Ofune Archaeological Site
Deep Pit Dwellings on a Coastal Terrace Overlooking the Pacific
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan. Explore the remains of a large settlement and discover the culture and spirituality of the Jomon people.
Located on a coastal terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Hakodate, the Ofune Archaeological Site preserves the remains of a large settlement that was occupied for about 1,500 years from around 3500 BCE. In 2021, it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan. More than 200,000 artifacts have been unearthed, providing valuable insight into the daily life and beliefs of the Jomon people.
Standing amid the expansive site, visitors can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and imagine how people once lived in harmony with the surrounding sea and forests. It is one of Hokkaido's most important Jomon archaeological sites.
One of the highlights is a group of unusually large pit dwellings, some more than two meters deep, a rare feature in Japan. Reconstructed houses allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of Jomon life firsthand. Large ceremonial earthworks also offer clues to the beliefs and worldview of the people who lived here thousands of years ago.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- Historic sites, castles, culture properties, architecture
- World Heritage sites, Jomon culture, Ainu culture
- History, culture, art
- Travel Inspiration
- Adventure Travel
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒041-1622
- Address
- 北海道函館市大船町
- Telephone Number
- 0138-25-2030（Hakodate Jomon Culture Center）
- Open
- 9:00-17:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
9:00-16:00 (Nov.-Mar.) - Closed
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Prices
- Free
- Car Park
- 24 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 10 minutes from Hakodate Jomon Culture Center
●By car: About 40 minutes from Hakodate Airport
●By car: About 60 minutes from JR Hakodate Station - Website
- Remarks
- ■Archaeological Site Tour: Partial reconstruction of a Jomon-period settlement
■Administration Building: Exhibits introducing the Ofune Site and the UNESCO World Heritage property Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
