Yoshinogari site

Yoshinogari is an archaeological site with a historical park in Saga Prefecture, where reconstructed buildings, watchtowers, and moats stand on hilly terrain. The complex covers a large area and shows different zones of the original settlement, including dwellings, defenses, and storage facilities.

The settlement began around 400 BCE as a small village and grew into an important fortified center during the Yayoi period. Over the centuries the community expanded and built defenses that protected them from outside threats.

Reconstructed granaries and ritual spaces show how residents stored their harvest and conducted ceremonies. Burial grounds reveal how the community honored their dead and what objects they placed with them.

The park offers educational programs and hands-on displays that help visitors understand ancient life. Well-kept paths connect the different zones and make the walk around easy to follow.

A moat stretching over two kilometers surrounds the complex and ranks among the largest known defense systems from ancient Japan. The width and depth of the ditch show how much work the community put into protecting their settlement.

Location: Yoshinogari

Location: Kanzaki

Inception: 4 century BCE

Official opening: April 21, 2001

Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan, 日本の秘境100選

Website: https://yoshinogari.jp

GPS coordinates: 33.32500,130.38400

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:00