Tenpaku Site

The Tenpaku site, located in Matsusaka, Japan, is a significant archaeological location from the late Jōmon period. This site, situated on a fluvial terrace near the Nakamura River, is renowned for its concentration of burial and ritual structures, including 37 stone-lined graves and 24 earthenware burials. These burials, dating from approximately 2500 to 1300 BCE, were discovered in a well-preserved state despite being only one meter below the surface. The site yielded a wealth of grave goods, including magatama, clay figurines, and a variety of stone tools, collectively designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. This concentration of stone-lined graves is rare for western Japan, highlighting the site's importance for understanding regional Jōmon practices.