Furutsu Hachimanyama Site

The Furutsu Hachimanyama Site is an archaeological location in Akiha-ku with foundations of 45 raised-floor dwellings and 32 pit dwellings from the Yayoi period. The area was surrounded by V-shaped moats that protected the ancient settlement.

The site dates to the late Yayoi period and was discovered in 1987 during expressway construction. The moats reached depths of up to 3 meters (10 feet) and show how important defense was for this community.

The excavated objects show how people from different regions traded with each other and exchanged their goods. The finds connect inland Japan with coastal communities through pottery and metal items from distant areas.

The Yayoi Hill Exhibition Hall displays finds from the site and reconstructed pit houses and is easy to reach from Furutsu Station. A walk of about 10 minutes takes you from the station directly to the museum.

This is the northernmost moated settlement from the Yayoi period ever discovered along the Sea of Japan coast. Three significant Kofun tumuli from a later era also stand nearby.

Location: Akiha-ku

Website: https://city.niigata.lg.jp/kanko/bunka/rekishi/maibun/kuni_furutsuhachiman

GPS coordinates: 37.76426,139.11499

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02