Itazuke Site 🇯🇵

If you are fascinated by ancient history, you should explore the Itazuke Site in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. Located on a plateau west of the Mikasa River, this National Historic Site features the remains of a late Jōmon to late Yayoi period moated settlement. Alongside the Nabatake Site, it stands as Japan's oldest known rice-growing village site and oldest known moated settlement.

First discovered in 1916 when early tombs yielded bronze swords and halberds, the location has undergone continuous excavations since 1951. When you visit, you will see an archaeological park complete with recreated pit-style dwellings, rice fields, and an onsite museum. The surrounding area preserves evidence of egg-shaped moats, pit dwellings, storage holes, wells, cemeteries, and irrigation facilities like a canal weir.

Excavations here fundamentally changed historical understanding: late Jōmon paddy fields, carbonized rice, human footprints, stone knives, and wooden tools revealed that wet rice cultivation predated the Yayoi period. Furthermore, unearthed bronze spear molds show local bronze casting occurred alongside imported Korean metalware. Situated roughly 2.1 kilometers east of Takeshita Station on the JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line, this unique historical park offers you a captivating window into early Japanese agriculture and settlement life.

What to see at Itazuke Site

• Re-creations of ancient pit-style dwellings and rice fields
• Onsite museum displaying historical artifacts and excavated finds
• The oldest known moated settlement and rice-growing village site in Japan
• Traces of an egg-shaped moat and irrigation canal weir
• Unearthed historical items like carbonized rice, stone knives, and bronze molds

Visiting tips

Plan your route by taking the JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line to Takeshita Station, located about 2.1 kilometers west of the archaeological park.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning or afternoon

How to get there & what’s nearby

Itazuke Site is easy to reach on Fukuoka’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Fukuoka Mosque and Fukuoka Art Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fukuoka travel guide.