Spot

Umenoki site is one of the major settlement sites around Mt. Yatsugatake from the Middle Jomon Period (c. 3,500?2,500 BC). Approximately 150 pit dwellings were discovered at this site forming a circular layout with the central plaza. This circular settlement pattern is representative of the Middle Jomon sites around the Central Highlands of Japan. Among the rare finds was a footpath leading to a river dating to the Jomon period. These remarkable features were behind the decision to designate Umenoki a National Historic Site in 2014. Since then, Umenoki Site Park was established in April 2018. At this park, volunteers have been involved in the reconstruction of pit dwellings to rebuild an authentic Jomon landscape. Artifacts found from this site are exhibited at the visitor center.