Choshichiyachi Shell Mound: A Jomon Midden on an Ancient Bay
The Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (長七谷地貝塚, Chōshichiyachi Kaizuka) is a settlement site centred on a shell midden of the late Initial Jomon period in the Kikyono industrial estate, Ichikawa-machi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, designated a national Historic Site in 1981.
Hachinohe City places the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound on the right bank of the lower Gonohe River. The official website of the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan explains that it sits at the end of a low hill 10 to 20 metres above sea level, overlooking an inlet, the ancient Oirase Bay, formed when sea levels rose.
Aomori Prefecture says about 30,000 square metres are protected as a Historic Site, owned by Hachinohe City. The Choshichiyachi Shell Mound is also designated as a related asset of the World Heritage property Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan.
Why It Was Designated
According to Aomori Prefecture, the site was investigated in 1958 by Esaka Teruya and others, and excavated between 1977 and 1979 in connection with the Hachinohe industrial estate and conservation work. Pit dwellings and many blocks of shell layers were found.
The shells are mainly bay species living in sand and mud, such as clams, brackish-water Corbicula and soft-shell clams. The World Heritage website adds that fish bones include sea bass and black sea bream as well as open-ocean skipjack, and that boar and deer were hunted in the hills behind.
Many bone and antler tools were found, including composite fish-hooks and harpoon heads, suggesting that hook-and-line and spear fishing adapted to marine resources had developed early in the Jomon period. Hachinohe City describes the midden as valuable for understanding the environment and livelihoods of the time.
What to Look For
The Choshichiyachi Shell Mound is now protected as a green space within the industrial estate. The World Heritage website says it formed when sea levels were at their highest during a warm phase, so traces of seaside life now lie well inland.
Shell-layer sections and finds are displayed at the Hachinohe City Museum. Seeing the site first and then the composite hooks and harpoon heads at the museum helps make sense of both.
Visiting the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound
Hachinohe City says anyone may visit freely without booking. There is no car park nearby. The ground can be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes, and boots after rain. Watch for hornets in summer, and note that paths are not cleared of snow in winter.
The site is about 25 minutes on foot from Mutsu-Ichikawa Station on the Aoimori Railway, or about 8 minutes by car from the Hachinohe-kita interchange. Hachinohe city buses bound for Tagadai and Hattaro reach the Shaken Toroku Jimusho stop in about 50 minutes, 3 minutes' walk away. The Hachinohe City Museum, which shows the finds, opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.), closes on Mondays and charges 250 yen for adults.
Q&A
- What is the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound?
- A late Initial Jomon settlement site centred on a shell midden in Hachinohe, Aomori, designated a national Historic Site in 1981.
- What has been found at the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound?
- Bay shellfish such as clams and Corbicula, fish and animal bones, and bone and antler tools including composite fish-hooks and harpoon heads.
- Is the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound a World Heritage site?
- It is a related asset of the World Heritage property Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan.
- Can I visit the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound freely?
- Yes, anyone may visit without booking, but there is no car park nearby.
- Where can I see finds from the Choshichiyachi Shell Mound?
- At the Hachinohe City Museum; adult admission is 250 yen.
Basic Information
| Name | Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (長七谷地貝塚) |
|---|---|
| Location | Ichikawa-machi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture (Kikyono industrial estate 3-chome) |
| Designation | Historic Site |
| Year Designated | Designated 1981/5/25 (Showa 56) |
| Quantity | 1 site |
| Dimensions | About 30,000 square metres designated; end of a hill 10 to 20 metres above sea level |
| Owner | Hachinohe City |
| Public Access | Free access; no car park |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/106
- Cultural Heritage Online: Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/137584
- Hachinohe City: Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (Japanese)
- https://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/soshikikarasagasu/shakaikyoikuka/bunka/2/4937.html
- Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan: Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (Japanese)
- https://jomon-japan.jp/learn/jomon-sites/choshichiyachi
- Aomori Prefecture: Choshichiyachi Shell Mound (Japanese)
- https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/soshiki/kyoiku/e-bunka/kinen_siseki_08.html
Last verified: 2026.09.27