Kinowa no saku Castle Ruins, Fortified settlement ruins in Sakata, Japan.
Kinowa no saku Castle Ruins is an archaeological site of a fortified settlement with a square layout and central administrative buildings arranged within protective walls. The remains include structures from multiple periods, with some walls and gates reconstructed to show visitors what the original settlement may have looked like.
Founded in the late 8th century, the settlement served as an administrative center for Dewa Province during the Nara period. The site shows changes across multiple centuries, indicating a long period of use and adaptation to regional needs.
The site reflects how this region was organized and governed during ancient times, with layouts showing the importance placed on administrative order and daily governance. Visitors can sense the strategic planning that went into creating such a large fortified center.
The site is easily accessible by public transport and open year-round with reconstructed sections available for exploration. Comfortable footwear is recommended as the grounds are extensive and some areas remain uneven.
A major earthquake in the year 850 brought sea waves dangerously close to the fortification, showing that the site faced natural hazards even in ancient times. This event reveals how the region dealt with environmental dangers in its past.
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