Overview
The Shiraho Saonetabaru Cave Ruins are a multi-period archaeological site on Ishigaki Island in Ishigaki, Okinawa, spanning the Paleolithic through around the 16th century. The site yielded human remains dated to about 27,000 years ago and is home to the first known Paleolithic burial ground in Japan.
Highlights
- ●Human remains dated to about 27,000 years ago
- ●Among Japan's oldest near-complete skeletons
- ●Japan's first known Paleolithic burial ground
- ●Designated a National Historic Site
History
Set in a cave on Ishigaki Island, the site preserves remains from several eras, from the Paleolithic to around the 16th century. Alongside the near-complete human skeleton dated to some 27,000 years ago, researchers identified the first known Paleolithic burial ground in Japan. It was designated a National Historic Site in 2019.
Access
The site is in the city of Ishigaki. Access is generally by public transport or car; please check maps and official sources for details.
Best season
As a site visited mainly for its archaeology, it can be explored year-round. Milder times of year on Ishigaki are more comfortable for getting around outdoors.
Map
24.4002, 124.2458 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Read up on the site and how it was discovered
- 2Learn about the excavated remains at a related exhibit
- 3Set the findings against Ishigaki's nature and terrain
- 4Round off with the wider history of the Yaeyama Islands
Did you know?
💡 The human remains found here are considered the oldest near-complete skeleton yet discovered in Japan.
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