Guide
The Toro Site is a significant archaeological site located in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, representing a quintessential Yayoi period farming settlement. This area once hosted a sophisticated agricultural community centered around rice cultivation, surrounded by water. Today, the Shizuoka City Toro Museum stands on this site, preserving the history of the region through its displays of excavated dwellings and daily artifacts. The site is maintained as a park where you can see reconstructed models of ancient pit dwellings and experience the atmosphere of a bygone era.
This site holds immense historical value as a key example of a Yayoi period agricultural settlement. Archaeological excavations have revealed the advanced nature of the community, including evidence of rice cultivation in paddy fields, pit dwellings, and raised-floor granaries for storage. The unearthed pottery and tools provide vital evidence of how people lived and adapted to their natural environment. Many of these artifacts are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, making this site a crucial center for Japanese archaeology.
The museum offers a wide range of engaging exhibits. In the permanent exhibition rooms, you can observe detailed displays of excavated pottery, farming implements, and daily tools, allowing you to visualize the lifestyle of the Yayoi people. The 'Yayoi Experience Exhibition Room' offers interactive elements, making history more accessible and engaging through hands-on learning. The museum's architecture itself reflects the structures of the era. After exploring the first-floor area, you can head to the open rooftop terrace to enjoy a sense of space and a view of the surrounding environment.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visiting during the daytime allows you to enjoy the exhibits under bright, natural light. The surrounding park area is also perfect for a stroll on clear, sunny days. While the scenery changes with the seasons, we highly recommend visiting on a bright day to enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace and the sight of the reconstructed dwellings from an outdoor perspective. The indoor exhibition rooms provide a comfortable environment for learning regardless of the weather.
Beyond simple observation, the Toro Site offers experiential learning. The Yayoi Experience Exhibition Room allows visitors to learn about ancient life through tactile and interactive displays. For families and students, the museum provides worksheets to make the learning process fun and educational. In the park area, you can walk around the reconstructed pit dwellings to experience the layout and environment of an ancient settlement firsthand.
The museum is surrounded by a park area that maintains a historical landscape. You can enjoy a walk through nature while deepening your understanding of the historical context. Shizuoka City also hosts many other historical and cultural facilities, making this a great stop on a broader historical tour of the region. The museum grounds also include a library corner for those wishing to research Japanese history more deeply.
Please maintain a quiet atmosphere while viewing the exhibits. To protect the precious artifacts, please follow the specific instructions regarding photography in each area. While there are no strict dress codes, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring the outdoor park and the reconstructed sites. For admission to the second-floor exhibition area, both cash and credit cards are accepted. Multilingual audio guides are also available for free to ensure an enriching experience for international visitors.