Jomon Culture
One of the most precious historical resources of Hokkaido is the group of archeological
sites of the Jomon culture, the ancestry culture to the Ainu culture. All over Hokkaido, 8,000
or more such archeological sites are existing. Hokkaido, as a modern Japan’s prefecture,
has mere about 150 years history. However, the human history in Hokkaido actually dates
back approx. 30,000 years. After the Stone Age, from around 10,000 B.C. people started
creating potteries which are featured by cord patterns (Jomon means a cord pattern in
Japanese) and the historic period when such potteries had continued to be created is
called the Jomon Era. The Jomon culture had prospered all over Japan by the time when
paddy rice agriculture was introduced from China during the period 1,000 ~ 300 B.C. (the
time of paddy rice agriculture introduction varies by region.) Along with the extension of
paddy rice agriculture, a new type of pottery, Yayoi pottery had been dominantly created. In
Hokkaido where paddy rice agriculture was difficult due to the cold climate, the Jomon
potteries had continued to be made by about 600 A.D.
Links about the Jomon culture:
-Jomon Archaeological Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku
-Hakodate Jomon Culture Center
Ainu Culture
Hokkaido has a unique history, with indigenous Ainu people and their own culture, and late Japanese settlement with strong western influence.
Excellent food with local ingredients draws visitors from far away.
Links about the Ainu culture:
-The Foundation of Research and Promotion of Ainu Culture
-Biratori Town