Minaminaikaku
MINAMINAIKAKU (Southern Inner Enclosure) - THE RULERS' RESIDENCE
This is believed to be where the successive rulers of Yoshinogari and the surrounding village rulers resided during the peak of the Yayoi civilization. Judging from the formidable defenses of this area, including the circular moats, fences, and watchtowers, this place is considered to be where the rulers of Yoshinogari could be found. In contrast to the other living areas of Yoshinogari, the high-floored houses, as well as various iron products found in the area, show the elevated status of their residents.
- SHIHAISHASOUNOSUMAI
(Ruling class residences) - MONOMIYAGURA
(Watchtower) - Ruler's Residences
- Guard House
- NISUIYA
(Cooking house) - SHUKAINOYAKATA
(Meeting House) - YAGURAMON
(Look-out Platform and Gate)
SHIHAISHASOUNOSUMAI (Ruling class residences)
It is believed that this area, surrounding a large field, is where the ruling class of MINAMINAIKAKU resided. Many pit dwellings can be found here.
MONOMIYAGURA (Watchtower)
Four high-floored watchtowers are located in MINAMINAIKAKU. Found at the protruding sections of the inner moat, they gave the sentries the ability to observe people entering the village.
Ruler's Residences
Found in northwest MINAMINAIKAKU, this important area was surrounded by fences and walls. These high-floored pit dwellings are believed to have been the residences of Yoshinogari's ruler and his relatives: daughter and husband, wife, etc..
Guard House
There is one pit dwelling situated outside of the circular moat northwest of MINAMINAIKAKU. The structure is different than that of the inner pit dwellings leading scholars to believe this was the house for guards stationed at the gate to KURATOICHI.
NISUIYA (Cooking house)
It was found during excavation that though the various pit dwellings used fire, they seem to not have cooked food in the dwellings. Instead, it is believed that the village used this large building and a few smaller adjacent buildings to prepare food.
SHUKAINOYAKATA (Meeting House)
This large high-ceilinged structure was located in front of the rulers house. This is where the MINAMINAIKAKU ruler and the ruling class leaders met and talked.
YAGURAMON (Look-out Platform and Gate)
This was the first line of defense for the southern section of MINAMINAIKAKU (Southern Inner Enclosure). It consisted of a large wooden gate, located between the two southern openings, with sentries posted at the top to observe those seeking entrance, as well as the inner moat and a raised dirt wall.