Yoshinogari site

Overview

The Yoshinogari site is an archaeological site on the Yoshinogari hills straddling the town of Yoshinogari and the city of Kanzaki in Saga Prefecture. Designated a Special Historic Site of Japan, it is known for the remains of a large moated Yayoi-period settlement covering about 117 hectares. Part of it is now maintained as the national Yoshinogari Historical Park.

Highlights

• ●Remains of a large moated settlement from the Yayoi period
• ●An extensive site covering about 117 hectares
• ●A Special Historic Site of Japan
• ●Part of it opened as the national Yoshinogari Historical Park

History

It is the remains of a large moated Yayoi-period settlement, discovered through excavations begun in 1986. Under the Yayoi chronology based on pottery seriation, the period is placed between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD, but recent surveys using absolute dating methods such as AMS radiocarbon dating indicate that the earliest Yayoi component dates back to around 400 BC. The national Yoshinogari Historical Park opened in 2001.

Map

33.3250, 130.3840 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Begin at the entrance of the Yoshinogari Historical Park
2. 2Walk to take in the extent of the moated settlement remains
3. 3Experience the scale of the site, which spans about 117 hectares
4. 4Explore the grounds maintained as a Special Historic Site

Did you know?

💡 The site was discovered through excavations that began in 1986.

Nearby spots