Panduan
The Dazaifu Government Office Site is a Special Historic Site in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is renowned as the site of the 'Dazaifu' government office, a regional administrative center established in the late 7th century in Chikuzen Province, Kyushu. This location was far more than just an administrative office; it served as a crucial hub for military operations, diplomacy, and cultural exchange with various East Asian nations. Spanning an area of approximately 254,000 square meters, the site once housed diverse government-related facilities such as the central government office, schools, tax offices, medical offices, and military barracks. Today, visitors can witness the physical evidence of ancient Japan's governance and international relations through preserved ruins and excavated artifacts.
Dazaifu was often referred to as the 'Western Capital' of ancient Japan. It played a pivotal role in managing diplomatic and defensive relations, particularly with the Tang Dynasty and the Korean Peninsula. The head of the Dazaifu, known as the 'Dazaino Sochi,' was a high-ranking government official with immense authority. Historical records suggest that Dazaifu functioned not only as a regional administration center but also as a grand reception hall for foreign envoys traveling through the Saikaido region. Furthermore, due to historical conflicts like the Battle of Baekgang, its importance as a defensive stronghold grew, making it a central part of Japan's defense system alongside structures like the Mizuki defensive walls. These historical roles are preserved today through the site's status as a Special Historic Site.
The site features ruins from different historical periods, showcasing the evolution of architectural styles. You can observe the transition from the 1st period (7th-8th century) characterized by post-hole buildings, to the 2nd period (8th-10th century) featuring stone foundations and tiled roofs, and finally the 3rd period (10th-12th century) which saw the expansion of the Chodo-in style. Additionally, the Dazaifu Exhibition Hall houses precious archaeological materials such as wooden tablets (mokkan), roof tiles with demon faces (onigawara), and decorative bricks, providing a close-up look at the daily lives, culture, and sophisticated diplomatic relations of the era.
The area offers beautiful natural scenery that changes with the seasons. From February to March, you can enjoy the blooming plum blossoms, followed by cherry blossoms in late March. In June, hydrangeas become a highlight, and during early summer nights, you may even observe fireflies. Wandering through these ancient ruins amidst seasonal beauty offers a profound connection to the past.
The site is maintained as a large-scale historical park, allowing visitors to walk through the very locations where ancient politics and diplomacy once unfolded. At the Dazaifu Exhibition Hall, you can deepen your understanding of ancient social structures and technology through the display of excavated wooden tablets and other artifacts. For a more comprehensive historical journey, we recommend combining this visit with other nearby sites such as the Shiroyama Kofun cluster, the Mizuki ruins, or the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
There are many historically significant spots nearby, including Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the Dazaifu Exhibition Hall, Sakamoto Hachiman-gu Shrine, and the Mizuki defensive walls. You can also enjoy the natural landscapes of the Tsukoga Neighboring Park or the Dazaifu Citizen's Forest. Exploring these areas together will give you a much deeper insight into the historical role of Dazaifu.
As the site is very spacious and includes unpaved paths or uneven terrain, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please prepare clothing suitable for the season. While many nearby facilities and transportation services accept cash, credit cards, and IC cards, it is good to have both on hand. Please follow local signs regarding photography, as there may be restrictions on filming certain ruins or exhibits. Please note that some areas may have uneven surfaces and limited accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs.