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Toro Archaeological Site: Journey to Japan's Yayoi Period

Explore a preserved Yayoi-era village with reconstructed homes & rice paddies. Discover ancient Japanese life at the Toro Archaeological Site in Shizuoka.

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Step back 2,000 years at the Toro Archaeological Site in Shizuoka, a window into Japan's Yayoi period. Discovered in 1943, this preserved settlement features reconstructed pit dwellings, storehouses, and rice paddies, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient rice farmers. The adjacent museum displays artifacts unearthed on site, enhancing the immersive experience.

A brief summary to Toro Archaeological Site

  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be more crowded.
  • Check out the free Yayoi experience exhibition room on the ground floor of the museum.
  • Don't miss the chance to try on Yayoi-era clothing for a fun photo opportunity.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum next door.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From JR Shizuoka Station, take the Shizutetsu bus. Several bus lines connect the station to the Toro Iseki bus stop. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes. A one-day pass for Shizuoka Railway and Shizutetsu buses costs ¥1600. Single bus fares typically cost a few hundred yen.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from JR Shizuoka Station. The ride to the Toro Archaeological Site takes around 10 minutes. Expect to pay between ¥1500 and ¥2000, depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    While it's a considerable walk from JR Shizuoka Station (over 30 minutes), it is possible. Follow the main roads east, referring to a map for the most direct route. Note that there are limited pedestrian-friendly paths for the entire distance.

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Discover more about Toro Archaeological Site

The Toro Archaeological Site, located in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, transports visitors to the late Yayoi period (circa 1st century CE). This remarkable site was discovered in 1943 during the construction of a munitions factory during World War II. Post-war excavations revealed the remains of a well-organized settlement, including dwellings, raised-floor warehouses, and extensive rice paddies with sophisticated irrigation systems. The site's significance lies in being the first in Japan to reveal the existence of wet-rice agriculture during the Yayoi period, fundamentally shaping the understanding of early Japanese society. Today, Toro is a designated Special Historic Site, meticulously preserved as an archaeological park. Reconstructed pit dwellings offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Yayoi people, while the carefully cultivated rice paddies showcase their agricultural expertise. Visitors can even try their hand at ancient fire-starting techniques. The Shizuoka City Toro Museum complements the outdoor site, housing a collection of artifacts unearthed during excavations. These artifacts, including pottery, wooden farming tools, and other implements, provide further insight into the material culture of the Yayoi period. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and displays explaining the history and significance of the site. The museum has a Yayoi experience exhibition room where visitors can try on clothes from the Yayoi period. Toro offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese history firsthand. It's a place where you can walk in the footsteps of ancient people, learn about their way of life, and appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of early Japanese civilization.

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