Terachi Site

The Terachi Site, located in the Teraji neighborhood of Itoigawa, Niigata, Japan, is a significant archaeological site from the middle to late Jōmon period, dating back 5,000 to 3,500 years. This site is notable for its extensive settlement remains, including pit dwellings and workshops dedicated to the production of jadeite and serpentine artifacts such as stone axes, beads, and magatama. The presence of whetstones, abrasive sales, and furnaces indicates a highly developed craft industry. The arrangement of four large wooden pillars suggests a potential ritual or calendrical function. The site's artifacts have been found throughout the Hokuriku and Kantō regions, highlighting its importance in regional trade and cultural exchange. Today, the site is preserved as an archaeological park with reconstructed dwellings for public education and appreciation.