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Shinagawa from the primitive period to ancient times

The Jomon and Yayoi Era

There are Ikedayamakita Ruin in Higashigotanda Roku-chome and Kirigaya Ruin in Nisigotanda during the earlier and the early Jomon Eras. Two ruins are the oldest people’s lives. In the early Jomon Era, there were some communities along the Meguro River such as Irukibashi Ruin. Shell mounds and traces of dwelling sites were excavated from there. Omori Shell Mound exited during the late and the last Jomon Eras. In the late of the Yayoi Era, there was a large moat settlement (a village surrounded by a moat) in Ikedayamakita Ruin on the left side of the Meguro River.

Jomon earthenware from Ikedayamakita Ruin, deep pot

From the Kofun Era to ancient times

There were once necropolises dating from late-6th-century near present-day Oi San-chome and Oi Yon-chome. It is said that in ancient times Oi Station existed near present-day Oi Roku-chome district. This station was called “Umaya,” and lent food and horses to officers. Although no clear records remain, there used to be a large village community on the site of the Shinagawa Historical Museum, called “Oikashima Ruin.” An excavation found that it existed from the Kofun Era to the Nara Era. At present, there have been no other communities from the same era discovered in this area, so it is considered that this community is connected with Oi Station.

Earthenware from Oikashima Ruin

Traces of dwelling sites
This was modelled on the dwelling site at Oikashima Ruin, and moved to the garden at Shinagawa Historical Museum

The lobby floor
The position of village community is marked on the lobby floor.