🗺️ Katsuzaki Shell Mound Museum加曽利貝塚博物館

Kazori Shell Mound is an archaeological site in Japan from the Jomon period, known for its shell mounds and settlements. In 2017, it was designated as one of the most important special historical sites among Japan's numerous national historical sites. A shell mound is a unique archaeological phenomenon characterized by a large accumulation of shells at a site. The alkaline components found in the shells neutralize the acidic soil, making it difficult for artifacts to be well-preserved in typical archaeological sites, where they are prone to weathering and decay. As a result, items such as animal bones, fish bones, and various cultural artifacts like pottery, stone tools, and bone implements are well-preserved. Historical research indicates that people have lived in Chiba City since the Jomon period, and to date, over 120 shell mound groups have been discovered in the city. The Kazori Shell Mound, formed by the connection of the North and South Shell Mounds, is the largest shell mound site in Japan. The Kazori Shell Mound has undergone multiple excavations from the Meiji era (1868-1912) to the present. It has now become a tourist destination where visitors can experience a sense of time travel back to the Jomon period. The site features a museum displaying excavated artifacts such as Jomon pottery, stone tools, and clay figurines, as well as facilities for viewing pit dwelling remains and shell layer cross-sections, along with a reconstructed village of pit dwellings. Visitors can learn about the natural environment of Japan during the Jomon period and the lifestyle of its people. The museum frequently hosts lectures and experiential workshops, allowing participants to engage in various activities to gain a deeper understanding of the Kazori Shell Mound.

Exhibited are artifacts unearthed from the Kazuori Shell Mound excavation, including pottery, stone tools, clay figurines, human bones, animal bones, and fish bones. It is possible to observe edible and medicinal plants believed to have existed during Japan's Jomon period. The museum consists of facilities such as the cross-sections of the North and South Shell Mounds and the remains of pit dwellings. The pit dwelling viewing facility, which was renovated and reopened in October 2021, provides explanations in four languages: English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), and Korean. The experience classroom is only held on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.