Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Explore a 6,000-year-old Jomon settlement on Hokkaido's scenic coast, home to one of Japan's largest ritual earthworks and some of the world's oldest known lacquerware.

Located on the coast of Hakodate, the Kakinoshima Archaeological Site preserves the legacy of a resilient Jomon community that flourished here for nearly 6,000 years despite repeated volcanic eruptions.

Visitors can stroll through the restored landscape, enjoy sweeping views across the Tsugaru Strait, and imagine the daily lives of the people who once lived here.

The site's most impressive feature is a ritual earthen mound stretching more than 190 meters, making it one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Archaeologists believe it was used for ceremonies and communal rituals that reflected the Jomon people's rich spiritual traditions.

Excavations have uncovered remarkable artifacts, including some of the world's oldest known lacquerware and clay tablets bearing children's footprints, thought to express wishes for healthy growth and well-being. Together, these discoveries reveal a society known for its sophisticated craftsmanship and vibrant spiritual culture.

A visit to Kakinoshima offers a rare opportunity to experience the world of the Jomon people and explore one of Japan's most important prehistoric heritage sites.