Tabata Site (田端遺跡, Tabata iseki) is a Jōmon period archaeological site with the remains of a stone circle located in what is now the city of Machida, Tokyo, Japan. It was designated a Prefectural Historic Site in 1971, with the protected area expanded in 2007.
Overview
The site was discovered in 1968 during agricultural work. The stone circle was identified during the second phase of survey and excavation. The site is understood to have changed in function over time:
- Middle Jōmon period: Initially used as a settlement.
- Late Jōmon period: Converted into a burial site, with approximately thirty graves identified.
- Later period: Became a worship site centered on the stone circle.
The stone circle itself measures approximately 7 meters (23 ft) north-to-south by 9 meters (30 ft) east-to-west. The original stone circle has since been reburied for preservation, and a reconstruction is presented to the public.
Location
The site is located in Machida, Tokyo, in the Kantō region of Japan. It is accessible to the public and is noted as being one of the closest stone circles to a train station in Japan.
See also
- List of Historic Sites of Japan (Tokyo)
- Kōgasaka Stone Age Site
