Dazaifu Seicho Ruins

Overview

The Dazaifu Seicho Ruins, located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, are the remains of an administrative center that governed Kyushu from the late 7th to the late 12th centuries. In ancient times, Dazaifu served as Japan's foremost diplomatic and defensive outpost, acting as a gateway to the Asian continent. Its importance led to the construction of the Seicho (government office) at the heart of Dazaifu. While the original buildings are gone, the ancient foundations remain, testament to the grandeur of the structures. The surrounding landscape retains a palpable sense of the past, allowing visitors to connect with history. Approximately 1.7 kilometers south of the northern edge of the Dazaifu Seicho Ruins, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a road and drainage ditches, approximately 8 meters wide, believed to be the southern edge of the city's grid-like layout (joho system). This discovery provides critical evidence of the city's planned urban development. The Dazaifu Seicho Ruins stand as a significant historical site in Fukuoka Prefecture, vital for understanding Japanese history. Those interested in ancient Japanese history and culture should make a point of visiting. Near the Dazaifu Seicho Ruins are numerous historical sites and attractions, including Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kannon-ji Temple, and Mizuki ruins, allowing for a deeper understanding of Dazaifu's rich history and culture.