Yamatai-koku is a vassal state which is mentioned in Gishiwajinden (‘Worenchuan’ [the account of the people of ‘Wa’] in “Wei chih” [The History of the Wei Dynasty]). When the village as described in it was excavated in “Yoshinogari Iseki” (Yoshinogari Ruins), the whole country became a fuss about this topic.
There is a country here for a long period from the 3rd century BC to the 4th century AD, which overlaps with the time when the gold seal was given by Han. Yoshinogari has been revived with the excavation of the country and the people who lived here.
The extremely precious Yoshinogari ruins, where the remains of the Yayoi people living for more than 700 years remain. Passing through the entrance of the Yoshinogari Historical Park Center, which is designed to blend in with the surrounding mountains, you will find a vast land with ruins.
Now that excavation has progressed, the appearance of Yayoi’s village has been recreated, making it possible to feel the appearance of Japanese ancestors realistically.
The interior of the vast site surrounded by deep trenches and fences was divided into politics, residences, cities, and funeral venues. Furthermore, it is known that the rulers such as the king and their families lived in the area where the watchtower stands in the southern inner compound surrounded by the fence.
From here, many things not found in other areas have been excavated, including iron products that only influential people could have. Based on the excavated items, the purpose of use of the building and the state of the people in the building are reproduced, so that the king and family at that time can now understand how they lived.
The residence of Queen Himiko recorded in the Chinese history book “Gishiwajinden”. Since the ruins that looked exactly like the description came out from Yoshinogari Ruins, it was reported extensively on television and in the national newspapers at the beginning of the Heisei period when excavation began. “Yoshinogari is Yamatai-Koku?” The Yamatai-Koku controversy became hot and attracted interest all over Japan.
To access Yoshinogari Ruins by train, move from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station by subway airport line. From Japan Railway Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Main Line or Nagasaki Main Line and get off at Japan Railway Tosu Station. At Tosu Station, take the Nagasaki Main Line ordinary train and go south in the direction of Saga.
The nearest station is “Yoshinogari Koen Station”. Travel time is about 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station. From Hakata to Tosu, it takes about 20 minutes by limited express. It takes 14 minutes from Tosu to Yoshinogari Station.
Yoshinogari Ruins gathers valuable materials and information
In 1989, the ruins of the largest Yayoi period in Japan were excavated in Saga Prefecture. “Yoshinogari Iseki (Yoshinogari Ruins)” where the remains and relics of all the periods of the Yayoi period, which is said to have lasted about 700 years, was discovered.
The theme of “The voice of the Yayoi people can be heard” was restored and displayed in the Yayoi era pit dwelling, the high floor dwelling, the observation tower, and the excavation site of the mound tomb has been released without being backfilled. Among the ruins of the Yayoi period, Yoshinogari Ruins gathers valuable materials and information to unravel Japanese ancient history.
It takes about 20 minutes on foot to the park from JR Nagasaki main line Yoshinogari Park station to the east exit of the park.
Before entering the ruins park, it is recommended that you visit a guidance room or a mini theater in the “Historical Park Center” at the east exit of the park. In the guidance room, there is an introduction of the Yoshinogari ruins, the mini theater shows the history of Yoshinogari and the inside of the restored building titled “revitalized ‘City of Yayoi'”.
The national special historic site
Playing, learning, experience! The theme park which reconstruct entirely in the Yayoi period.
The national special historic site “Yoshinogari Iseki” was found in the Yoshinogari hill which located in Saga. There is a large-scale old Japanese village surrounded by a moat called “Kango-Shuraku” of the Yayoi period with approximately 100 reconstruction buildings in the garden.
The Yayoi period continued 700 years from the 5th century B.C.
It is a remain of the Yayoi period continued 700 years from the 5th century B.C. The moat settlement which surrounded the very large site of 40ha is designated the national historic site of the country.
In the park, like the 12-meter-high “Watchtower” of approximately 1,800 years ago and the largest building “Main Shrined” which performed a meeting and religious service are reconstructed with 98 buildings that based on excavation. And the lifestyle of ancient people in that period are reproduced.
Yamatai-Koku
When you see the scenery that a building reminding of Yamatai-Koku, you feel like to trip in time of Yayoi period.
You can observe in clothes of the Yayoi period.
Experience-based program like “Making Magatama (comma-shaped beads)” and “Making Fire” is held every day, too.
There are the very vast lawn open space that can play with a playground equipment and a big ball, the outdoor cooking section for a barbecue, you can enjoy a resort and a sightseeing.
Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)
| Name: | Yoshinogari Iseki (Yoshinogari Ruins) |
| Adresse: | Tade 1843 Kanzakigun Yoshinogaricho, Saga 842-0035 Japan |
| Access: | JR Nagasaki-honsen line "Yoshinogari-Koen-eki Station” (19 minutes walk) |
| Tel: | (+81) 952-55-933 |
| Price/Charge: | 420 yen (Adult) 80 yen (elementary-H.S. students) Free (Children six years of age and under) Please refer the official web page. |
| Official site: | http://www.yoshinogari.jp/ |
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