10 Historic sites in Niigata worth your time

Explore medieval manor ruins and castle sites, designated as a National Historic Site.

What it is

• A medieval manor ruin, designated a National Historic Site.
• Designated on October 3, 1984, with additional designation in 2006.
• Thirteen sites are designated as historic sites.
• Okuyama-no-sho Historical Plaza opened in 2002.

What to see

• Egami-yakata, believed to be the Nakajo clan residence.
• Excavated residence ruins, revealing full extent.
• Unearthed Chinese ceramics and Suzu ware.
• Four bridge ruins and two gate ruins.
• Torisaka Castle Ruins and Kurokawa Castle Ruins.
• Kanamiyama Castle Ruins and Ganjumon-yama Castle Ruins.

Read more about Okuyama shōjōkan

Explore an ancient highland settlement and burial mounds from Japan's Yayoi and Kofun periods.

What it is

• A national historic site designated in 2005.
• Dates from the late Yayoi to early Kofun periods.
• Northernmost Hokuriku-style highland moated settlement.
• Confirmed in 1987 during highway construction.

What to see

• Excavated remains of 8 moats and 45 pit dwellings.
• Three square-shaped moated tombs.
• Furutsu Hachimanyama Kofun, a circular burial mound.
• Largest Kofun of its kind in Niigata Prefecture.
• Artifacts include pottery, arrowheads, and grinding stones.

Official site

www.city.niigata.lg.jp

Read more about Furutsu Hachimanyama Site

Explore a 4,000-year-old Jomon village site and its unique pottery.

What it is

• A Jomon period circular village site.
• Designated as a National Historic Site.
• Excavated in 1972-1973.
• Located in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture.

What to see

• A circular village 120 meters in diameter.
• Remains of 49 pit dwellings.
• Foundations of 3 rectangular large buildings.
• Buildings constructed using chestnut wood.
• Deep bowl-shaped Okinohara-style pottery.
• Stone tools and arrowheads were excavated.

Read more about Okinohara Site

Explore Jomon and medieval history at this unique archaeological site, home to National Treasure pottery.

What it is

• A complex archaeological site with Jomon and medieval remains.
• Designated a Tokamachi City historic site.
• Known for excavated Jomon flame-type pottery.
• Excavated artifacts are designated National Treasures.

What to see

• Jomon pit dwellings, hearths, and burial jars.
• Medieval pillar buildings, blacksmith workshops, and wells.
• Two reconstructed pit dwellings.
• A municipal athletic field and baseball field.

Read more about Sasayama Site

Explore a significant Jomon-era settlement with reconstructed dwellings and ancient artifacts.

What it is

• A Jomon period archaeological site.
• Designated a National Historic Site in 1978.
• A settlement from the late to final Jomon period.
• Fujihashi History Square park opened in 1992.

What to see

• Reconstructed historical buildings.
• An exhibition hall.
• Numerous remains including dwellings and pits.
• Vast quantities of artifacts.
• Pottery from various Jomon periods.
• Stone tools, including swords and crowns.

Read more about Fujihashi Site

Explore ancient burial mounds from the 6th-7th centuries, a National Historic Site with unique artifacts.

What it is

• A designated National Historic Site.
• Group of ancient burial mounds, known as kofun.
• Construction began in the late 6th century.
• Peak construction period was the early 7th century.

What to see

• Small circular burial mounds.
• Excavated kofun feature horizontal stone chambers.
• Artifacts include swords, knives, and arrowheads.
• Horse tack and beads were also excavated.

Read more about Miyaguchi Kofun Group

Explore ancient burial mounds and stone chambers at this National Historic Site.

What it is

• A designated National Historic Site in Joetsu City.
• A group of ancient burial mounds, called kofun.
• Became a historic park after investigations in 1975.

What to see

• 34 confirmed stone chambers.
• Most kofun are 7 to 10 meters in diameter.
• Observe the interior of the stone chambers.
• Longest stone chamber is 8.6 meters.
• Grave goods included swords, knives, and beads.

Read more about Mizushina Kofun Group

Explore a Jomon-period village site and its unique flame-type pottery, offering a glimpse into ancient Japanese life.

What it is

• A Jomon period archaeological site.
• Designated a National Historic Site in 1979.
• Known for its distinctive flame-type earthenware.

What to see

• Restored pit dwellings, open to the public since 2011.
• Excavated pottery displayed at Umataka Jomon Museum.
• The excavated clay figurine, "Miss Umataka."
• Flame-type deep bowl, an Important Cultural Property.

Official site

www.museum.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp

Read more about Umataka-Sanjūinaba Site

Explore Hida Sites, a large highland settlement with pit dwellings from Japan's early Kofun period.

What it is

• Early Kofun period settlement ruins.
• Niigata Prefecture's largest highland moated settlement.
• Designated a National Historic Site in 1977.
• Dates from late Yayoi to early Kofun periods.

What to see

• 71 pit dwellings on the left bank of the Yashiro River.
• Moats on the east and west sides of the dwellings.
• Ruins divided into three areas on low hills.

Read more about Hida Sites

Explore a Jomon period cave site with important artifacts, offering a glimpse into ancient life.

What it is

• A Jomon period cave site.
• Designated a National Historic Site.
• Artifacts are National Important Cultural Properties.

What to see

• Cave opening 218 meters above sea level.
• Cave is 3 meters high, 7 meters wide, and 8 meters deep.
• Pottery from Incipient, Early, and Initial Jomon periods.
• Stone tools and bone artifacts from ancient times.

Read more about Muroya Cave