Excavational investigations of Yoshinogari Archaeological Site have been conducted since 1986. In Yoshinogari, people had lived since 300 years B.C. until the third century for 600 years. Based on the results of excavational investigations, ninety-eight houses and buildings in the Yayoi Age were rebuilt. The archaeological site open for the public as a historical park since 2001.

If you come to Yoshinogari Historical Park from Kanzaki Station, you will go through the west entrance and will see Yoshinogari Archaeological Site on a hill beyond swales.

There are a couple of baileys in Yoshinogari Archaeological Site. They are surrounding by fences and moats.

This is the view of the Southern Inner Bailey (Enclosure) from a watch tower. The Southern Inner Bailey is firmly protected by moats and fences.

V-shape moats are surrounding the Southern Inner Bailey. The moat is approximately two meters in deep and the maximum width of the moat is six meters. Mounds were created by mud and clay from the moats. Fences were built on these mounds.

The Southern Inner Bailey is the living area for leaders of Yoshinogari.

Total twenty buildings are rebuilt based on the excavational investigations in the Southern Inner Bailey. These houses were pit-dwelling houses.

Watch towers were built near the entrances of the bailey. The views of the Southern Inner Bailey from a watch tower were very impressive. You will see many pit-dwelling houses as if you were in the 300 years B.C. The estimated total population of Yoshinogari is approximately twelve hundred.

To the north, you will see the Ceremonial Hall in the Northern Inner Bailey from a watchtower. This view is also very impressive.

The Northern Inner Bailey was the most important baily of Yoshinogari.
The main gate of the Northern Bailey was firmly protected by fences.

After passing through the main gate, you will see the Ceremonial Hall in front of you. The Ceremonial Hall is the most important facility of Yoshinogari.

The leaders of Yoshinogari came to the facility to discuss important issues. Also, a high-ranked shrine-maiden offered prayer to the spirits of their ancestors and also to menace of nature.

According to the "Gishiwajinden", an "Account of the Wa (= the name of ancient Japan) in the History of the Wei Dynasty", "Yamatai" was the first nation which united almost all "Kuni"s in Japan. "Himiko", who was the highest-ranked shrine-maiden, led "Yamatai". Nobody knows where "Yamatai". When Yoshinogari Archaeological Site was found, there were big discussions that Yoshinogari was the candidate of "Yamatai".

To the north of the Northern Inner Bailey, the North Burial Mound is located. You will see a pillar in front of the mound. It is assumed that the spirits of the ancestors reside in the pillar.

It is considered that leaders of Yoshinogari were buried in this mound. The excavation state is displayed. The surface of the remains and burial jars remain since 300 years B.C.

How to get there
From Tokyo or Osaka, take a "Nozomi" bound for Hakata. From, Hakata, take a "Tsubame" or a "Sakura" to Shin-Tosu. From Osaka, you can take a Sakura directly to Shin-Tosu. From Shin-Tosu, you will take a local train to Yoshinogari-Koen or Kanzaki. Yoshinogari Historical Park is within a walking distance from these stations.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Ohno Castle
Ruins of Dazaifu Government
Ruins of Kii Castle
Ruins of Yokotake Castle
Ruins of Saga Castle