Shigaraki Palace Sites, Archaeological site in Koka, Japan
Shigaraki Palace Sites are archaeological locations in Koka with multiple excavated areas including Miyamachi Site, Dairino Site, Shingu Shrine Site, and Kajiyashiki Site spread across ancient palace grounds. These sites contain remains from when this region served as an imperial residence.
Emperor Shomu founded this imperial palace as a villa in 744 and declared it the temporary capital of Japan during that era. The period was brief, but it demonstrated imperial control over vast territories.
The ruins show complex administrative practices through discovered wooden tags that recorded tax payments from different regions of ancient Japan.
Access to the archaeological sites is possible by walking about 20 minutes from Shigarakigushi Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway line. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the grounds can be uneven and multiple excavation areas are visited on foot.
The exact location remained hidden until excavations revealed it was in the Miyamachi neighborhood, contrary to earlier assumptions placing it in Urano. This discovery changed understanding of ancient imperial geography.
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