Overview
The Mukibanda Site is a large Yayoi-period settlement straddling the border of Daisen Town and Yonago City in Tottori Prefecture. Covering roughly 156 hectares, it ranks among the largest Yayoi settlement remains in Japan and is designated a National Historic Site. Spread across hills that look toward Mount Daisen, it preserves pit-dwelling traces, mounded tombs, and more, offering a rare open-air chance to sense how Yayoi people lived. With reconstructed buildings and walking paths, visitors can wander slowly through the atmosphere of an ancient village.
Highlights
- ●One of Japan's largest Yayoi settlement remains at some 156 hectares
- ●Historic value recognized by National Historic Site designation in 1999
- ●Remains such as pit dwellings and mounded tombs conveying Yayoi life
- ●Sweeping views from hills looking toward Mount Daisen
History
The Mukibanda Site is a Yayoi-period settlement spreading across the Tomioka, Muki, and Nagata areas of Daisen Town and the Fukuoka area of Yodoe in Yonago City. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1999, and its vast scale and fine preservation make it a critically important site for understanding Yayoi society. Numerous pit dwellings, raised-floor storehouses, and chieftain-class mounded tombs have been confirmed on the hills, suggesting not a mere hamlet but a central community, or country, of the region. The circumstances of its discovery and preservation amid development plans can be explored further through on-site explanations and official sources.
Access
The site sits on the hills at the foot of Mount Daisen, on the border of Daisen Town and Yonago City, at roughly 35.46 north and 133.45 east. It is most easily reached by car from JR Yonago Station or the Yonago and Daisen areas of the San'in Expressway. Because the grounds are vast, touring is mainly on foot. As public transport, visiting routes, and opening hours may change, checking official information before your visit is reassuring.
Best season
As an open-air archaeological park, the stable weather of spring to early summer and the clear air of autumn are especially recommended. From the hills, views open toward Mount Daisen and the Sea of Japan, letting you enjoy ancient exploration alongside seasonal scenery. Summer sun is strong and winter can bring the wind and snow typical of San'in, so come in comfortable walking clothes and prepared for the weather. For events and the status of reconstructed buildings, checking official information is advised.
Map
35.4600, 133.4475 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Learn the overall picture and Yayoi background at the guidance facility
- 2See reconstructed pit dwellings and storehouses and imagine ancient life
- 3Walk the hilltop paths and tour the mounded tombs and settlement traces
- 4Enjoy views of Mount Daisen and the sea, then extend to nearby sites and hot springs
Did you know?
💡 At about 156 hectares, its scale is outstanding among Japan's Yayoi settlement sites, meaning an entire range of hills once formed an ancient village. The 1999 designation as a National Historic Site marked a major turning point that allowed the site to be preserved for the future. Set with Mount Daisen at its back, its location conveys how Yayoi people lived in close connection with the natural environment.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!