About Yoshinogari
Information about locations in the virtual tour.
Other activities at Yoshinogari
History
Yoshinogari is a large archaeological site in Saga Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is the site of an ancient settlement that dates back to Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 AD). It is deemed an area of huge historical importance as it shows the characteristics of the different stages of this period and shows how the society developed. The ruins are also believed to be one of the first settlements in the development of the nation state "Yamatai". In other words, modern day Japan.
Numerous structures and relics have been discovered that span the whole of the Yayoi period, including ancient burial jars containing the leaders throughout that time which are unique to this particular area.
The area of Yoshinogari was designated to become an industrial area until the ruins and relics were discovered. Hence these plans were scrapped and detailed study and excavation of the area began in 1986. In 1992, the park was designated as a National Historical Park and in 2001 the first phase of the park area opened to the public.
Virtual Tour Location Info
Minaminaikaku - This is the area believed to be where the successive rulers of Yoshinogari resided. This area had strong defences such as being surrounded by a circular moat, fences and watchtowers. Take a look around and take a peek inside the ruler's dwellings.
Kitanaikaku - This area is believed to be the center of political, ceremonial and festive activities.
Burial Jar Rows - These burial mounds are said to be the resting places of the successive rulers of Yoshinogari. To the front of these mounds is a special temperature and air contolled museum and information hub which exhibits the restored burial jars and how they were when they were discovered.
Kuratoichi - This area is believed to be the commercial center which contains store houses with goods for trade and a market.
Note: The main housing structures at Yoshinogari are only replicas of the original structures which were discovered. The original ruins sit directly under these reconstructions to preserve them.
Other Activities at Yoshinogari
The park spans 58 hectares so there is a lot of space and other things to do besides visiting the ruins such as...
- Interactive Programs: Fire making, soapstone bead making and making an earthen flute as was practiced by the people of the Yayoi period. There is also fabric making and dance lessons.
- Disc Golf Course: A 9-hole frisbee course.
- Picnic Area and Play Field: Plenty of space here in natural surroundings.
- Exhibition Room: Here you can see all the relics that have been discovered during excavation on display.