traps' were constructed for hunting animals. The geological layers reveal how the land's use evolved over time, from a prehistoric settlement to the Kofun period, the medieval era, and even serving as military facilities and farmland in more recent history.
The greatest draw of the site is the diverse collection of artifacts and structures that illustrate ancient life. The exhibition hall displays a vast collection of roughly 150,000 artifacts, featuring particularly striking pottery and stone tools. For instance, early Jomon pottery decorated with elegant 'S-shaped' and 'swirl' patterns demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic sense of the era. Other significant finds include ritual sites where jar-shaped pottery was buried, offering insight into ancient spiritual practices. Additionally, seeing the pit dwellings preserved within volcanic ash layers and the stone hearths used for cooking provides a profound sense of historical weight.
Located in the nature-rich area of Kirishima, the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. A stroll through the park is especially pleasant during seasons when the greenery is lush or when the air is crisp and clear. We recommend visiting the exhibition hall during daylight hours to better observe the intricate patterns on the pottery and the detailed layers of the earth. Since the site offers views of the Kirishima mountain range and Sakurajima, a clear day will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking natural landscape alongside the historical scenery.
The 'Uenohara Jomon Forest' offers more than just a visual tour; it provides a three-dimensional understanding of history. At the reconstructed pit dwellings, you can visually grasp the structure and scale of ancient homes. The geological observation facility allows you to see the complex layers of earth, including volcanic ash from Sakurajima, helping you understand how the landscape and human life changed over millennia. These experiences offer a sense of reality that textbooks and photographs simply cannot convey.
The site is part of a historical park in Kirishima, surrounded by the iconic natural landscapes of the Kirishima mountain range and Sakurajima. After your historical exploration, you can relax at nearby hot spring resorts (Onsen) in the Kirishima Onsen area. The site is also relatively accessible from the Kokubu Interchange, making it a convenient stop when traveling from Kagoshima City or the airport.