Local Secret · Oi / Omori

Omori Shell Mound Garden 大森貝塚遺跡庭園

The birthplace of Japanese archaeology: the shell midden discovered by Edward Morse from a train window in 1877, now a tiny garden with an exposed shell layer and replica Jomon finds.

HoursApprox. 9:00–17:00 (to 16:30 in winter)

ClosedYear-end

PriceFree

Getting thereOmori Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, North exit), 5 min

Time needed20–30 min

Best timeWeekday daytime

Address6-21-6 Oi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo

About

In 1877, American zoologist Edward S. Morse, riding the new Yokohama–Shimbashi railway, spotted shells in a cutting and returned to excavate, Japan's first scientific archaeological dig. The site is now a small, peaceful garden beside the JR tracks with a cross-section of the actual Jomon shell layer displayed under glass, a statue of Morse, replica pottery and an explanation trail. Commuter trains still rush past just as Morse's did. Archaeology nerds love it; almost no one else knows it is there.

Highlights

Real Jomon shell layer displayed in a cut section
Statue and story of Edward S. Morse
Site of Japan's first scientific excavation (1877)
Trains rushing by on the original line
Small, peaceful garden with benches

Tips

Closed on certain days; check before going (hours approx. 9:00–17:00)
Combine with the Shinagawa Historical Museum 5 min away, which displays Morse's finds
It takes 20 minutes; pair with Oimachi or Omori for food

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Omori Shell Mound Garden 大森貝塚遺跡庭園

About

Highlights

Tips

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