Yosekuraiwakage Site

The Yosekuraiwakage site in Shōbara, Hiroshima, is a significant archaeological rock shelter from the Jōmon period, recognized as a National Historic Site of Japan. Located at the foot of a limestone mountain in the Taishakukyo Gorge, the site features a large rock shelter over 30 meters long and 15 meters wide. It is notable for its thick cultural layers from the Jōmon period, with well-ordered stratigraphy that has provided vital insights into Jōmon pottery chronology in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Artifacts range from the Jōmon to Kamakura periods, including Jōmon pottery and stone tools. The discovery of a communal burial ground with over 50 human bones suggests the site's role as a secondary burial site. This preservation area offers a glimpse into prehistoric life and rituals.