The Tegurino Wadan Ruins

The Tegurino Wadan Ruins

The Tegurino Wadan Ruins are situated at the foot of the sacred Mount Daisen in a mountain village called “Wadan-yama” in Yazu, Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture, Chugoku Region, Japan. The site was once considered one of the largest Yayoi-period settlements in Japan, with over 400 pit dwellings and more than 500 post-hole buildings identified. The total area spans approximately 156 hectares—equivalent to 40 Tokyo Domes.

The Tegurino Wadan Ruins consist of several areas including Sendani, Tegurino Shinzan, Tegurino-yama, Matsuo Head, Komashiki Shimizu, and Matsuo Castle. Excavations have uncovered a village made up of numerous buildings, primarily from the late Yayoi period (late 1st century BC to early 3rd century AD), as well as multiple burial sites. These findings provide valuable insights into the culture and customs of the time. The site is still under excavation, with new discoveries continually emerging. Restoration efforts by experts have reconstructed many parts of the ruins, bringing back to life the appearance of the area during its most prosperous period, around 1,800 years ago.

The Tegurino Wadan Ruins are open to the public year-round, except during the New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3), attracting millions of visitors each year who come to experience the atmosphere of the Yayoi period.

Muki-Banda Remains

Why you must visit: Japan’s largest-scale Yayoi ruins

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Tottori Prefecture