Mimitori Site

The Mimitori site is a significant archaeological location in Mitsuke, Niigata, Japan, showcasing the evolution of a Jōmon period settlement from 3000 BCE to 300 BCE. Covering an area of over 16,000 square meters, it is the largest known settlement in the Hokuriku region. Initially established in the middle Jōmon period, the settlement featured pit dwellings arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central plaza. As it evolved into the late Jōmon period, the village expanded westward, forming a donut-shaped configuration, and included a midden. The settlement further transformed during the final Jōmon period, transitioning to elevated buildings. The site's significance lies in its well-preserved structural foundations and artifacts, such as a large jadeite sphere, which provide insights into the social and architectural advancements of the Jōmon culture.