About
In a corner of Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, at latitude 35.7104877 and longitude 139.9745063, the Tobinodai Shell Mound stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. This site is a place where people of the Jomon period left traces of their lives, and their breath still lingers in the earth.
Once, a rich forest spread across this land, bringing blessings with each passing season. In spring, cherry blossoms bloomed in profusion; in summer, lush green trees provided cool shade. In autumn, colorful leaves adorned the landscape, and in winter, silence enveloped the forest. The people of the Jomon period, receiving the gifts of nature, engaged in hunting, gathering, and fishing, made pottery, polished stone tools, and wove the fabric of their daily lives.
Many shells, fish bones, and animal bones have been unearthed from the Tobinodai Shell Mound, telling the story of the diet and environment of that time. In particular, the accumulation of shells indicates their deep connection with the sea. Fragments of pottery and stone tools have also been discovered, offering glimpses of their craftsmanship and sense of beauty.
At this site, one can sense not only the activities of the Jomon people but also their spirituality and beliefs. Ritual objects such as clay figurines and stone rods have been excavated, likely embodying reverence for nature and prayers to their ancestors. They coexisted with nature, gave thanks for its blessings, and built a unique culture.
Today, the Tobinodai Shell Mound stands quietly amid the hustle and bustle of the city, serving as a bridge between past and present. Visitors can feel the wind of the Jomon era here and listen to the breath of people from long ago. The relics sleeping in the earth speak to us: “There were people who lived here. Their lives are connected to ours today.”
The Tobinodai Shell Mound is not just a ruin. It is a clue to exploring our roots and a place to receive messages from the past. When we stand here, we become travelers transcending time and space, able to reflect on the world of the Jomon period. And that journey will become an opportunity to reconsider our own existence and culture.
Although the Tobinodai Shell Mound is located in a quiet corner of Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, it exudes a deep sense of history and culture. By visiting here, we can converse with the past and sense our own roots. It will be a moment to step away from the noise of modern life and calm our hearts.