Goshono Ruins

In July 2021, the Goshono Ruins were officially registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forming an essential part of the collective designation known as the "Jomon Ruins in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku." This prestigious listing encompasses 17 archaeological sites scattered across four prefectures—Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, and Iwate—each representing distinct periods of the Jomon era, from its early to late phases.

The diverse sites include settlements located along coastal areas and inland rivers, as well as places believed to have served as ritual centers. Together, these assets provide a comprehensive understanding of the Jomon period, a unique culture in world history notable for its achievement of a sedentary lifestyle based on hunting, gathering, and fishing, rather than agriculture. The Goshono Ruins and other Jomon sites in northern Japan offer invaluable insight into human life in Northeast Asia prior to the advent of farming.

Archaeological Villages

Eastern Village (Higashimura)

Over 200 pit dwellings have been uncovered in this area. Excavations revealed that dwellings overlapped in the same locations over time, including large homes exceeding 10 meters in diameter, medium-sized dwellings about 5 meters across, and smaller ones around 3 meters.

Central Village (Chūō Village) 

Pit dwellings here are arranged around a deliberately constructed open space measuring 80 meters east to west and 50 meters north to south. This plaza served as a cemetery, with an earthen mound structure situated along its southern edge.

Western Village (Nishi Mura)

Archaeologists investigated several well-preserved burned dwellings in this area. Four of these dwellings, thought to have burned around the same time, have been reconstructed on-site, offering a rare glimpse into the original structures’ conditions.

Notable Archaeological Features

Stone-Paved Structures

At Goshono, two large stone arrangement features form elliptical rings: the eastern ellipse measures 35 by 25 meters, while the western is 25 by 20 meters. Both have clear empty centers, and burial pits densely surround these stone circles.

Earthwork Structure

The southern side of the plaza rises about one meter above the surrounding terrain, spanning roughly 80–90 meters east to west and 30 meters north to south. Known as the earthen mound feature, this site has yielded numerous artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, clay figurines (dogū), burnt animal bones, and plant seeds.

Experimental Archaeology and Nature

Fire Experiment Evidence

In 1999, researchers conducted an experimental burn on a reconstructed earthen-roofed dwelling to study fire damage and preservation. The burned remains were left in situ to help future visitors understand the effects of fire on Jomon structures.

Jomon Forest

East of Goshono Jomon Park lies the Jomon Forest, a vibrant natural area rich with seasonal bounty - chestnuts, acorns, mushrooms, and more. Walking through the forest’s nature trails, visitors can immerse themselves in an environment akin to what the Jomon people once experienced.

Museum Exhibits and Programs

The Goshono Museum offers several exhibition rooms and interactive programs:

• Discovery of the Burned Dwelling: Beneath a glass floor, visitors can view the excavation site of a 4,000-year-old burned dwelling. Videos detail the excavation and reconstruction processes, and pottery excavated onsite is on display alongside panels showcasing pit dwellings reconstructed across Japan and internationally.
• Goshono Jomon World: A 381 cm giant screen and projection mapping recreate the lifestyle of the Jomon people and the seasonal changes at the Goshono archaeological site, vividly bringing the ancient village to life.
• Fire and Festivals: This exhibit highlights the importance of festivals and prayers in Jomon society, focusing on the Makumae and Yamanoi Sites. Artifacts from Makumae, recognized as Important Cultural Properties, showcase the period’s exquisite craftsmanship.
• Local Heritage Exhibit: Introduces the town’s cultural properties, including natural monuments, historic buildings, and sites.
• Hallway Exhibition: Displays artifacts and explanations from major archaeological sites in the town, spanning the early Jomon to the medieval period.
• Museum Shop: Offers cultural heritage books, snacks like “Hanamagari” cookies, and original goods such as baskets made from natural materials, clay products including flower frogs and pottery, and magatama (curved bead) straps.

Hands-On Experiences for All Ages

The Goshono Jomon Park provides immersive activities that reveal how the Jomon people lived in tune with the seasons:

• Indoor Experience Workshop: Visitors can try their hands at making Jomon pottery, traditional weaving, and crafting accessories.
• The Marutto Satoyama Program lets participants engage in the full process from gathering natural materials in the surrounding Jomon Satoyama (traditional village forest) to crafting, deepening understanding of Jomon-era lifestyles.
• Visitors can observe wild birds at the park and take part in spring ingredient foraging, collecting plants like urui (Hosta) and mitsuba (Japanese wild parsley). Using stone tools, participants cut the ingredients and experience cooking using Jomon-style pottery.
• The site’s dark skies allow for stunning star gazing. The autumn stargazing event invites guests to observe the night sky from dusk to nightfall, enjoying warm drinks while spotting autumn constellations.
• The Exciting Archaeologist Experience encourages participants to examine pottery shards found in Ichinohe Town, discuss the meanings behind their patterns, and learn firsthand about archaeology.
• Fabric dyeing workshops teach indigo dyeing, including making dyed calendars.
• Seasonal events such as making New Year's decorations and storytime with stuffed animals for children are also held, making the site an engaging destination for families.

The Goshono Ruins stand as a testament to the rich Jomon heritage and continue to educate and inspire visitors through their archaeological significance, natural beauty, and diverse cultural programs. As part of the "Jomon Ruins in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku," they hold a special place in the story of human history and prehistoric life in Japan.