9 Historic sites in Toyama worth your time
Japan Gems
Toyama Prefecture offers a variety of heritage sites, including the Jōbenoma Site and the Ōzakai Cave Dwelling Site. These locations provide insight into historical periods and are suitable for visitors interested in ancient Japanese culture.
Toyama has 9 historic sites on Japan Gems. Below are the 9 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all historic sites in Toyama.
01
Takase Site
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 高瀬遺跡
Explore an early Heian period archaeological site with iris gardens, perfect for history and nature lovers.
What it is
- An archaeological site in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture.
- Designated a National Historic Site in 1972.
- Discovered in 1970 during paddy field development.
- Developed into a historic park from 1973 to 1974.
What to see
- Remains of three confirmed buildings, one 10m on each side.
- Artifacts including pottery, wooden implements, and roof tiles.
- A meandering stream surrounding the central buildings.
- Approximately 40,000 irises planted along the stream.
When to go
- Takase Site Iris Festival is held annually in June.
02
Yanaidanu-no-Oyama Kofun
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 柳田布尾山古墳
Explore Toyama's largest ancient burial mound, a significant national historic site.
What it is
- A kofun, an ancient burial mound.
- Designated as a National Historic Site.
- Built around the late 3rd to early 4th century.
- Discovered in 1998 during a survey.
What to see
- Largest kofun in Toyama Prefecture.
- Largest square-front, square-rear kofun on the Sea of Japan side.
- Total length of the burial mound is 107.5 meters.
- Burial mound constructed in two tiers.
- Moat surrounds the front part of the burial mound.
- Open to the public as Yanaidanu-no-Oyama Kofun Park.
03
Kitadai Site
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 北代遺跡
Explore a large Jomon-period circular village with reconstructed dwellings and ancient artifacts.
What it is
- A large circular village site from the middle Jomon period.
- Designated a National Historic Site on January 4, 1984.
- Largest Jomon village in Toyama Prefecture.
- Opened as Kitadai Jomon Hiroba on April 28, 1999.
What to see
- Remains from Paleolithic to Heian periods.
- Over 75 pit dwellings were found.
- Four elevated buildings confirmed in the central part.
- Reconstructed pit dwellings and one elevated building.
- Jomon pottery, clay figurines, and stone tools.
04
Kosugimaruyama Site
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 小杉丸山遺跡
Explore an ancient industrial site from the 7th century, revealing early Japanese craftsmanship.
What it is
- An archaeological site from the late Asuka period.
- Related to the production of roof tiles and Sue ware.
- Designated a National Historic Site in 1990.
- Preserved for visitors to explore.
What to see
- Excavated eaves tiles from the Sakatadera temple system.
- Sue ware kilns used for pottery production.
- Iron smelting furnaces for metalworking.
- Foundations of artisan dwellings.
- A guidance facility called 'Asuka Kōjin no Yakata'.
05
Sakuradani Kofun
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 桜谷古墳
Explore ancient burial mounds, including two National Historic Sites, revealing early Japanese history.
What it is
- A group of tumuli, or ancient burial mounds.
- Discovered in 1918 in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
- Two tumuli designated as National Historic Sites in 1934.
- Estimated to have been built before the early 5th century.
What to see
- One keyhole-shaped tomb and one scallop-shaped tomb.
- Over ten small circular tumuli.
- Excavated artifacts are city-designated cultural properties.
- An inner-flower-patterned mirror was found here.
06
Asahi Shell Mound
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 朝日貝塚
Asahi Shell Mound: a significant archaeological site preserving ancient dwellings and artifacts.
What it is
- A complex archaeological site from Jomon to medieval periods.
- Discovered in 1918 during temple construction.
- Designated as a National Historic Site.
What to see
- Two dwelling sites with hearths, preserved in a building.
- Yayoi pottery and Sue ware were excavated.
- Basket-shaped pottery was found.
- A large jade bead, a National Important Cultural Property.
07
Jōbenoma Site
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE じょうべのま遺跡
Explore the ruins of an early Heian period manor, a National Historic Site with unique artifacts.
What it is
- An early manor facility site from the Heian period.
- Designated a National Historic Site.
- Discovered by local residents in 1941.
What to see
- Remains of 21 buildings from the 9th to 10th centuries.
- Excavated ink-inscribed pottery.
- Excavated wooden tablets.
Getting there
- 1.5 km north of Nyūzen Station.
08
Fudōdō Site
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 不動堂遺跡
Explore a large Jomon-period settlement with restored pit dwellings and unique hearths.
What it is
- Jomon period archaeological site.
- Designated a National Historic Site in 1974.
- A middle Jomon period settlement.
What to see
- Restored pit dwellings.
- Super-large pit dwelling, 17 by 8 meters.
- Building No. 2 had 16 large pillars.
- Four stone-lined hearths inside Building No. 2.
- Two rectangular and two circular hearths.
09
Ōzakai Cave Dwelling Site
TOYAMA · HISTORIC SITE 大境洞窟住居跡
Explore Japan's first cave excavation site, revealing layers of history from Jomon to medieval times.
What it is
- A cave ruin and National Historic Site.
- A complex site from Jomon to medieval periods.
- Japan's first cave site excavation.
- The beginning of full-scale stratigraphic excavation.
What to see
- Six distinct cultural layers.
- The cave behind Shirayama Shrine.
- Unearthed pottery, ceramics, human and animal bones.